HARD on the heels of the launch of the most powerful 8310 Fastrac tractor, JCB’s new 550-80 telehandler offers a maximum lift capacity of 5 tonnes to a height of 8.1m.
JCB Construction Equipment Australia National Telehandler Manager Greg Sealey says the new machine is ideally suited to bulk handling agricultural applications.
Engine options include a 97kW (130hp) 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 145L/minute variable flow hydraulics and high flow pipework to optimise cycle times and auxiliary service performance.
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 and can travel at speeds up to 40kph.
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 handy breakout force of 6.5t – a 50 percent increase on the 541-70 telehandler.
A low boom line aids all-round visibility while JCB’s optional Smooth Ride System 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, thereby optimising engine power, plus helps to reduce fuel consumption.
Meanwhile, rival company Manitou has unveiled what it claims is the world’s largest telescopic handler, namely its MHT 10225 newcomer which can hoist 22,500kg to 10m.
Part of its MHT range the company says they all can handle freely suspended loads, either with a single hook system or can be offered with a fully integrated winch system. Other attachments include work platforms that are fully compliant with AS1418.10, plus are rated to 1000kg.
Manitou Australia managing director Stuart Walker said the company’s MHT range is designed to operate on very rough terrain and handle both very heavy and bulky loads.
Source:cmbol.com