JCB has extended its Loadall range with a new 538-70 telehandler.
The equipment manufacturer says its newest product gives farmers “more choice in an already comprehensive” offering of performance, features, and specifications.
The 538-70 is a seven-metre machine that slots into the Loadall Series III line-up with 3,800kg maximum lift capacity and 7.01m of lift height. This places it between the current 532-70 and 542-70 models.
At 3,000 to 3,800kg, lift performance is “particularly strong” in the 4-6m loading-at-height zone critical for bulk grain loading into trucks and silage into diet feeders.
Furthermore, there is 2,500 to 2,750kg of capacity available at full height, depending upon the version.
JCB 538-70 telehandler
Like all mid-range machines in the Loadall range, the new 538-70 is available with a choice of four different transmissions. There are also three power outputs and three standard feature and specification levels to choose from.
Together with a “comprehensive” options list, JCB claims that buyers have “an unmatched opportunity to choose the machine package that best suits their applications and budget”.
The Loadall 538-70 AGRI variant comes with JCB’s Torque Lock 4 transmission. It features torque converter lock-up in fourth gear for power-efficient direct drive on the road, coupled to a 109hp (81kW) version of the Stage V emissions-compliant JCB DieselMAX 448 engine.
The AGRI Super has 130hp (97kW) from this engine and a regular four-speed Powershift as the base transmission installation.
However, along with the 150hp AGRI Xtra, it is also available with a six-speed Autoshift with automatic and manual shifting modes in addition to torque converter lock-up in the top two gears.
The AGRI Super and AGRI Xtra can also be had with DualTech VT.
According to JCB, this unique transmission combines the best characteristics of hydrostatic and powershift drives in one unit.
As the “ultimate” telehandler transmission, DualTech VT provides precision slow speed control for loading and other handling tasks and direct-drive auto powershift without a torque converter for high-performance, fuel-efficient field and road travel beyond 19kph.
Switching between the two elements is performed seamlessly without any operator involvement.
Furthermore, operator-selected ‘power’ and fuel-saving ‘eco’ modes are available to suit different applications. Besides, powershift selection can be restricted for fieldwork.
Other features
The transmission’s Flexi mode permits a fixed engine speed to be set for optimum hydraulics performance with only the transmission then responding to the accelerator pedal.
According to JCB, this is “ideal” for consistent loading performance and operating hydraulically-driven attachments. These include sweepers, feeding buckets and straw blowers.
In addition, DualTech VT provides:
- permanent four-wheel drive within the hydrostatic transmission element’s speed range for maximum traction in field and yard;
- Full-time four-wheel drive for high-speed road work such as snow ploughing when maximum traction is needed;
- Automatic switching to rear-wheel-drive only for optimum towing performance while minimising tyre wear.
Across all variants, the high level of standard equipment includes auto wheel alignment when switching between the three steering modes.
An auto-reversing cooling fan blows dust and debris from the air intake grille.
The 140-litre/min load-sensing hydraulics system includes gravity regeneration of oil for the retract and lower services to bring the boom down rapidly but under full control.
Furthermore, automatic Smooth Ride boom suspension is standard on all but the AGRI version, where it is an option.
LiveLink telematics solution
JCB’s comprehensive LiveLink telematics solution is also part of the standard package.
It provides:
- Comprehensive machine data;
- Pro-active fault identification;
- Timely service scheduling;
- Machine location and security features.
Noise levels and visibility
And as with all JCB Loadall Series III telescopic handlers, operators of the new 538-70 get to work in the advanced Command Plus cab with its ultra-quiet noise levels, great all-around and upwards visibility, push-away ‘memory’ steering column and generous storage provision.
Read more farm machinery news.
