JCB enters aerial work platform segment
It recently signalled its intention to become a major player in the $8 billion powered-access market.
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| JCB will formally introduce its new Access equipment at the ARA Rental Show the end of February. |
JCB plans to add 27 models that will include scissor lifts, articulated booms and telescopic booms. Development of the powered access machines has taken place in secret over the past two years, sources report, and the wraps came off the initial nine all-new electric scissor models in early February, 2017, with 18 models to be introduced yet this year. Formal introduction of the scissor lifts will be at the ARA Rental Show the end of February.
JCB is working to grab a slice of a market where 130,000 units a year are sold – generating an annual revenue of $8 billion. “The access market is a truly global market and offers immense opportunities for growth for JCB. It’s a market that is ripe for a new supplier with the ability to offer industry-leading, round-the-clock product support. JCB’s 770 dealers with 2,200 depots can deliver the backup that global customers expect,” says Lord Bamford, JCB chairman.
The new JCB Access products are designed in-house to meet the needs of rental companies and contractors worldwide and will initially be offered in the UK, France, Germany and North America.The JCB Access range has been certified by TUV German worker and public safety initiative, which assures the highest product quality standard. It will also comply with the latest ANSI and CSA standards.
“Customers in this industry now have a highly credible alternative with a range of products built and certified to a higher standard. We are very excited about the opportunities this offers the rental customers that we already know very well,” bamford adds.
JCB’s dealer network has been undergoing full sales and service training to be able to provide world-class back-up for the access platform ranges. JCB’s LiveLink telematic system will be incorporated as standard on all booms, and available as an option on the scissors.
By the end of 2017, JCB’s range of access platforms will include:
• Nine electric and three diesel scissor lifts from 15 to 45 feet
• Five articulating booms – four diesel and one electric - from 49 to 81 feet
• 10 diesel telescopic booms from 67 feet to 136 feet
Scissor lifts
The scissor lifts weigh between approximately 2930 and 7,420 pounds. The two smallest models, the S1530e and S1930e, have platforms measuring 5.38 feet long x 2.4 feet wide, while all larger models use a 8.2 feet-long platform, except the largest S4550E model has a 8.66 feet-long working area. The machines are rated for basket capacity from 500 to 1,212 pounds. The electric units have hydraulic drives and are powered by four 6- or 12-volt batteries. Three diesel models will be introduced later in 2017.
Articulated boom lifts
JCB will introduce four articulated booms in 2017, with platform heights of 49 to 81 feet. All four models will be offered with four wheel drive and two-wheel steer, delivering up to 40 percent gradeability and a maximum stowed driving speed of up to 4.78 mph. These units will be joined by a 45 feet-high platform AJ45E electric powered articulating boom model in 3Q 2017. The electric model has two-wheel drive and two-wheel steering, with up to 30 percent gradeability.
The AJ50D diesel articulating boom is powered by a JCB Diesel by Kohler engine, while the other three articulated models and all telescopic models will use the JCB by Kohler engine already proven in many of JCB’s compact machines. These engines meet Tier 4 Final emission standards, making them suitable for the North American and European markets. Load capacities range from 500 to 550 pounds, enough for two occupants and tools.
Telescoping booms
A range of 10 diesel-powered telescopic booms will also be added throughout 2017. These will offer platform heights from 67 to 135 feet. There will be a high degree of parts commonality between the three model ranges.
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