JCB Agriculture launched a bigger capacity, more productive telescopic wheeled loader at the Agritechnica machinery and technology show (Hannover, Germany, 12-18 November).
Building upon the success of the 3.2 tonne lift capacity TM320 and TM320S, the new TM420 brings 32% more load lifting ability at 4100kg and 200mm of additional lift height at 5.4 metres to more easily load high-sided diet feeders and storage bins.
The new machine incorporates all the improvements and upgrades evident on the latest-specification TM320 and TM320S, including an improved cab with instruments providing daily start-up checks from the driver’s seat; LED lighting options; and self-lubricating bushes that extend greasing intervals to 500 hours.
The newcomer also uses the same 108kW (145hp) JCB EcoMAX engine that meets Euro Stage IV / US Tier 4 Final emissions rules using SCR but no diesel particulates filter (DPF).
However, to deliver its significantly increased performance and productivity potential, the new JCB TM420 also features:
Tim Burnhope, JCB Chief Innovation and Growth Officer, said: “The new JCB TM420 delivers more performance and increased capabilities to meet customer demand for greater productivity and lower costs.
“It’s as if the TM320S has been to the gym – it’s got more muscle where it counts but remains a compact and highly manoeuvrable machine that suits anyone wanting to exploit the performance and durability of a wheeled loader with the versatility of a telescopic handler.”
Expanded range
The launch of the new JCB TM420 extends JCB’s telescopic wheeled loader range to encompass a broader span of performance capabilities.
The 48kW (64hp) TM180 with lift performance of 1.8 tonnes to 4.5m and the 55kW (74hp) TM220 capable of lifting 2.2 tonnes to 4.6m cater for lighter-duty operations on livestock farms, while the 93kW (125hp) TM320 and 108kW (145hp) TM320S deliver increased performance for applications on larger stock and arable farms.
The TM320S, with its greater engine power, higher output hydraulics and transmission torque lock-up characteristics that give it great climbing ability, appeals to contractors engaged in silage and muck spreading operations.
What all these machines have in common is a central driving position that is familiar to tractor drivers and provides a commanding view around the machine. Also, the engine location in the tail provides a natural counter-balance, resulting in excellent weight distribution with a full fork or bucket and huge levels of traction in soft and slippery ground conditions.
JCB Smart Hydraulics
The new JCB TM420 shares all those positive characteristics while raising the bar in terms of outright performance and overall productivity.
A larger lift cylinder fed by the 160-litre/min piston pump provides 4.1 tonnes of lift capacity from ground level to full height, which is 32% more than from the TM320S, while the first application on a telescopic wheeled loader of JCB’s regenerative hydraulics speeds up repetitive loading cycles – such as when using a 4.1cu m grain bucket from the JCB AGRI range.
This system is proven on JCB’s Loadall telescopic handlers – when the operator moves the servo joystick to the ‘boom lower’ position, a valve allows oil to pass from one side of the lift cylinder piston to the other faster than usual. Gravity does the rest, bringing the boom down 33% faster than on the TM320 and TM320S so it is ready sooner to take another scoop of grain or grab-load of manure or silage.
Together with at least 6000kg of tear-out force generated by the Z-bar linkage and attachment carriage, this combination of increased lift capacity and faster boom lowering add up to a significant increase in productivity.
At the same time, JCB Smoothride boom suspension – with full-time, off and auto engage/disengage settings – and cylinder end damping for boom extension, retraction, lift and bucket dump contribute to a refined operating experience.
High-flow single or twin boom end hydraulics can be added to use powered implements such as bedding machines and silage feeders using a rotary clamp shaver.
Chassis upgrades
To handle the increased payload capacity of the new TM420 telescopic wheeled loader, all pivot pins and bushes on the articulated chassis joint and the boom have been enlarged.
As on the latest TM320 and TM320S, new graphite impregnated bronze pivot bearings extend the usual daily greasing schedule to 500 hours.
This conveniently matches the service interval for the engine (beyond the initial 100 hour service), the four-wheel drive prop shaft and the chassis pivot joints, which also uses the new self-lubricating bearings.
The TM420 retains nearly the same wheelbase and overall size as the other models, so it is just as manoeuvrable.
It also has the same excellent visibility to the rear over the short engine cover and around the machine generally. Nonetheless, a rear view camera can be installed as an additional aid.
Comfortable cab
Daily checks for engine oil, coolant and washer fluid levels are quick and easy because they are part of the start-up procedure for the TM420, displayed on a full colour instrument panel that provides information and warnings in a clear at-a-glance format.
Large windows ensure good all-round visibility from the cab, where the large air conditioning filters – doubled in size as part of the TM320/TM320S upgrade – ensure long periods between servicing. A dedicated storage box installed in the right-hand footwell provides a secure location for tools, couplings and other equipment.
A generous complement of work lamps make it easy for the operator to use the machine in dark yards and buildings but for the ultimate in all-round illumination, the standard installation can be upgraded to 360-degree LED lamps and driving lights.
Powertrain
The new JCB TM420 features proven powertrain components, including the 4.8-litre version of JCB’s EcoMAX four-cylinder engine, equipped with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) to meet latest engine emissions rules. ‘Clean burn’ combustion means there is no need for the added complexity of a diesel particulates filter (DPF).
Maximum power output is 108kW (145hp) with 560Nm of torque and buyers can opt for a hydraulically-driven cooling fan with manual reversing or auto reversing every 15 or 30 minutes to purge dust and debris from the cooling pack.
Power and torque are transmitted through a six-speed JCB powershift transmission, which can be operated manually or in automatic mode.
Automatic torque converter lock-up provides power-efficient direct drive from gear two onwards, giving the TM420 exceptional ability climbing a silage clamp and on the road where its 40kph maximum speed and 15 tonne towing hitch options can be exploited.
JCB Max-Trac axles with limited slip differentials ensure first-class traction in slippery conditions, which is further enhanced with the new 26in wheel and tyre option. As with the TM320 and TM320S, the TM420 can run on traditional ‘tractor’ pattern traction tyres or the block tread Michelin Bibload, which is the ideal choice for machines that will spend a lot of time on hard surfaces.
JCB Telematics
All key systems on the new JCB TM420 are watched over by JCB LiveLink, which gathers data from sensors and generates pre-emptive servicing and potential fault alerts monitored round the clock at JCB’s Uptime Centre to optimise machine performance and availability for work.
JCB LiveLink can also be used for security by setting up alerts if the machine is used outside user-defined curfew periods and geo fences.
