JCB will shortly launch a bigger-capacity telescopic, articulated (pivot-steer) loader.
Building upon the existing 3.2t lift capacity of the TM320 and TM320S, the new TM420 brings 32% more load lifting ability – at 4.1t. It also boosts lift height by 200mm to 5.4m.
According to JCB, the new machine incorporates all of the upgrades on the latest-specification TM320 and TM320S – including an improved cab with instruments that provide “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 145hp JCB EcoMAX engine, which meets Euro Stage IV / US Tier 4 Final emissions rules – using SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) but no DPF (Diesel Particulates Filter).
The new JCB TM420 also features: a regenerative hydraulics circuit, resulting in faster boom lowering for quicker loading cycles; a “tougher” chassis with larger pins and bushes for the centre pivot and loader; heavier-duty JCB axles with permanent 4WD to handle the increased payload; and 26in wheels with larger tyres.
Tim Burnhope, JCB Chief Innovation and Growth Officer, said: “The new 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.
The new TM420 has a larger (hydraulic) lift cylinder fed by the 160L/min piston-type (variable-displacement) pump. Regenerative hydraulics are claimed to speed up repetitive loading cycles – this system is already a feature of JCB’s latest 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, apparently bringing the boom down 33% faster than on the TM320 and TM320S.
JCB also says that its ‘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”.
All pivot pins and bushes on the new TM420’s articulated chassis joint and the boom have been enlarged. As on the latest TM320 and TM320S, new graphite-impregnated bronze pivot bearings are said to extend the usual daily greasing schedule to 500 hours.
This matches the service interval for the engine (beyond the initial 100-hour service), the 4WD prop shaft and the chassis pivot joints, which also uses the new self-lubricating bearings.
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 “direct drive” from gear two onwards. This, claims JCB, gives the TM420 “exceptional ability climbing a silage pit and on the road where its 40kph maximum speed and 15t towing hitch options can be exploited”.
