With shared features and designs tailored to the waste industry, JCB’s 436 and 455 wheel loaders offer a stress-tested machinery platform for the sector.
JCB’s approach to machinery for the waste industry is simple – design a suitable machine from the ground up, rather than repurpose equipment from the construction sector.
JCB’s 436 and 455 model wheel loaders, both developed with individual options for operators, are proof the process works.
Deon Cope, JCB CEA National Product Manager says customers need machines that are purposely configured to meet their modern requirements, rather than taking shortcuts.
“A lot of our dedicated waste customers will order a waste-specific machine, rather than taking a construction machine and converting it to waste, which is actually what a lot of our competitors do,” he says. “We provide the option for customers to factory order dedicated waste machines.
“These generally start with an inspection or consultation carried out by the JCB CEA sales teams, from there we can identify if operators require a waste-specific machine.”
JCB’s waste-specific machinery, such as the 436 and 455 wheel loaders, feature heavy duty axles, as well as centred disc pads, to support the use of solid tyres.
The design has a key focus on protecting and maintaining the driveline and transmission if operators were to select a solid tyre.
The 436 wheel loader can be fitted with either a Z-bar or tool carrier configuration, while the 455 wheel loader supports only the Z-bar carriage.
Focus on design
“Z-bars offer more breakout at the floor level and more speed throughout the bucket, so it is suited to applications where material needs to be thrown or shaken with the bucket,” Deon says.
“The tool carriers offer even torque throughout the bucket arc. You don’t get high speeds through the bucket but you can get more control, as well as greater sight lines, as you don’t have the Z-bar linkage situated at the front of the machine.”
Deon says while the tool carrier is most commonly used in the waste industry, both carrier options give operators of the 436 wheel loader the ability to load materials into different kinds of machinery.
“The tool carrier variant allows us to equip high lift motor arms from the factory. In waste, when they are loading into hoppers or shredders, there is a common height required, but sometimes they require a higher load application.”
The 436 wheel loader is designed to optimise efficiency. This is achieved through a load sensing hydraulic pump and speed cooling fan, both of which consume power only when required.
Both the 455 and 436 wheel loaders use a four-speed ZF fully automatic powershift transmission and ZF axles.
“Operators can also make the most of the ZF efficiency pack,” Deon says. “The transmission features intelligent clutch cut-off which gives an inching ability similar to that of a hydro-static transmission.”
Increasing power
Deon says that for applications which require more output, the 455 wheel loader is the most appropriate option. This is in part due to its maximum engine power of 165 kilowatts – an increase from its 436 predecessor, which boasts a maximum output of 129 kilowatts.
“With the 455 wheel loader you are stepping up to a larger platform, so a larger driveline and larger axles,” Deon says. “It is really suited to green waste applications where operators need a higher platform in order to get a larger payload.
“The 455 is on a Z-bar platform and comes standard with LSD (limited-slip differential) axles. Operators will normally go for a pneumatic tyre as they may be working in areas which have poor traction.”
He says that the combined qualities of the 455 wheel loader, including an EcoMAX lean-burn system to reduce emissions for its 310-litre fuel tank, provide a long-lasting solution for operators.
“The LSD front and rear, combined with the larger driveline in the 455 and the Z-bar frontage, offers a more durable platform. It’s about selecting the right loader for the right application, which is where our sales team can assist,” Deon says.
Both the 436 and 455 wheel loaders include JCB’s ‘smooth ride’ feature as standard.
“This feature is speed dependant, so when the operator gets up to a certain speed the arms will cushion independently from the loader frame,” Deon says.
“It offers a smoother ride, particularly for those who may be doing longer loading runs which can be prevalent in green waste.”
Both the 436 and 455 wheel loaders have long service intervals and centralised maintenance.
Deon says that customers can trust the knowledge of JCB CEA’s sales and support staff.
“JCB focuses on the European waste markets. We are able to provide that expertise back into the waste sector here in Australia,” he says.
For more information, visit: www.jcbcea.com.au