JCB Torques Up New Wheeled Loaders

JCB’s market-leading Farm Master agricultural wheeled loaders now boast even more performance and productivity, thanks to significant increases in power and torque from their new engines.

Alongside an emissions control upgrade to meet Stage V emissions standards, the 6.7-litre Cummins engine now delivers up to 9.5 percent more power and up to 25.5 percent more torque. CLAAS Harvest Centre Product Manager – JCB, Steve Gorman, says the Farm Master 435S model are purpose-engineered for agricultural use.

“Our ‘S’ series loaders have always been at the top of their game and these upgrades will make sure that large producers and silage contracting operators can keep pace with the increasing output of self-propelled forage harvesters,” he says.

In addition to the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) diesel engine fluid system for controlling nitrogen oxides, the new engines have a diesel particulate filter (DPF), which is linked to JCB LiveLink telematics. The status of the DPF and any regeneration or servicing requirements can be remotely monitored, alongside fuel use, operating hours and many other items of valuable fleet management information.

The engines also have a new electronic management system that provides a choice of two power and torque curves. “The first is for road travel and relatively light handling or loading operations, while the other exploits the full performance capabilities of the machines,” Steve says.

“The default power setting for the 435S provides 230 hp at 2100 rpm and up to 840 Nm of torque for routine work. When full power is needed to push up large quantities of chopped grass or maize, the dynamic mode releases up to 252 hp of peak power and 1186 Nm of torque.”

The new model continues to use a six-speed powershift transmission with extra-low first gear for exceptional pushing performance and torque lock-up in every gear for mechanically-efficient direct drive to the two heavy-duty axles.

JCB has also taken steps to improve fuel efficiency.

“In addition to the potential fuel-savings offered by the lower power/torque setting, the engine management system incorporates a new auto-stop feature that switches off the engine if it is left idling. The operator can adjust the idling time limit using the menu dial for the functions display screen", Steve says.

JCB has incorporated a number of other upgrades with the operator in mind.

“Operators can now choose which rear work lights – on the roof or engine cover or both – come on when reverse is selected."

“Likewise, the front-mounted work lights illuminate when the road lights are switched to high beam for maximum visibility on the road at night.

“Another helpful aid is the forward-facing roof-mounted camera, which supplements the operator’s view ahead when using a large attachment on the loader arms.”

Further refinement for the operator comes with the installation of rubber cushioning pads on the front face of the rear chassis to eliminate the ‘knock’ when steering to full lock.