JCB has made company history with the unveiling of its first ever electric excavator – the quietest digger in its range and one delivering zero emissions.
The brand new JCB 19C-1 E-TEC mini excavator has been developed at JCB’s World HQ in Staffordshire.
With the drive towards lower emissions, the zero-emission JCB 19C-1 E-TEC will allow contractors to work inside buildings and in emissions-sensitive inner city environments.
It will also allow rail contractors to operate in tunnels and underground, without having to install costly exhaust extraction equipment.
Another huge advantage of the new electric mini is that the external noise, at 7dBA lower, is five times quieter than its traditional diesel powered counterpart.
This means contractors can work after normal hours in urban streets without disturbing residents, as well operating in other noise sensitive environments including hospitals and schools.
On digging there is no compromise on performance with the fully charged electric machine capable of putting in a full shift in normal operation. With no daily checks of coolant and engine oil levels required, the machine is easier to maintain.
“JCB has been at the forefront of developing innovative, low emission construction equipment for many years,” JCB Chairman Lord Bamford says.
“In producing an electric JCB mini excavator, we are offering our customers a practical and affordable solution for applications that demand zero emissions and quiet operation.”
JCB Chief Innovation and Growth Officer Tim Burnhope agrees, saying that by replacing the diesel engine with a 48V electrical driveline, with the latest generation automotive battery cells, JCB has moved the mini excavator market forwards.
“The 19C-1 E-TEC will provide contractors with a zero-emission, low-noise solution, allowing them to work independently, in late night urban conditions, within buildings and even in rail tunnels with no requirement for costly exhaust extraction equipment.
“The 19C-1 E-TEC points the way to a new zero-emission future for JCB mini excavators.”
The lack of engine noise allows contractors to work after hours in urban streets without disturbing residents, while the zero-emission capability will permit rail contractors to operate within tunnels and underground, without having to install exhaust extraction equipment.
There is also a substantial reduction in vibration without the diesel engine, improving the driving environment for the operator.
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.
The premium model also has a membrane switch pad to the right of the operator for all additional controls, while the fuel gauge has been replaced by an easy to read charge level readout.
The 19C-1 E-TEC benefits from a new box section main boom and dipper arm, with all hoses routed through the boom structure for added protection.
The boom pins and dozer pivot points come with sealed graphite-impregnated bushings, allowing 500-hour greasing intervals.
All grease points are located on one side of the machine to reduce downtime and there are fewer daily checks, as the 19C-1 E-TEC has no engine oil, coolant or fuel tank.