JCB has responded to increasing demand for greater lift performance and reach with materials handling machines by releasing its new highest capacity telehandler on the Australian market.
Coming on the heels of the launch of the most powerful JCB 8310 Fastrac tractor, the manufacturer’s new 550-80 telehandler offers a maximum lift capacity of 5 tonnes and height of 8.1 metres.
JCB Construction Equipment Australia National Telehandler Manager Greg Sealey said the new machine was ideally suited to bulk handling agricultural applications.
“The 550-80 achieves the highest payload of any JCB telehandler and it introduces a number of new features in the JCB range and wider telehandler market,’’ Mr Sealey said.
Engine options include a 97-kilowatt (130-horsepower) or new 108kW (145hp) JCB Dieselmax Tier III powerplant, the largest ever fitted to a JCB telehandler.
Linked to a four-speed powershift transmission, the machine also boasts 145 litres per minute variable flow hydraulics and high flow pipework for optimised cycle times and auxiliary service performance.
“It is the perfect materials handling machine for heavy-duty operations, with its high lift capacity and powerful driveline ensuring rapid loading cycles and exceptional productivity,’’ Mr Sealey said.
The bigger JCB 550-80 sits on uprated heavy-duty axles with four-wheel braking, as well as wider wheel centres and larger tyres than its smaller colleagues.
It hasn’t lost any of the renowned JCB speed either, still offering a top mark of up to 40 kilometres per hour.
Mr Sealey said in a first for JCB telehandlers, the 550-80 uses a ‘Z’ bar front linkage between the hydraulic tilt ram and the carriage. This design maximises the force generated by the piston side of the hydraulic ram, which, in conjunction with the ‘Z’ bar linkage, creates a massive breakout force of 6.5t – a 50 per cent increase on the 541-70 telehandler.
“This feature is especially beneficial when re-handling materials because it provides easy bucket fill and therefore greater productivity overall,’’ Mr Sealey said.
A low boom line contributes to excellent all-round visibility, which is essential in a rapid cycle loading situation, while JCB’s proven optional Smooth Ride System (SRS) offers improved load retention and increased comfort in load and carry operations.
The JCB 550-80 is also fitted with a new standard variable speed cooling and reverse fan.
“Changes in ambient air temperature adjusts the fan speed automatically to achieve maximum cooling efficiency,’’ Mr Sealey said.
“Having the ability to adjust fan speed reduces both internal and external noise levels, improving operator comfort. It also optimises engine power, helping to reduce fuel consumption.’’
The reversing fan function helps maintain cooling to maximise both machine productivity and reliability, while it also allows operators to clear dust and debris from the engine bay.
For further information on the new JCB 550-80 telehandler, contact your nearest JCB dealer or phone 1300 JCB CEA.
