JCB is expanding its E-TECH range of zero-emissions machines with the launch of the company’s first ever electric Loadall telescopic handler model.
More than four decades after the company pioneered the concept of telescopic handlers, JCB introduced the 505-20E, a fully electric version of the popular diesel Loadall.
“The brand-new all electric is every bit as powerful and productive as today’s diesel, but when you look under the skin, they’re very different,” said Richard Brooks, engineering director of the company’s Material Handling and Access Product Group.
“We haven’t just electrified the diesel machine, we’ve created a brand new highly-efficient electric Loadall.”
The JCB 505-20E Loadall was unveiled during the manufacturer’s first virtual press conference on Nov. 18, alongside several other zero emission innovations.
“JCB has taken a pioneering lead in the move to electric propulsion in construction, agricultural and industrial machinery,” said JCB’s chief innovation officer Tim Burnhope.
“As world market leader for telescopic handlers, the launch of the JCB 505-20E Loadall takes equipment electrification further into general construction, industrial and agricultural markets, offering a zero-emissions material handling solution with no compromise in performance or productivity. We are very excited about the prospects for this machine.”
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The 505-20E Loadall features two electric motors, one for the driveline and the second to power the hydraulic system. The 23-hp traction motor drives through a permanent four-wheel drive dropbox, to JCB drive/steer axles.
The 30-hp hydraulic system motor powers a fixed displacement gear pump, delivering a maximum 80 litres per minute of flow. Flow is proportional to the joystick position and the lift end is controlled by an electro-hydraulic valve block, with hydraulic regeneration on boom function.
“This electric Loadall features smart regenerative hydraulics, delivering improved efficiency when lowering and retracting the boom helping to preserve battery charge,” Brooks said.
Regenerative braking
The traction drive motor utilizes regenerative braking, instead of a traditional braking system, which tops up the battery charge in the process. The brake regen function automatically turns off when the battery is fully charged.
The electric Loadall is equipped with a 240V, 16A on-board charger capable of recharging the battery in 8 to 10 hours. As well, an optional JCB Universal Charger can be used for a rapid top-up during breaks, in as little as 60 minutes.
“The robust lithium-ion battery system can be charged over 5,000 times. That’s 10 years of use in typical duties,” Brooks said. “The battery is maintenance free and can operate at temperatures as low as -20 Celsius and as high as 60 Celsius.”
Electric Loadall development
Extensive analysis of customer duty cycles, through JCB’s LiveLink telematics system and on-site studies, tests and evaluation, allowed JCB engineers to optimize the machine’s battery life to meet customer requirements. The 96V Lithium-ion battery, is capable of providing full-shift operation.
Engineers designed the 505-20E 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, shipping ports, on environmentally friendly jobsites, around hazardous materials and in urban areas with stringent emissions regulations.
A secondary benefit of electric operation is a significant reduction in noise levels, making the Loadall suitable for extended operation in noise restricted areas such as schools, inner city work and hospitals. The 505-20E delivers an in-cab noise level of 66.7 dB, while the external level is 92.2 dB. A white noise reversing alarm is available as an option, to warn site workers of machine movement.
The full-size ROPS/FOPS cab is ergonomically designed for fatigue-free operation, with easily located controls. The machine will be offered as a cab or canopy.
Maximum lift capacity is unchanged from the diesel model as the 505-20E has the same 2,500 kg capability.
The electric Loadall’s external dimensions also remain the same with a 3.7 metre outside turn radius and overall height of 1.89 metres. The machine has been designed to deliver similar cycle times as the diesel telescopic handler, with no loss of performance.
It can be used with forks, a range of buckets and many other JCB Loadall attachments.
