Archive for the 'Uncategorized' Category

Jun 2011
22

JCB OFFICIALLY MARKS 65th ANNIVERSARY AS ROBUST EARNINGS RESTORED

JCB officially marked its 65th anniversary yesterday by presenting thousands of employees around the world with gifts to mark the occasion. The milestone was celebrated as JCB also reported a strong recovery from the deepest-ever recession in the global construction equipment industry with a return to robust earnings.

Employees received a bottle of Château Léoube rosé wine, two glasses and a DVD highlighting the global footprint of a company, which started life in a lock-up garage in Uttoxeter. The celebration took place today (June 21st) to coincide with the 95th anniversary of the birth of JCB’s Founder, the late Joseph Cyril Bamford.

JCB Employees receive 65th Aniiversary gifts

JCB Chairman Sir Anthony said: “In 65 years we’ve gone from one man in a garage in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, to a major global brand renowned for its pioneering spirit. All of this is down to our people. JCB is on the threshold of even greater success and it’s our employees who will help drive our future.”

Today JCB also reported that in 2010 earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) reached $376 million ($151.2 million – 2009). Sales in 2010 increased by 48 per cent to $3.2 billion ($151.2 billion – 2009) and in 2010 JCB sold 51,600 machines (2009 – 36,000 machines).

Sir Anthony Bamford said: “We started 2010 cautiously optimistic about trading prospects and I’m delighted that our optimism was rewarded with a very strong result for the year. The pace and strength of the recovery varied by market. Growth was strongest in the ‘BRIC’ countries and other developing economies, but some established markets, notably the UK and Germany, also performed satisfactorily.

“2011 has also started well for the JCB Group but we are still mindful of economic concerns which could hold back the recovery. We continue to invest in our manufacturing facilities, notably this year in India and Brazil and, of course, in new products, with 13 new machines launched so far in 2011.”

In 2011 JCB will be investing more than £20 million in modernizing and increasing capacity at its 11 UK plants. The company is also investing in a new 350,000 sq ft factory in Sao Paulo, Brazil, for the manufacture of backhoe loaders and tracked excavators. The plant will become operational in early 2012. The company has also opened an engine manufacturing plant in India which went into production this year.

Tags: 3CX, Backhoe Loader, Construction Equipment, JCB, JCB Inc., JCBNA, John Patterson, Sir Anthony Bamford
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Feb 2011
18

JCB UNVEILS NEW FASTRAC 3230 XTRA

JCB displays the new machine for the first time in North America at the National Farm Machinery Show

LOUISVILLE, KY (February 16, 2010)- This week at the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, KY, JCB is introducing North America to the newly-designed 3230 Fastrac Xtra. First launched to the European market last June, this new model retains the outstanding performance and features of the previous Fastrac 3230 model that it replaces – class-leading full suspension, ultimate braking and safety, high road speeds, equal weight distribution, systems capability and a well-proportioned cab. Now, the 3230 Xtra incorporates a host of new features designed to meet the needs of the modern operator and maximize the machine’s potential, both in the field and on the road.

The new JCB Fastrac 3230 Xtra

The 3230 Xtra includes a wide range of essential new features:

  • P-TRONIC transmission with cruise control provides effortless and automatic gear shifting
  • Xtra-Drive functionality offers stress-free, clutch-less driving
  • New cab layout creates an enhanced operating environment
  • More torque improves in-field and on-road performance
  • Transport power boost provides increased pulling power at speed
  • Variable flow hydraulics generate faster flow rates and lower fuel consumption
  • Headland management option presents effortless control in the field
  • Xenon worklight option generates near-daylight working conditions at night
  • Quick-coupler layout makes air brake connection easier
  • Updated air conditioning system improves air flow and simplifies control
  • New front hood styling offers a more modern look

P-TRONIC Transmission

The new 3230 Xtra comes standard with the 24-speed P-TRONIC power-shift transmission already offered in the Fastrac 7000 Series. With this transmission, operators can simply move the joystick for clutch-less gear and range changes between the six gears in each of the four ranges. Directional changes can be performed just as easily by using the same seat-mounted joystick or the optional left-hand column lever.

The P-TRONIC Transmission also offers the same flexibility and automation as the 7000 Series. In drive mode, the tractor shifts like an automatic car for speedy operation on the road. Similarly, a cruise control option allows the operator to easily set and resume an optimum forward speed.  Autoshift mode is also available, enabling the tractor to automatically shift gears in the field based on the engine load and within parameters pre-set by the operator.

Xtra-Drive

The new JCB Fastrac 3230 Xtra also features Xtra-Drive as standard. This innovative new feature makes it possible to drive the machine by just using the brake pedal. Like a vehicle with an automatic transmission, there is no need to use the clutch, which is perfect for those tricky road junctions or regular headland turns. When the operator is hitching the 3230 Xtra up to implements, the tractor’s clutch pedal overrides Xtra-Drive to retain perfect inching capabilities.

Cab Interior

The cab interior now features the same armrest as the 7000 and 8000 series, placing all the tractor’s functions at the operator’s fingertips. The joystick holds the controls for effortless direction and speed changes, as well as easy activation of the headland turn assist, the drive mode selection and the four pre-programmable function buttons.

To safely and productively operate any tractor, operators must be able to clearly view the surrounding terrain. That’s why the new 3230 Xtra has been designed to provide operators with the maximum level of visibility. The new compact right-hand console retains a low profile, while still keeping the new adjustable color touch screen for tractor setup and current work modes close at hand. With this touch screen, operators can easily alter and adjust all of the tractor’s parameters for optimum performance.

Engine Performance

JCB has increased the 3230 Xtra’s engine torque by up to 22 percent, giving the machine far more pulling power for top performance in heavy field-work applications.

A standard user-selectable power boost feature is controlled by an illuminated button on the armrest, allowing operators to choose between power and economy modes. When active, the power boost feature boosts the 3230 Xtra up to 270hp in the top two gears for greater acceleration at higher road speeds and more power when climbing hills.

Hydraulics

The JCB 3230 Xtra features variable flow hydraulics with color-coded precision spool controls mounted on the armrest for ease of operation. This load-sensing system provides flow rates of up to 37 GPM with 26 GPM per slice for the most demanding implements—an increase of more than 25 percent over the previous 3230 model.  Precise and accurate operation of spools is possible through either a programmed joystick button on the armrest controls or a headland management sequence. The piston pump only pumps oil when required for greater economy.

The load-sensing power beyond option is available for implements with their own valve block. With this option, the implement demands oil from the tractor only when required, again improving economy and efficiency.

A priority flow option is also available to replace the flow divider option on previous machines. This provides constant oil flow through the green spool valve to a service regardless of any other hydraulic functions, ideal for uses such as powering a fan on a seed drill.

Headland Management

Headland management is now available as an option on all Fastrac 3000 Series Xtra models as part of the field performance package, which also includes the ground speed radar. The 3230 Xtra uses the same simple and easy-to-use system as the latest 7000 Series Fastracs, allowing you to pre-program up to five different sequences, each containing up to 15 different functions.  These functions can be linked together to provide an instant reaction or a delayed reaction based on a preset distance or time. This results in a true “one press” solution to headland maneuvers.

Xenon Worklight Option

The xenon worklight package option on the 7000 Series Fastracs has been so popular that JCB is now introducing the same package on its new 3230 Xtra machines. These lights cast a brilliant pool of illumination that’s almost as bright as natural daylight, allowing operators to clearly see their work areas and safely maintain desired forward speeds without compromising their quality of work.

The new JCB Fastrac 3230 Xtra went into full production in September 2010. This machine’s development demonstrates JCB’s continued dedication to helping customers get the job done. To learn more about the new JCB Fastrac 3230 Xtra and the entire Fastrac range, visit www.FastracXtra.com.

Tags: 3CX, Backhoe Loader, Construction Equipment, JCB, JCB Inc., JCBNA, John Patterson, Sir Anthony Bamford, agricultural equipment, agriculture, Construction Equipment, Fastrac, JCB, JCB Inc., JCBNA, Loadall, National Farm Machinery Show, Savannah, Skid Steer
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Jan 2011
18

Quick Tip Tuesday: A fully charged battery is essential as winter temperatures drop.

A fully charged battery is essential as winter temperatures drop. The cranking capacity of a battery deceases as the ambient temperature drops below 32° F , while at the same time, engine starting requirements increase. Good Maintenance on your battery starts with ensuring that it is free of any dirt, debris, and corrosion, along with applying an electrical grade lubricant to the terminals to prevent corrosion build up. The next step is to check that electrolyte levels are at the maximum fill point. The last point is to ensure that your battery is fully charged, because an under charged battery can freeze at 18° F.

Tags: 3CX, Backhoe Loader, Construction Equipment, JCB, JCB Inc., JCBNA, John Patterson, Sir Anthony Bamford, agricultural equipment, agriculture, Construction Equipment, Fastrac, JCB, JCB Inc., JCBNA, Loadall, National Farm Machinery Show, Savannah, Skid Steer, battery, capacity, Charge, debris, decease, dirt, grade, JCB, lubricant, temperature, terminal, Winter
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Jan 2011
6

JCB WINS MAJOR ORDER FROM SWEDISH MILITARY FOR HIGH-SPEED MACHINES

JCB has won a multi-million dollar order for its Savannah built high-speed military backhoe from the Swedish Army.

The Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (“FMV”) is procuring on behalf of the Swedish Armed Forces 10 High Mobility Engineer Excavators (HMEEs), which will be delivered by the end of next year in readiness to go into service in 2012. The units are currently in production at JCB’s Savannah facility.

The JCB HMEE is a high speed military backhoe produced in Savannah, GA

The deal signals another major success for the unique machine which went into production at JCB’s Savannah factory when, in 2005, the company won its largest ever military order  – worth a total of $230 million  – for up to 800 HMEEs from the United States Army.

John Patterson, Chairman and CEO of JCB Inc. says: “The HMEE is already in use for a number of armed forces around the world, including those in the US and the UK, so we’re delighted to have won another substantial order for this unique machine, which is exclusively manufactured here in Savannah. A number of other nations are also expressing strong interest in the HMEE so we are confident we will win more business in the future.”

In 2008, the British Army placed a $10.5 million order for HMEEs, which are now in service in Afghanistan.

Full production of HMEEs began in 2007 at JCB Inc in Savannah, Georgia. The machine combines the capabilities of the world-renowned JCB backhoe loader and the innovative high-speed JCB Fastrac agricultural tractor, which is the only tractor to have full suspension and anti-lock brakes. The objective of the HMEE concept is to have a machine capable of traveling at military convoy speed without the need for transportation by a truck and low-loader trailer. The top speed of the HMEE is 60mph (88kph).

The 17.5-ton machine has a 6.7- liter diesel engine, four-wheel drive, four-wheel steer, lift more than two tons and dig to a depth of almost thirteen feet. It is designed to be air-transportable by Hercules C-130 aircraft. Added to this, a theater proven crew protection package makes the HMEE a new force within military engineering.

Over almost 30 years, JCB has supplied 45 different military organizations across the world with more than 3400 JCB machines.

Tags: 3CX, Backhoe Loader, Construction Equipment, JCB, JCB Inc., JCBNA, John Patterson, Sir Anthony Bamford, agricultural equipment, agriculture, Construction Equipment, Fastrac, JCB, JCB Inc., JCBNA, Loadall, National Farm Machinery Show, Savannah, Skid Steer, battery, capacity, Charge, debris, decease, dirt, grade, JCB, lubricant, temperature, terminal, Winter, 3CX, 4CX, ARMY, Backhoe, Backhoe Loader, Construction Equipment, crew protection, Excavator, JCB, JCBNA, John Patterson, Military, military vehicle, Route Clearance, Savannah
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