JCB in late 2019 made history after unveiling its first-ever electric excavator – the quietest digger in its range and offering zero emissions.
The machine sees the replacement of a diesel engine with an efficient, 48-volt electrical driveline with the latest generation automotive battery cells.
As part of its shift towards lower emissions, the zero-emission JCB 19C-1 E-TEC will allow the waste sector to maximise productivity in emissions-sensitive inner city environments.
A huge advantage is external noise. At 7dBA lower, the machine is five times quieter than its traditional diesel-powered counterpart.
Importantly, performance is not compromised on digging, with a fully charged electric machine capable of putting in a full shift in normal operation.
The machine also supports maximum uptime with no daily checks of coolant and engine levels required. On that front, the high efficiency of the advanced electric-hydraulic combination means considerably lower cooling requirements. A small hydraulic cooler with a thermostatic electric fan and no engine radiator works to contribute to longer battery life and lower noise levels.
Initially, the mini excavator will be available with the ROPS/TOPS and FOGS certified canopy. As the electric excavator is based on the premium specification 19C-1, the excavator comes with proportional rocker switches for auxiliary functions and boom offset swing.
Its key features include a standard load-sensing hydraulic system delivering powerful digging performance. A convenient on-board charger with 230-volt input allows for six-hour recharging capability.