MORE POWER AND COMFORT WITH COMMANDPLUS CAB LOADERS

New versions of the JCB 427 Agri and 437 Agri bulk handling wheeled loaders have a host of new features that make the operator’s life easier, more comfortable and more productive. At the same time, a new six-speed transmission option for the 427 Agri and a more powerful engine that meets latest emissions rules brings increased performance that makes both loaders more productive and cost-efficient.

Among new features for the JCB 427 Agri and 437 Agri are:

• CommandPlus cab with more space and a quieter working environment;
• Choice of new seats and seat-mounted joysticks or fingertip-operated controls.
• More power and torque from a Tier 4 Final compliant engine that has no costly diesel particulates filter (DPF) or additional servicing requirements;
• A power operated one-piece engine hood and separate fuel/DEF access panel;
• Brake pedal-activated Intelligent Clutch Cut Off (ICCO) transmission disconnect;

At 13.3 tonne and 16 tonne operating weights, respectively, the JCB 427 Agri and 437 Agri are second only to the 20 tonne 457 Agri in a wheeled loader range designed primarily for hard-surface bulk handling operations in grain, seed, fertiliser and other bulk stores. They complement the high-performance ‘S’ versions designed for silage clamp, muck heap and other outdoor applications.

John Smith, General Manager, JCB Agriculture said: “The proven chassis, lifting arms and hydraulic system of the 427 Agri and 437 Agri are unchanged but in all other respects these are new loaders with enhancements that will appeal to drivers and owners in equal measure.”

CommandPlus cab

The more spacious CommandPlus cab first installed on the flagship 457 Agri bulk loader and 435S Agri provides class-leading visibility, improved ventilation and climate control air conditioning, and is quieter than before – in short, it provides a very pleasant working environment.

Operators can choose from servo joystick or new fingertip electro-hydraulic multi-lever controls – both now seat-mounted as standard – and two equipment levels. As standard, the cab comes with an adjustable steering column, air suspension seat (upgradeable to deluxe), a single instrument display, windscreen roller blind, heated mirrors and a 12v power socket.

The high spec version has a deluxe heated air suspension seat with adjustable headrest – which can be upgraded to a half fabric, half leather ventilated Super Deluxe seat with adjustable damping – twin sun blinds and a USB multimedia connection in addition to a second power socket.

A second display with the high spec package is linked to a rear-view camera and provides additional CommandPlus Control features, such as adjustment of the auxiliary hydraulics flow rate, loader arm suspension engagement speed and timing functions for the optional reversible engine radiator fan.

More power and torque

Peak power outputs from the latest 6.7-litre Cummins QSB engine are up 4% to 133kW (179hp) at just 1700rpm for the 427 Agri and 136kW (183hp) at 2000rpm for the 437 Agri. The livelier performance this brings is complemented by increased torque, which is consistently above the previous engine’s torque curve and 5% higher at its 841Nm (620lbf ft) peak at 1500rpm.

Fuel tank capacity has been increased 7% to 290 litres to extend time between refills and European Stage IV / US Tier 4 Final emissions requirements are met using an efficient selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system and a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC).

Because particulates are dealt with through efficient combustion, there is no need for a costly DPF filter and its attendant ‘burn off’ or regeneration and servicing requirements.

A number of transmission and axle configurations are available to suit different applications, including a new six-speed powershift transmission for the 427 Agri as an alternative to the existing four speed auto option.

Torque converter lock-up ensures optimum power-efficiency when roading between sites and the new Intelligent Clutch Cut Off feature responds to brake pedal pressure by progressively disconnecting the drive clutch. This avoids unnecessary brake wear and tear while engine revs are used to extract optimum power and flow from the 264-litre/min twin piston pump hydraulics package.

As standard, the loaders come with open differential axles front and rear. But an auto locking differential at the front or a limited slip differential at either end can be installed for applications where traction may be an issue.