NEW COMMANDPLUS CAB FOR JCB S FLAGSHIP AGRI WHEELED LOADER

A host of improvements to JCB’s flagship Agri wheeled loader reinforces its position as the leading machine for agricultural and industrial silage clamp and other bulk handling operations.

New features for the JCB 435S Agri include:

• CommandPlus cab with more space, new control features and a quieter working environment
• 172kW (230hp) Tier 4 Final engine with no costly diesel particulates filter (DPF) or additional servicing requirements
• One-piece power operated engine hood and separate fuel/DEF access panel
• Intelligent Clutch Cut Off brake pedal-activated transmission disconnect
• Choice of new seat-mounted joysticks or fingertip-operated controls

This significantly improved model heads a unique range of wheeled loaders purpose built for farming applications, comprising compact, general purpose, bulk loading and high-performance ‘S’ versions with enhanced power and transmissions.

JCB Agriculture General Manager John Smith said: “From the 403 Yardmaster to the 457 Agri bulk handling machine, JCB offers the widest range of wheeled loaders for the widest range of agricultural applications. The improvements to our 435S Agri makes it more cost-efficient,  easier and more comfortable to use.”

New emissions compliance

The 13.6-tonne* 435S – a favourite with contractors for silage clamp work – is powered by a 6.7-litre Cummins QSB engine as before, but now fitted with an efficient selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system and a diesel oxidation catalyst. This solution, together with a ‘clean’ combustion process means there is no need for a costly diesel particulate filter (DPF) or the regeneration process needed to periodically clear such filters.

The 435S retains the exceptional power-to-weight ratio that has earned it ‘King of the Clamp’ status, with 172kW (230hp) delivered through a six-speed powershift transmission. With unique torque lock-up in every gear, the transmission ensures optimum power-efficiency when climbing a silage clamp.

That also makes it proficient at towing – which operators can exploit using the new 15 tonne Rockinger hitch option.

In addition, when digging into a heap of manure or other materials, the new Intelligent Clutch Cut Off feature progressively disconnects the drive clutch according to brake pedal pressure – a good way to ease brake wear and tear while using engine revs to extract optimum power and flow from the 264-litre/min twin piston pump hydraulics package.

Fuel tank capacity has increased to 400 litres and keeps fill-up downtime to a minimum, resulting in more uptime and higher productivity throughout the year.

CommandPlus cab

The new CommandPlus cab making its debut on the JCB 435S Agri is a real treat for operators. Class-leading visibility and improved sound suppression make it a pleasant

place to work and it is also more spacious – partly as a result of positioning the front pillars further apart than before.

Faster window demisting on chilly mornings and generous storage compartments feature alongside a choice of new joysticks or new fingertip electro-hydraulic multi-lever controls – both seat-mounted as standard.

Operators are kept better informed by new instruments – an LCD display providing routine vehicle information, intuitive help menus, reversing camera display and daily service checks such as engine oil and diesel engine fluid (DEF) levels.

A secondary screen acts as a command centre, enabling the operator to optimise the machine for different applications by, for example, adjusting the variable auxiliary hydraulic flow rate, loader arm suspension engagement speed, auto engine shut-off timer and engine fan reversing intervals with manual over-ride.

New 360-degree LED lighting packages, electrically adjusted and heated external mirrors and new climate control air conditioning also feature with the CommandPlus cab. Control switches for these and other features are grouped logically according to function on the right-hand pillar – and because there are so many features conveniently accessible at the press of a finger, a ‘quick reminder’ menu display is included to help occasional or seasonal operators.

Other new features include a ‘set and forget’ adjustable steering column that returns to the operator’s preferred position after being pushed forward to ease cab entry and exit, and an optional media port for connecting entertainment and communications equipment to the built-in sound system.

A selection of new high-spec heated and air cooled suspension seats, a large electric cool box and even deep pile carpet add to the ultimate in loading shovel cab comfort.