Demo Day at JCB With Ben Wade.

It’s always exciting to see an email from JCB, and this was no exception! UK Plant Operators Magazine was invited to attend an exclusive hands-on press launch with JCB at their world-renowned quarry. This included a variety of machines from the UK manufacturer, including the new 490-wheel loader shovel, 715 dumper, 420X & 520X, 9T dual-drive dumper, Sitemaster backhoe, and a variety of rollers.

We began the day meeting at JCB’s VIP Visitor Centre, famous for having shiny new products inside the lobby; today was no exception. A millionth edition 4CX proudly welcomed guests into the building whilst we awaited the coach taking us to the quarry.

Arriving at the quarry, we were greeted with an impressive lineup of machines including some classic backhoe loaders and new wheeled excavators. Following a short demonstration from JCB’s demo team, we were let loose to the machines. Straight to the new 420X and 520X we went.

First up, the 520X. The largest machine in JCB’s excavator lineup, weighing in at 52 tonnes. First impressions see a huge quarry spec bucket from JCB mounted to the front. This beast can move some serious cubic meterage! Moving along the arm and towards the cab, we see JCB’s superb X series cab once again. Being one of the most favoured cabs on the market, JCB has taken this one step further by making a series of premium features come as standard on these larger machines. Operators of this machine weight class spend a significant amount of the day in the cab, so comfort is a priority, which JCB seem to have understood.

The 520X is powered by a Cummins X12 delivering 400 horsepower to the machine. During our test, it was noticeable how well the machine was able to power the arm when lifting full buckets of stone.

Following the 520X, we move to the new 420X. One class up from the 370X, the 420X aims to boost digging power whilst still being agile. The 420X felt noticeably faster and responsive, which is to be expected weighing 10 tonnes less than its big brother. This model also has all the premium operator features as standard. Something that is to really be admired from an operator’s point of view.

Daily checks across both machines looked great, something synonymous with the X series design. Cab operated lighting illuminates each compartment and the steps leading up to the engine of the machine. Something you really struggle to be without once you get used to it!

Following the tracked machines, we then moved onto the new Sitemaster backhoe loader. First showed off at Hillhead earlier this year, the machine has caught the attention of many with its staggeringly low-price tag of just £55,000.

With servo controls as standard, electronic displays, air-con, extradig and auxiliary hydraulics… what’s the catch? Well, after driving around the quarry and using it, I struggled to find one.

Starting at the front with the 6in1 shovel, you’ve got a Swiss army knife of a bucket with plenty of power behind it to get full scoops from a pile or lift accurately with the included forks. The cab is comfy and spacious as you’d expect with lots of storage and places for your lunchbox! Moving to the rear, there’s full servo controls which were extremely easy to use and very responsive.

When it comes to roading, the Sitemaster does rely on a manual gearbox. However, there’s no clutch to use and it still achieves 40KPH.

The 3CX Sitemaster has a lot to offer. Having recently purchased a used wheeled excavator myself, the Sitemaster would have been within the budget brand new! I can see this being a big hit with owner operators alike.

Another highlight of the visit had to be JCB’s new wheel loading shovel. The 490 was also launched at Hillhead this year. With an impressive payload of 9 tonnes, this shovel is powered by a 335-horsepower Cummins X12 engine. A common theme with shovels is single pedal control, something that really makes the day easier. This makes the brake pedal mostly redundant, instead relying on the transmission being controlled by the gear selector and accelerator. It allows you to focus on what’s next and ultimately boosts comfort dramatically when coupled with joystick steering.

A full colour touchscreen offers excellent controllability of the machine’s features, giving great vision to the on-board cameras. These are situated around the machine and intelligently switch depending on the bucket’s positioning. Giving you a perfect view when loading up against a trailer or just manoeuvring around a yard.

A final highlight for us was JCB’s new ADT. With a 12-tonne payload, it sits comfortably above the usual site dumper whilst also being far more manoeuvrable than a larger ADT. The cab felt futuristic and incredibly comfortable. The seat in particular surprised me, feeling like something out of a high spec tractor than a dump truck.

The joystick serves as a multifunctional control for both tipping and gears. Allowing automatic or manual shifting for improved ability in poor conditions. ZF axles and differential locks keep the machine mobile whilst also allowing the machine up to a speed of 40KPH. The colour touchscreen in the cab was a nice touch, something only previously seen on some of the more premium ADT’s.

Overall, this has been a fantastic visit to JCB. It’s been great to see where the company is heading in terms of its innovation, but also dedication to making a product that fits the needs of us owners and operators alike.

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