Diesel or Electric? Choosing the right JCB 403 loader for you

Both the JCB 403E and its diesel counterpart are engineered for versatility, productivity and reliability – so this decision comes down to the priorities of your job and infrastructure of your site. In this blog, we’ll explore the power, efficiency and performance of each model and look at the different settings each is best suited to, all to help you choose the right option for you.

At JCB, we’re committed to looking after the planet we help to shape – which is why we’re working to introduce more sustainable options to our offering. This includes the innovative JCB E-Tech range: a series of seventeen different all-electric models, including the 403E electric loader. So now you have a choice – do you go for the diesel model, or is electric the right solution for you?

Want to know more about all the JCB wheel loaders available? Click here to see the range.

Electric or Diesel: a decision based on your working environment

Based on the features, statistics and operational aspects of each model, there are different environments that diesel and electric JCB 403 machines are best suited to.

Diesel: high-demand jobs and off-grid locations
If you’re working on a tight schedule with no time for recharging, or in a remote location without access to a charging point, there’s no match for the reliability of a diesel model. With a more established refuelling infrastructure, it’s easier to refill on any kind of site – so you never have to lose a moment of work time to powering up.

Electric: urban and indoor environments
Battery power means no emissions and near silent operation, so an electric compact wheel loader is best suited to settings where pollution and noise are a concern. This includes places where you may be working near animals, built-up urban areas, and indoors. Without fumes, the JCB 403E is safe for use in greenhouses, indoor sheds and builder’s merchants.

Above all this though, the infrastructure of a site is key to the choice you make. For example, an electric model may be ideal for work in your indoor setting – but if there’s no access to a charging point, it’s still not a viable option.

Electric or Diesel? Power, efficiency and performance

Choosing the right model depends on key specs like power output, fuel consumption or battery life and performance in various environments – so let’s take a look at some of these vital statistics in more detail.

Power

With comparable payloads and full-turn load tipping, JCB 403 lifting capacity, power and strength is consistent across both models.

Efficiency

To compare operational efficiency, we need to look at fuel consumption vs. battery life – as well as electric vs. diesel costs for servicing and day-to-day running. With no mechanical engine, the 403E by JCB requires very little maintenance and needs no consumables, saving you money in the long run. But with operation dependent on refuelling or charging facilities, this is the key driver behind a decision based on efficiency.

Real-world performance

Both models deliver on precision, heavy lifting and stability on uneven terrain – so a consideration of performance comes down to how the machine rises to the challenges of its environment. How does a diesel’s torque delivery compare with the instantaneous power of an electric wheel loader?

The benefits of both

Whether you choose an electric loader or a diesel model, you’ll benefit from a host of features designed to enhance usability, safety and operator comfort.

• A first-class cab: optimum visibility, spacious design and ergonomic additions like joystick and AUX controls.
• Safety as standard: a machine designed to protect operators, bystanders and itself – with features such as a quickhitch isolation system and a battery cut-off switch to protect from damage or theft.
• JCB Livelink: our innovative telematics solution that provides reports, documents and service history, so you can take a proactive approach to maintenance.

Choosing the right model for the right job

As we’ve learned, the decision between diesel and electric really comes down to the priority of your job. If non-stop work is essential, it has to be the diesel. But if you’re more focused on quiet, emission-free operation, an electric model is a great choice. That’s why the electric loader is popular with governments and certain subsidies as a way to help achieve their sustainability goals. And above all, it’s essential to consider the refuelling and charging facilities available.  

Whichever model is best for you, you can be sure a JCB wheel loader delivers with the power, strength and reliability you need to get the job done.