Launching the pocket rocket

DESPITE standing just 1.8 metre in its socks and measuring a lean 1.56 m across its waist, the all-new JCB 516-40 Loadall telehandler is capable of lifting 1.6 tonnes to a maximum height of 4 metres.

The smallest model in the Loadall range, this ‘pocket rocket’ boasts a swag of features normally only found on larger machines, including four wheel drive, four wheel steering and a variable transmission. 

JCB Product Manager, Blair McAlwee, says the compact size of the 516-40A is deceiving. “This model has been engineered to deliver high levels of performance, efficiency, manoeuvrability and comfort within confined spaces,” he says. “It can lift 1600 kg through the entire arc of the boom to a maximum of height of 4 m. It has a 1000 kg lift capacity at 2 m forward reach, making it ideal for loading or unloading hay. This model should find immediate appeal with poultry farms or horticultural enterprises where operating areas are often restricted or on ‘everyday’ dairy farms that don’t require the extra lifting capacity or height of the larger Loadall models.”

It can be supplied with a variety of attachments, including forks, shovel, bale spike, power grab, further increasing the machine’s versatility. Attachments can be quickly added or removed using the quick hitch mounting and optional hydraulic pin locking.

The 516-40 features a 2.2 L Tier 3 Kohler diesel engine that produces 47 hp at 800 rpm and an impressive 130 Nm of torque at just 1600 rpm. A transmission dump on the foot brake allows superb multi-functioning and increased power when loading or re-handling.

Like all Loadall telehandlers, the 516-40 features a robust and clever design, including a one-piece, fully-welded chassis, for maximum durability and reliability. “The boom sections incorporate generous 0.5 m overlaps for ultimate strength and durability,” Blair says. “The steering rams are located high on the chassis out of harm’s way, while the hydraulic hoses are routed through the boom for protection. The chassis, boom and cab are dipped in an electrophoretic alloy to prevent long-term corrosion before being powder-coated in a chip-resistant paint".

“JCB implements a stringent testing program that includes prolonged high stress loading of the chassis, boom and other key components, as well as repeated transmission use over thousands of cycles.”

Blair says equal attention has been paid to operator comfort. “Operator comfort is an essential part of productivity. A wide-opening ‘stable’ door provides easy access to the spacious, high visibility cabin, which is almost 0.9 metres wide. During operation, the upper half of the door can be folded back to allow increased airflow into the cab. Alternatively, your can opt for a face fan or air conditioning.

"The single-lever joystick provides quick and easy control of boom functions and direction, including an adjustable flow rate on the auxiliary service. The entire console is ergonomically laid-out and the controls are backlit for easy recognition and visibility, especially at night. The tinted windscreen, windows and large roof screen provide excellent visibility". 

The air suspension seat includes a safety switch which disables the machine if the operator isn’t seated. Other safety features include an adaptive load control system that prevents the machine from overturning and check valves that protect the rams from collapsing in the event of a hose failure, certified roll over and falling objects protection systems and a reversing alarm.

Blair says the 516-40A is exceptionally easy to service and maintain. “JCB Loadall has a well-earned reputation for delivering reliable performance with minimum downtime,” he says. “The engine oil and wear pads have 500-hour service intervals, twice that of our competitors, while all daily checks and grease points can be readily accessibly at ground level. Likewise, the filters and battery are easy to access and service without special tools. The cooling system features an optional hydraulic reversible fan that blows debris away from the wide-core radiator.”

Options include road lights, work lights, rotating beacon light, front screen guard, sun blind, high-visibility mirror, battery isolator, fire extinguisher, grease gun, wheel chock and lifting points.

See the JCB 516-40 for yourself at the CLAAS Harvest Centre site (M52–M58) at New Zealand National Fieldays, which will be held 15 to 18 June at Mystery Creek Events Centre, Hamilton.