JCB unveils three mini excavator models, citing growth in segment

JCB has unveiled three new mini excavators at its headquarters in Staffordshire, UK, with operating weights of 1.6t to 1.8t, and feature steel bodywork designed to better protect hydraulic rams and hoses and swing-out counterweights for ease of maintenance.

The line-up includes: the 16C-1, a conventional tailswing model designed for the rental market (1.6t); the 18Z-1, the company’s first zero tailswing model (1.7t) and a model aimed at all industry sectors; and the 19C-1 model (1.8t), aimed primarily at contractors.

Matt Fears, MD, JCB Compact Products, said it was the right time for JCB to turn its attention to opportunities below four tonnes, noting: “Of the 200,000 mini excavator units sold in 2016, 40,000 were in the six- to 12-tonne category, and 55,000 were in the four- to 6-tonne category.

“This leaves 105,000 units, over half the market, in the one- to four-tonne category. This is a high-volume and growing market, particularly in rental.”

The new machines have a four-plate boom and dipper design with main booms measuring 1,800mm and 950mm-, 1,100mm- and 1,344mm-long dipper arms. On the premium 19C-1 model, a hydraulic quick attach is an available option.

The range is powered by a 16.3 HP Perkins engine mounted to the rear of the machines for optimised weight distribution that JCB says delivers improved stability and visibility.

All three machines have been designed for ease of maintenance, with greasing intervals of 500 hours, and – thanks to the swing-out counterweights – ease of access for operators to the service points.

The ‘rental-specific’ 16C-1 is notably also available with both fixed and retracting undercarriages, with the retractable track frame offering widths of 980mm to 1,330mm.

The machines otherwise come as standard with a shared undercarriage design that JCB says is built to extend component life, featuring sloping track legs for reduced material retention and coming with short-pitch rubber tracks come standard and steel tracks as an option.

Inside the cab, the operators will enjoy 24% more space compared to JCB’s previous mini excavators.