New JCB mini excavators designed to reduce cost of ownership

A new line of JCB mini excavators has been designed to provide the expected productivity while lowering operating costs. “Really it’s all about the cost of ownership, and keeping that as low as we possibly can,” said Mick Sanders, product manager with JCB. The new mini excavators are the 48Z-I, 51R-I, 55Z-I and 57C-I. Weights range from 4792 kg to 5483 kg. In addition to low cost, the machines are designed to provide greater height and lift. Bucket and dipper tear-out have been improved as well.
April 12, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
Routine maintenance is required less often with the new JCB line of mini excavators

A new line of 255 JCB mini excavators has been designed to provide the expected productivity while lowering operating costs.

“Really it’s all about the cost of ownership, and keeping that as low as we possibly can,” said Mick Sanders, product manager with JCB.

The new mini excavators are the 48Z-I, 51R-I, 55Z-I and 57C-I. Weights range from 4792 kg to 5483 kg. In addition to low cost, the machines are designed to provide greater height and lift. Bucket and dipper tear-out have been improved as well.

Many new features have a direct impact on costs. For example, greasing that previously occurred daily now only has to be completed every 500 hours. Also, removing debris from the undercarriage is required much less frequently because of a redesigned system, while tracks have been adjusted to prevent aggregate from sticking to the treads. “The spoil falls away,” Sanders said.

The cab has been upgraded as well. A new instrument panel is intuitive and easy for operators to use – particularly important for those who rent the machines.

The excavator line now includes flat glass on cabs, a considerable cost-savings when replacement is required.

Safety has been improved too. Each control is isolated, and none are engaged when the operator fires up the excavator. “Nothing is active when the engine starts,” Sanders explained.

A fuel-efficient idling system adds more cost savings. Automatic idle improves efficiency, as does a new one-touch idle system. With that process, the operator makes a quick touch and the machine idles, which makes it perfect for short interruptions.

The excavators also have seen boom and tilt adjustments that enable them to dump loads precisely without having to reposition the machine, Sanders said. Finally, a body that is 100% steel reduces costs through its durability.

For more information on companies in this article

JCB

Related Content

  • Dream machines: Machine technology takes productivity to new levels
    September 9, 2016
    The adoption of new technology will boost productivity for machinery users - Colin Sowman writes Since the inception of earthmoving machinery, equipment manufacturers have been striving to make the process faster, quieter, easier and more fuel efficient. Now many manufacturers are looking at ways to improve the efficiency of drive systems to reduce complexity, maintenance and fuel use.
    Read More
  • Compact excavator launched
    February 24, 2012
    Bobcat has launched the new 2.6tonne zero tail swing E26 miniexcavator to target the 2-3 tonne market segment. The E26 features the advantages of Bobcat's E-generation excavators including reliability, operator comfort, smooth operation and high performance.
    Read More
  • SmartFlow for Bobcat’s R2-Series mini excavators
    June 16, 2025

    Bobcat’s new “groundbreaking” R2-Series 1-2 tonne mini excavator models are designed to boost customer productivity.

    The series includes the E16, E17z, E19 and E20z models, replacing the previous M-Series E17, E17z, E19 and E20z machines, respectively, that were introduced in 2014.

    Read More
  • CECE 2018 conference Rome: the sector powers up for digitisation
    March 20, 2019
    Getting the human-machine interface for equipment automation right is a lot trickier than expected. David Arminas reports from the CECE conference in Rome For many contractors, digitisation is key for improving on-site operational efficiency. But it may be time to take stock of progress and examine what does and doesn’t work. That is not to say that the anchors should be thrown out to halt development. Far from it. In the past eight months, the CECE - Committee for European Construction Equipment – led
    Read More

Highlighted Content