A new engine delivering increased performance, fuel efficiency and cleaner exhaust emissions without additional servicing or running cost burdens makes its debut at Agritechnica in four new compact wheeled loaders from JCB Agriculture.
The 2.5-litre JCB Diesel by Kohler 2504 TCR engine enters service in the new JCB 407 and 409 compact wheeled loaders, and TM180 and TM220 compact telescopic loaders – all of which also get a number of significant upgrades and new features for added productivity.
The new liquid-cooled engine replaces an air-cooled unit and results from close co-operation between JCB and Kohler engineers to finalise a power unit specification that ideally suits JCB compact equipment and fits JCB’s philosophy on engine emissions control.
JCB’s Director of Engine Programmes Alan Tolley said: “The decision to partner with Kohler to develop engines for JCB compact machines was driven by the synergy in the technologies used by JCB and Kohler to achieve stringent Tier 4 Final emissions legislation. Kohler’s achievement of Tier 4 Final without the need for a bulky DPF is fully in line with our own engine strategy and allows our designers maximum flexibility when it comes to meeting machine design and packaging requirements. These highly efficient engines will offer our customers improved performance and lower fuel consumption.”
Richard Fox-Marrs, Managing Director of JCB Agriculture, said the lack of exhaust after-treatment in the form of AdBlue injection or a diesel particulate filter to achieve Euro Stage 3B and Tier 4 Interim compliance would be a great feature for agricultural customers.
He said: “It gives us greater flexibility with the engine installation, so we still have a low bonnet line to maintain our compact loaders’ excellent rearward visibility. And there are no add-on running or servicing costs as a result of using this engine.”
Low oil consumption and 500-750 hour oil filter intervals (subject to operating conditions) will also help keep running costs of these versatile loaders in check.
As far as performance is concerned, operators of the new loaders are in for a treat: the 407 (which replaces the current 406) and TM180 gain more than 4% peak power output at 48kW (64hp) while the 409/TM220 are unchanged at 56kW (75hp). But it is torque output that really makes a difference, because the new engine serves up 58% more peak torque for the 407/TM180 and 20% more for the 409/TM220 at a lower speed – 1500rpm, down from 1700rpm.
At just 1000rpm, there is still almost 90% of peak torque on hand to help shove a fork into a manure heap, slide a bucket into a bulk feed stockpile, or push a scraper full of slurry into a storage pit.
The torque output also means the operator can do much of his work at lower revs – so there is great potential for working more quietly and with greater fuel economy, especially thanks to the JCB Diesel by Kohler engine’s precise fuel metering and delivery achieved by an advanced high pressure common rail injection system with electronic control.
Engine apart, the latest compact loaders from JCB Agriculture have a host of other improvements, including a re-designed rear chassis that allows towing – up to 3.5 tonnes – for the first time and the new option of a 100% locking front differential.
Also, a high-speed option for the 407 and TM180 raises top speed from 20kph to 35kph for quicker travel between sites. The 409 and TM220 already have a 40kph top speed option.
Handling performance is already competitive so remains unchanged. The 407 is rated with a payload of 1650kg while the 409 is rated at 1957kg; both have a load-over height of 3.1m with a 0.8cu m and 0.9cu m bucket, respectively.
The TM180 telescopic boom version is credited with a lift capacity of 1800kg to 4.5m full-height when measured with pallet forks and it can handle more than a tonne with the telescopic boom level and fully extended – useful real-world performance.
When more handling muscle is needed, the TM220 fits the bill with 2200kg maximum lift to about the same height and 1250kg fully out-stretched to off-load a trailer of fertiliser bags or place silage into a feeder.
Added features for the TM180 and TM220 include boom end-damping and adaptive load control to guard against forwards instability and a choice of three quick hitches add to the comfort, safety and versatility of these machines.
Changes beneath the surface are highlighted by a new joystick control with range-shift button in addition to the handy direction change switch, and a more informative new instrument cluster in the cab.
Externally, fresh styling for the counter-weight and engine cover helps identify the latest hard-working compact loaders from JCB Agriculture.
