JCB’s 48Z-1, 55Z-1 and 57C-1 models actually debuted at The Rental Show in February, but at Bauma made their second appearance and were accompanied by a bit more information from the manufacturer.
The 10,000-pound 48Z-1 replaces the 8045Z and the 55Z-1 replaces the 8055ZTS/RTS model. The 57C-1 is a new size category for the company.
Machine features include redesigned pin pickup points that are compatible with a variety of attachment brands, including JCB’s new range of ECO buckets, which have a redesigned profile for easier filling and improved material retention.
The redesigned digging end uses a longer main boom and shorter dipper arm or stick to provide up to 5-percent greater dump height to ease truck loading, says JCB. In addition, the upgraded hydraulic system has up to 9 percent more bucket breakout force and 2-percent higher dipper arm breakout than previous models, according to the company.
Other upgrades over previous models include a cab that has up to 18 percent more room, offering up to 11 percent more visibility. A new display screen and control system features an automotive-style rotary dial. The menu mode button in the cab switches the rotary dial between throttle modes, including a one-touch idle function. The models now have nine power modes, and can be ordered ready for tilt-rotator installation from the factory.
JCB is claiming an industry first for this size class with its optional Safe Lift feature, which incorporates a Lift Overload warning system. The Safe Lift uses a green-amber-red graphic in the machine’s new monitor panel, and an audible warning sounds if the machine approaches overload. The Safe Lift will be a standard feature if a buyer specifies hose burst check valves.
The models also have an electro-hydraulic dozer control lever, which controls two-speed tracking, and an optional four-way adjustable dozer blade. The lever also controls the machine’s standard auto kick-down, two-speed tracking and optional dozer float.
