Loadall goes all-electric as zero-emissions take center stage

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JCB is launching its first-ever electric Loadall model as the expansion of its E-TECH range of zero-emissions machines gathers pace.

More than 43 years after the company pioneered the concept of telescopic handlers, the wraps have now come off the 525-60E, a full-electric version of the popular Loadall. Designed to deliver the same performance as the conventional diesel-powered machine, the 525-60E offers a zero-emissions load handling solution to construction, industrial and agricultural customers.

JCB Chief Innovation Officer Tim Burnhope: “JCB has taken a pioneering lead in the move to electric propulsion in construction, agricultural and industrial machinery, having successfully introduced the 19C-1E mini-excavator and the 30-19E Teletruk to the market. As world market leader for telescopic handlers, the launch of the JCB 525-60E Loadall takes equipment electrification further into general construction, industrial and agricultural markets, offering a zero-emissions load handling solution with no compromise in performance or productivity. We are very excited about the prospects for this machine.”

Key features of the new Loadall include:
– Dual electric motors for drive and lift deliver increased efficiency
– Brake regeneration boosts battery charge
– Regenerative hydraulics increase efficiency
– Full shift operation capability
– Range of charging options, including on-board and rapid charging

The 525-60E uses two proven electric motors, one for the driveline and the second to power the hydraulic system. The 17kW traction motor drives through a permanent four-wheel drive dropbox, to proven JCB drive/steer axles. The 22kW hydraulic system motor powers a fixed displacement gear pump, delivering a maximum of 80 liters/min of flow. Flow is proportional to joystick position and the lift end is controlled by an electro-hydraulic valve block, with hydraulic regeneration on boom lower and retract.

The electric motors are 85% efficient, which compares well with the 45% efficiency of a diesel engine. Extensive analysis of customer duty cycles, through JCB’s LiveLink telematics system and on-site studies, tests, and evaluation, has allowed JCB engineers to optimize the machine’s battery to meet customer requirements. The 96V lithium-ion battery is capable of providing full-shift operation.

The traction drive motor utilizes regenerative braking, instead of a traditional braking system, topping up the battery in the process. The hydraulic system also regenerates flow whilst lowering the boom, reducing the power requirement and extending operating hours. The brake regen function automatically turns off when the battery is fully charged.

The machine has the same on-board charger as other JCB E-TECH products, capable of recharging the battery in 8 hours using a standard 240V, 16A electrical supply. An optional JCB Universal Charger can be used for a rapid top-up during breaks, in as little as 35 minutes.

The 525-60E has been designed to meet the current and future needs of customers in a variety of industry sectors, providing zero-emissions operation for working inside buildings, in underground construction and maintenance work and in urban areas with stringent emissions regulations, such as London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

A secondary benefit of electric operation is a significant reduction in noise levels, making the Loadall suitable for extended operation in sensitive urban job sites. The 525-60E delivers an in-cab noise level of just 66.7dB, while the external level is 92.2dB. A white noise reversing alarm is available as an option, to warn site workers of machine movement.

JCB has not compromised on operator comfort. The full-size ROPS/FOPS cab is well laid out and designed for fatigue-free operation, with easily located controls. The fully glazed cab has a 2.2kW heater, heated front, rear, and side screens for rapid defrosting and demisting, and a heated suspension seat, ensuring the operator is comfortable regardless of the outside temperature. The 525-60E also uses JCB’s well-proven and patented Load Control System, ensuring optimum safe load handling.

External dimensions are unchanged from the diesel model and the 525-60E offers the same 3.7m outside turn radius. The maximum lift capacity is 2,500kg, with a 2,000kg maximum load at the full six-meter lift height. The machine has been designed to deliver similar cycle times as the diesel telescopic, with no loss of performance. It can be used with forks, a range of buckets, and many other JCB Loadall attachments.