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The JCB electric telescopic loader provides the same performance as the diesel equivalent.
Enthusiasm for battery operated machinery has prompted JCB to launch a new range of machines across both the agricultural and construction sectors. Of particular relevance to farming is the introduction of the JCB Loadall 525-60E telescopic loader
T he company has designed the machine to provide the same performance as the diesel equivalent. It offers a 2,500kg lift when the boom is retracted and 2,000kg when fully extended to its maximum height of 6 metres. The turning circle remains at 3.7m and external dimensions are the same as the standard model.
Drive to the wheels and hydraulic system is provided by two separate motors . The 17kW traction motor drives through a permanent four-wheel drive dropbox, to JCB's own drive/steer axles. The 22kW hydraulic system motor powers a fixed displacement gear pump, delivering a maximum 80 litres/min of flow.
Power comes from a 96V lithium ion battery which, JCB claims, can provide "full shift operation capability" although no actual figure is given for run time from full charge.
Charging can be done via the onboard charger or through the external 'JCB Universal Charger' which is suitable for all JCB's electrically powered machines.
By providing these two options the company has addressed the issue of the 'refuelling' time needed by batteries.
The onboard charger will top up the battery in 8 hours from a 230v 16 amp supply while the separate Universal Charger can do so in as little as 35 minutes it is claimed.
To further enhance operating time between charges, braking is provided by a regeneration system while the lowering of the boom will also feed power back into the battery. Once the battery is charged the regenerative braking automatically switches off.
There are three main advantages to the battery powered Loadall according to JCB. The first is zero emissions at point of use which will be of interest to horticultural and equine operations in particular. Glass houses and stables will obviously benefit.
The second is that noise levels are greatly reduced with an in - cab level of 66.7dB being claimed by JCB (a reversing alarm is available as an option). The third is that it can draw on low-cost renewable energy on farms and other rural enterprises that generate their own ‘green’ power.
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