JCB 525 goes all electric

The JCB 525-60E is the first fully electric version of the popular JCB Loadall. Designed to deliver the same performance as the conventional dieselpowered machine, the 525-60E offers a zero-emissions load handling solution to construction, industrial and agricultural customers.

The 525-60E has been designed to meet the current and future needs of customers in a variety of sectors, providing zero-emissions operation for working inside buildings, in underground construction and maintenance work and in urban areas with stringent emissions regulations, such as London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

The machine has the same onboard charger as other JCB E-TECH products, capable of recharging the battery in eight hours using a standard 240V, 16A electrical supply. An optional JCB Universal Charger can be used for a rapid top-up in as little as 35 minutes.

A secondary benefit of electric operation is a significant reduction in noise levels, making the Loadall suitable for extended operation in sensitive urban job sites. The 525-60E delivers an in-cab noise level of just 66.7 dB, while the external level is 92.2 dB. A white noise reversing alarm is available as an option.

The full-size ROPS/FOPS cab is well laid out and designed for fatigue-free operation, with easily located controls. The fully glazed cab has a 2.2 kW heater, heated front, rear and side screens for rapid defrosting and demisting and a heated suspension seat, ensuring the operator is comfortable regardless of outside temperature. The 525-60E also uses JCB’s well proven and patented Load

Control System, ensuring optimum safe load handling.

External dimensions are unchanged from the diesel model and the 525-60E offers the same 3.7-m outside turn radius. Maximum lift capacity is 2,500 kg, with a 2,000-kg maximum load at the full sixmetre lift height. The machine has been designed to deliver similar cycle times as the diesel telescopic, with no loss of performance. It can be used with forks, a range of buckets and many other JCB Loadall attachments.

The 525-60E uses two proven electric motors, one for the driveline and the second to power the hydraulic system. The 17 kW traction motor drives through a permanent four-wheel drive dropbox, to proven JCB drive/steer axles. The 22 kW hydraulic system motor powers a fixed displacement gear pump, delivering a maximum 80 L/min flow. Flow is proportional to joystick position and the lift end is controlled by an electrohydraulic valve block, with hydraulic regeneration on boom lower and retract.

The electric motors are 85% efficient, which compares well with the 45% efficiency of a diesel engine. The 96 V lithium-ion battery, is capable of full-shift operation.

The traction drive motor utilises regenerative braking instead of a traditional braking system. The hydraulic system also regenerates flow while lowering the boom, reducing the power requirement and extending operating hours. The brake regen function automatically turns off when the battery is fully charged.

Key features:

• Dual electric motors for drive and lift deliver increased efficiency

• Brake regeneration boosts battery charge

• Regenerative hydraulics increase efficiency

• Full shift operation capability

• Range of charging options, including on-board and rapid charging