First seven models in the post-Sumitomo era; styling changed, mostly same powertrain, though sourced directly by JCB.

As part of an ambitious expansion plan for the North American construction equipment markets, England's J.C. Bamford Excavators (JCB) has introduced a new line of tracked excavators. JCB introduced seven models in the new JS series that range from 7 to 45 metric tons operating weight. Details on the seven new machines can be found in an accompanying table.

The new units draw strongly on JCB's seven-year excavator joint venture with Sumitomo. While that venture ended last summer, the new JCB machines certainly reflect its history with the Japanese manufacturer. The major driveline components, specifically engines and hydraulics, now sourced directly by JCB in the U.K., are mostly from the same suppliers as units built during the joint venture. In some cases the suppliers are providing different components, but by and large, the vendor list is the same.

"It would be wrong to characterize these as Sumitomo units now built by JCB," said Nic Grout, excavator sales manager at JCB Inc., White Marsh, Md. "We had a seven-year venture with Sumitomo and we were changing and updating these machine during that entire venture.

"When you really look closely at it, it is certainly possible to develop a worldwide excavator platform. There are obviously options and features that vary from market to market, but the basic machine, outside of some individual market considerations, are similar."

The JS series is divided into essentially three groups. The JS70, at 7 metric tons the smallest model, (and for the moment still built by Sumitomo), is a more compact excavator designed for restricted access applications. The four middle models - the JS130, 160, 200 and 260 - all combine high tearout forces with relatively nominal weight.

JCB said the top of the line JS330 and JS450 are deep-dig and quarrying excavators, designed to reduce cycle times with the aid of boom priority switches, allowing the boom to be raised quickly out of an excavation when loading a truck.

The two smallest models have standard undercarriages, while the five larger models all have long undercarriages. All models use Burco track shoes and rollers and Transmittal track gearboxes.

The most visible change from the joint venture excavators to the new models is undoubtedly styling. The JS series have more "rounded" styling, increasingly common in off-highway equipment, and the excavators also make liberal use of safety glass windows. The six largest models also feature a deluxe suspension seat, new shorter control levers, cushion control and Auto Plus one-touch idle controls.

JCB's JS Series Excavators  Model      Weight(*)        Engine              Rating  JS70    7 metric tons    Isuzu A-4JB1      55 hp at 2100 rpm JS130   13 metric tons   Isuzu 4BG1T-S1    85 hp at 2200 rpm JS160   16 metric tons   Isuzu A4BG1T-S2   85 hp at 2300 rpm JS200   20 metric tons   Isuzu A4BG1T-S2   85 hp at 2300 rpm JS260   26 metric tons   Isuzu A6BG1TQB    154 hp at 2150 rpm JS330   33 metric tons   Isuzu 6SD1T       219 hp at 2000 rpm JS450   45 metric tons   Isuzu 6RB1TQB     280 hp at 2000 rpm  * metric tons 

More detailed specifications of JCB's new tracked excavators. 

The major powertrain components are all standard. Isuzu diesel engines are used throughout. The JS70 excavator is powered by the four-cylinder, water-cooled model A-4JB1 PAA-04 diesel rated 55 hp at 2100 rpm.

The JS 130, 160 and 200 excavators use versions of Isuzu's A4BG1T diesel, a four-cylinder, in-line, direct injection, turbocharged configuration. For all three JCB models, the engine is rated 85 hp, but at 2200 rpm for the JS 130 and 2300 rpm for the two larger models.

The JS260 excavator is powered by the A-6B1TQB-05 six-cylinder turbocharged diesel rated 154 hp at 2150 rpm, while the JS330 uses the turbocharged 6SD1T six-cylinder model rated 219 hp at 2000 rpm. Finally, the JS450 is powered by the turbocharged six-cylinder model 6RBITQB rated 280 hp at 2000 rpm.

Variable flow twin piston pumps are used throughout with flow-on-demand servo controls and load sensing to automatically match the pumps for either digging or speed use. On the JS130 and larger models, the hydraulic system can be set by the operator for one of four work modes: standard; heavy (100 percent available engine power); light (mostly for grading); and fine, typically used in precise lifting operations. JCB said a one-touch boost control allows the operator to overcome resistance caused by hard ground conditions.

On the JS70, the pumps are from Uchida, with Kayaba supplying the pumps for the models 130 and 160. Kawasaki is the pump supplier for the JS200 and JS260, while the JS330 and JS450 use Uchida pumps. The axial piston swing motors are from Toshiba and the variable swash axial piston travel motors are supplied by Kayaba.

All of the models use Sumitomo's Nephron filtration system that is designed to clean hydraulic oil down to 1.5 microns and can extend filter life to 1000 hour changes and hydraulic oil to 5000 hour change intervals, JCB said.

Also in use in models larger than the JS70 is Sumitomo's CAPS II, computer-aided power control system that is designed to constantly monitor the control system to maximize productivity, fuel economy and control and can provide data printouts for service personnel.

The launch of the JS series is the latest in a series of aggressive moves JCB has made in North America. Acknowledging that it represents the largest single market for its equipment in the world, the company previously announced plans for its first North American manufacturing plant, a 500,000 sq.ft., $62 million facility in Savannah, Ga., due to open early in 2000.

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COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group.

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