ELECTRIC AND HYBRID DRIVE FOR JCB E-TECH ARTICULATED BOOMS

03 May 2023

 

JCB is introducing two articulated boom aerial work platforms, with a choice of full battery electric and diesel/electric hybrid drivelines. The A45E and A45EH deliver increased efficiency, enhanced operator access and higher levels of monitoring, to increase productivity for customers.

 

Key features include:

    • Maximum platform height of 13.84m with 7.47m forward reach
    • Battery electric or diesel/electric hybrid drivelines
    • 300kg lift capacity 
    • Secondary guarding, puncture-proof tyres, slew lock and emergency override
    • JCB LiveLink real-time remote monitoring

High capacity
JCB is building on its successful aerial work platform line-up, with the addition of two articulated boom machines. The A45E is a full electric version of the previous AJ48D, offering zero emission working with all of that machine’s performance, working height and forward reach. The A45EH is a diesel/electric hybrid version of the same machine, ideal for working in more remote locations where an external power supply is not readily available.

The A45E is powered by eight 6V batteries, creating a 48V, 400AH operating system. The battery packs are located on either side of the lower chassis, maintaining a low centre of gravity for added stability and improved traction. The batteries power AC drive motors via motor controllers and the machine’s hydraulic pump through a hydraulic motor controller.

The A45EH uses a 14.8kW three-cylinder diesel engine and a 7.5kWa generator to power the machine’s eight 6V batteries. The engine is mounted on a swing-out tray, making it easier to service and maintain when required. A 40-litre fuel tank provides more than enough fuel for a full week of operation, making the machine an ideal low emission platform for more remote locations. The battery can also be plugged into a mains supply if available.

Both of the platforms have four-wheel drive and two-wheel steering as standard. The wheels are driven by four AC motors and these motors recover energy through regenerative braking, to prolong battery performance. As drive is provided to each individual wheel, the machine is capable of climbing up to 40% gradients. An oscillating axle ensures that maximum traction is maintained on rough ground when the boom is stowed. However, the axle is locked, to ensure machine stability, when the machine enters boom raise mode. Foam-filled, non-marking tyres are standard.

Maximum lift
The platform has three entry points for ease of access. There are four harness clipping locations, allowing the operator full access around the basket. The platform length is 0.84m and the width is 1.84m. A secondary guarding system is provided, automatically halting boom functions when triggered, to protect the operator and prevent crushing.

The booms are equipped with a Slew Acknowledgment feature, that ensures that the operator must register if the boom is slewed over the side of the chassis before driving when elevated. A Tilt Sensor prevents machine elevation when the chassis is on unlevel ground, tilting the machine to more than 5.

Maximum platform height is 13.84m on either model, with a horizontal reach of up to 7.47m, providing an up and over clearance of 7.48m. The lift capacity for both booms is 300kg.

JCB’s LiveLink telematics monitoring system provides real-time operating data on performance, service schedules and fault codes. Managers can remotely record engine operation, low fuel warnings, tilt sensor warnings and overload warnings. LiveLink also provide battery voltage, fuel level and platform load percentage data.

The A45E and A45EH deliver a higher lift capacity, with zero emission or low-emission hybrid power. The machines offer higher levels of efficiency, with higher levels of monitoring, delivering and enhanced operator experience and increased productivity.

New friendly display
These machines are equipped with a 5” colour display on the platform, providing operators with essential data. This intuitive interface enhances safety and protectivity on the job site.

In addition, the machines feature a unique control system that eliminates the need to switch between platform controls and ground controls. Operators can seamlessly operate the machine from either location, eliminating the hassle of switching control modes.

JCB’S HYDROGEN TECHNOLOGY SET FOR INTERNATIONAL DEBUT

19 January 2023

 

JCB is set to showcase its super-efficient hydrogen combustion technology on the international stage for the first time ever with a debut in North America.

The wraps will come off JCB’s brand new hydrogen combustion engine – the company’s zero-carbon emissions solution for construction and agricultural equipment – at the Conexpo 2023 show in Las Vegas as part of the International Fluid Power Exposition (IFPE).

 

The JCB engineering team has done a fantastic job to develop a brand-new hydrogen engine. They have gone back to first principles to completely re-design the combustion process to work for hydrogen. In doing so they have achieved two major things: secured JCB’s place in history as the first construction equipment company to develop a fully working combustion engine fuelled by hydrogen and steered us towards the production of a landmark 50 hydrogen combustion engines.

 

Lord BamfordJCB Chairman is leading the project to develop JCB’s hydrogen technology.

 

Leading the way in environmental, social and governance (ESG) for the construction equipment sector, JCB has been responsible for a series of industry innovations on its ‘Road to Zero’. 

JCB developed the world’s first battery-electric mini excavator and has been at the forefront of electric technology development to meet customers’ demands for zero-carbon products with its E-TECH range. Today JCB has the largest electric line-up available in the construction industry and the company’s expertise in this sector will also be on show at the exhibition.
JCB’s commitment to reducing emissions goes back almost 25 years and its latest diesel engines have already delivered a 97% reduction in NOx emissions since 1999 and a 98% reduction in particulates. Today JCB’s diesel-powered machines also emit 50% less CO2 compared with those manufactured in 2010. JCB’s clean diesel engine technology will also be showcased on the stand in Las Vegas.

HYDROGEN WORLD FIRSTS: FUELLING THE FUTURE THROUGH INNOVATION.

11 January 2023

 

JCB’S £100 million investment in a project to produce super-efficient hydrogen engines is going full steam ahead – with the reaching of a major production milestone.

 

A team of 100 engineers has been working on the exciting development for more than a year and the 50th JCB hydrogen combustion engine has now come off the production line as part of the development process.

 

“The JCB engineering team has done a fantastic job to develop a brand-new hydrogen engine. They have gone back to first principles to completely re-design the combustion process to work for hydrogen. In doing so they have achieved two major things: secured JCB’s place in history as the first construction equipment company to develop a fully working combustion engine fuelled by hydrogen and steered us towards the production of a landmark 50 hydrogen combustion engines.”

 

Lord BamfordJCB Chairman