Twelve Compact Earthmovers from the Global Equipment Giant
For decades, JCB has been producing both full-size and compact excavators. All of JCB’s weight classes of compact excavators are popular in construction applications, but as their weights increase, the machines become more popular for excavation, sewer and pipeline work. Machines in the 2- to 4-ton weight class are most popular in landscaping applications, and rental companies purchase about 25 percent of the machines weighing less than 3 tons.
JCB currently offers 12 different compact excavators ranging from the smallest model, the 8008, to the largest, the 100C-1. The range spans from 1 to 10 tons. According to JCB, the advantages of its compact excavators include: visibility due to large front, side and top glass areas and a narrow boom and dipper for maximum forward visibility and enhanced productivity.
The machine’s hydraulic system design includes double-acting pipe work standard on all package builds on machines larger than the 8008. The excavators feature heavy-duty, fully-welded X-frames for solid, rigid structures. This design also minimizes dirt buildup to maximize component life. Track components are sealed for life. The machines offer auto-kick-down tracking, which automatically changes driveline gear to suit the working conditions.
JCB recently added two additional compact excavator models to its lineup, the 100C-1 conventional tail swing excavator and the 90Z-1 zero tail swing excavator. These new machines join the three that JCB introduced in 2014 — the 67C-1, 86C-1 and the 85Z-1. All are designed to grab a bigger share of a market expected to grow by at least 16 percent over the next four years. These JCB compact excavators share a completely new look, with a revised H-design undercarriage, steel body panels, a spacious operator environment and Tier 4 Final engines. These models also have a cab structure that can be tilted by 30 degrees to allow access to hoses and hydraulic components for repair and maintenance. JCB has also improved the grouping of components to reduce maintenance times.
Advice to Buyers
“When choosing the right compact excavator, buyers should pay close attention to hydraulic horsepower, dig depth and the machine’s transportability given their trailer and tow vehicle,” says Jake Jeffords, JCB North America’s product sales manager for excavators. “With Tier 4 Final now in place, buyers should also ask about an excavator’s engine maintenance requirements, including whether the machine requires a diesel particulate filter or DPF.”
