JCB extends range of compact wheeled loading shovels 
(25/02/2008)
JCB has extended its range of compact wheeled loading shovels with the launch of the JCB 403 and JCB 409. The new models give the operator increased choice when working in applications such as local authority and civil engineering contracts, commercial developments, agriculture and landscaping. Both models are ideal for use in hire and rental fleets.
The compact loading shovel (CLS) is popular in Europe and North America due to its versatility, manoeuvrability and simplicity. Agriculture and landscaping are key target markets for the 403 with applications including pig and poultry farming where low building heights limit machine suitability. The 409 will typically be seen working in road developments, house construction and building yards where machines with powerful lifting capabilities and compact dimensions are required.
The 403 offers ease of operation, reliability, durability and compact dimensions with low maintenance. Powered by a 27kW engine, it features a bucket capacity of 0.3 cubic metres with an impressive transport speed of 15kph. With the articulated design of the machine, the operator’s seat is positioned on the rear chassis, giving excellent forward visibility to the loader and attachment. Standard and high-lift loader arm sets are available, giving dump heights of 2180mm and 2428 mm. This enables loading into standard or high sided hoppers or trucks.
The machine features an innovative hydrostatic transmission system, where a single variable displacement hydraulic pump drives four individual wheel motors. This design increases ground clearance and eliminates the use of conventional axles with an exposed propshaft driveline, which can often lead to materials, such as bale string, becoming tangled around the propshaft. The motors are connected so that tractive effort is still generated even if three wheels are slipping.
Routine maintenance and servicing is made simple with excellent access to engine, transmission and hydraulic circuit components through a fully opening rear bodywork and seat base configuration. The machine is now in production having been previewed at Bauma last year.
Making its first appearance is the JCB 409, a larger CLS equally well placed in a housing development or road building project as in a landscaping or agricultural setting. It combines high performance and ease of operation allied with compact dimensions to give a truly universal machine. The 409 shares many of the features of the successful 406 compact loading shovel with increased performance seen in lifting height and capacity.
The new design, with a parallel lift loader end with narrow robust arms, has massively improved visibility to the attachment. This enables easier, faster and safer load placement for the operator when handling palletised loads. Cycle times are reduced further with separate steering and hydraulic pumps. The loader arm hydraulics remain independent for faster cycle times and increased productivity.
With a standard bucket capacity of one cubic metre, the 409 offers a straight tipping load of 4,967kg and a full turn tipping load of 3,813kg. With optional pallet forks fitted, the machine can easily handle a 2,500kg load.
Power is provided by an efficient Tier III compliant 73hp/56kW turbocharged diesel engine with intergrated cooling. This drives through a hydrostatic transmission with variable displacement hydrostatic pump. The system provides stepless adjustment of speed and excellent traction on both axles. The hydrostatic drive enables in-built braking and the ability to “inch” forward using the foot brake.
Keeping the machine moving and productive is not an issue thanks to the oscillating centre joint and optional limited slip axles. The oscillating and articulating centre pivot keeps all wheels on the ground maintaining traction and productivity. Limited Slip axles enhance this further giving increased traction and performance.
Operator comfort and ease of use has again been at the forefront of the design of the machine. Its cab offers 360-degree visibility including an excellent view of the loader end, while there is simple access and egress and intuitive controls. The hydraulic quick hitch locking system enables simple changeover of JCB attachments, while it is also market compatible.
Safety has been kept in mind with the carrying out of routine maintenance and servicing. The engine bay can be easily accessed from ground level with a wide-opening bonnet and grouped service points. Maintenance intervals have also been extended to 1000 hours (500 hour on engine), reducing downtime and, in turn, cost. In-board oil immersed disc brakes are virtually maintenance free giving further saving on costs.
Specification JCB 403 - JCB 409
Machine height: 2,499mm over ROPS - 2,655mm over ROPS
Machine width: 1,015mm - 1,950mm
Operating weight: 1,990kg - 5,800kg
Payload / Standard bucket volume: 1290kg / 0.3m³ - 1907kg / 1.0m³
Lift height: 2,670 load over height - 3,200mm load over height
Engine: 36hp (27kW) - 75hp (56kW)
Transmission drive: Hydrostatic
Hydraulics: Single gear pump 45-litre/min - Single gear pump 78-litre/min
Travel speed: 15kph - 20kph
Related categories: Construction Equipment Rental Earthmoving and Hauling Forestry and Agriculture General Construction Landscaping
