JCB has made updates to its JS series of excavators to make the machines compliant with the latest engine emission regulations.

Seven models which are now powered by JCB’s own Dieselmax engines results in fuel efficiency improvements of up to 24%, the company claims.

JCB’s JS excavator series comprises 19 tracked models and four wheeled ones, from 11t to 46t. All get a new cab and styling.

JCB is now installing its Dieselmax 444 engine into the following tracked models:
•JS115 (11t)
•JS130 (13t)
•JS145 (15t)
•JS160 (16t)
•JS180 (18t).

In addition, the JS145W (15t) and the JS160W (17t) wheeled excavators will also be powered by the 4.4 litre engine. The Dieselmax engine replaces the Isuzu unit. JCB says that with a larger engine displacement, the 97kW/130hp Dieselmax delivers up to 23% more torque in the JS 160, JS180, JS145W and JS160W machines – or 532Nm of torque.

In the remainder of the tracked machines, power is rated at 74kW/100hp, achieving an increase in torque of up to 13%. The engine in the JS115, JS130 and JS145 tracked excavators delivers 434Nm of torque.

The benefit the Dieselmax engine brings to customers is the ability to move earth or rubble more easily, JCB claims. The engine response time is faster and in the case of the JS160 and JS180 models, the engine operates at lower rpm – up to 10% lower - increasing the overall efficiency of the machine and lowering noise levels.

The cooling package is now larger and quieter, mainly because of a 9% bigger cooling fan which rotates more slowly.

While the pedigree of the 4.4 litre JCB Dieselmax engine is well proven after several years powering backhoe loaders and Loadall telescopic handlers, the engine has been in all JS160s and JS180s since the middle of last year, with good customer feedback, JCB says.

JCB’s biggest market is for 20-24t machines in developing countries. The 20-24t weight range accounts for just over a third of all machines sold, with 80% going to countries that are not subject to the more stringent US or European engine emissions legislation. JCB is therefore now using its 4.8 litre Stage 2/Tier 2 Dieselmax engine on all 20–22t JS excavators destined for these markets.

For regions requiring Stage 3A/Tier 3 equipment, JCB will continue to supply the JS200, JS210, JS220, as well as the 23t JS235HD model, with the existing 5.2 litre Isuzu engine with a power rating of 128Kw or 172hp.

With optimised pump settings and a revised spool configuration, and the introduction of a revised electronic control system, fuel efficiency has been improved by 11% on each of these Tier 3 models with no engine modification. This means a British customer working a JS200 for 1,500 hours per year will save £2,750 compared with the previous model.

Fuel efficiency on the new Tier 4 interim JS240 (24t), JS260 (26t), JS330 (33t) and JS360 (36t) improves by 8%. These are the first JS models to move up to Stage 3B/Tier 4 Interim compliance.

Improvements in fuel efficiency have been achieved by using the same advanced hydraulic technology and revised electronic control system in the heavier models as their smaller stablemates.

Tier 4i compliance has been achieved by using Isuzu engines and by incorporating a variable geometry turbocharger, exhaust gas recirculation and a diesel particulate filter.

For a British customer operating a Tier 4 Interim-compliant JS240 for 1,500 hours per year, it will save them £2,000 compared with the previous model. In the case of a JS360, the saving over 1,500 hours rises to £3,300.