JS Auto: JCB's new heavyweight excavator contender

While JCB has manufactured heavy line excavators for more than 25 years in the UK, primarily for the domestic and European markets, it was not until 2001 that it began to focus its considerable engineering and manufacturing expertise on this product line, culminating in the release of JS Auto in 2003.

Such is its reputation, in just three years the range of excavators shot to no.1 in the UK market segment and is gaining favour rapidly in other European markets.

JCB is now extending JS Auto to other international markets and released the range in Australia earlier this year, where its operator-friendly features have made an immediate impact.

Distributed in Australia by Construction Equipment Australia, a major feature of the JS Auto range is its increased operating speed brought about by faster hydraulic services that increase productivity significantly in a fully automatic mode from which the series derives its name.

Auto mode is an intelligent function, which automatically senses hydraulic requirements, and adjusts engine and hydraulics to meet the need: a bonus in terms of managing operating costs and fuel consumption.

Glenn McLeod, national JCB product manager, Construction Equipment Australia, said feedback from operators indicates their enthusiastic praise for the JS Auto cabin and its features.

“Visibility from the cabin is outstanding. This has been achieved in several ways. To the rear, it is via a new low-level superstructure that eliminates the traditional engine cover,” said Glenn. “Visibility to the right side and track is maximised by the clever design of the switch and display console and the use of a large one-piece window, while vision to the left benefits from the four post pillar design that reduces the door pillar section.”

Operator comfort is enhanced by the inclusion of an air suspension seat complete with air-set lumbar support and air conditioning with controlled airflow that negates even the hottest of days in Australia. Besides a host of handy storage features there's even a cool box for beverages and edibles.

“Among other significant features gaining attention is the standard fit hydraulic cushion control system. When engaged, this remarkable feature provided hydraulic damping to every boom and dipper movement,” Glenn said. “This increases productivity in some operations, while reducing wear greatly from the undercarriage through to every structural component on the machine.”

“Crane valve protection is a standard fit to both boom and dipper cylinders and the Plexus hydraulic oil filtration system, also standard, that extends oil service intervals.”

The JS Auto heavy line excavator series, now takes it place alongside more than 60 outstanding JCB models in the Australian marketplace. These include the backhoe loader, national market leader with one in every three sales being a JCB; telehandlers, also a market leader; and wheel loaders, mini excavators, skid steers, ADT's and rough terrain fork trucks.

Major features

Auto Mode Intelligent Function

Hydraulic Cushion Control System

Crane Valve Protection System

Plexus Hydraulic Oil Filtration

Outstanding all-round visibility

Superb operator facilities

More information: Glenn McLeod, 0417 143 516.