JCB has released a new range of Loadall telehandlers equipped with JCB EcoMax T4i/Stage IIIB engines that deliver fuel savings of up to 15 per cent.

“This new line provides many advantages for operators, specifically significant fuel savings, but also a smoother ride from enhanced transmission and hydraulics configurations,” said JCB national telehandler product manager Greg Sealey.

“A new level of efficiency is achieved partially from the T4i engine, but also from an improved regenerative hydraulics system that reduces the boom retraction and lowering time as well as fuel consumption.

“The gear selector is on the joystick now, making it a lot easier to operate. And the Smooth Ride System is also easier to use as it can be engaged with the boom in any position, automatically engaging when travelling above seven kilometres per hour.”

Other subtle changes in the model upgrade include an increase in the size of the hydraulic pipes on the lift/lower and extend/retract circuits to reduce pressure loss and increase efficiency.

A pressure release switch in the auxiliary circuit allows venting of the front or rear auxiliary functions, reducing the time taken to change attachments.

Hydraulic damping is now standard on the boom extension and lift functions and assists with load retention while also improving operator comfort.

Meanwhile, JCB’s sporty GT backhoe loader is scheduled to make a rare appearance in Australia this October where it will aim to set a world record and officially become the world’s fastest earthmover.

The 750 kilowatt JCB GT is a one-off machine powered by a supercharged Chevrolet V8 big block engine, and equipped with a belt driven supercharger and a pair of four-barrelled Holley carbs.

It has eight, 50-centimetre straight-through exhausts and can reach top speeds of around 193 kilometres per hour.

Normally housed at JCB headquarters in Staffordshire in the United Kingdom, the GT will soon embark on a tour of Australia, beginning with the Deni Ute Muster in southern NSW on October 3 and 4 where it will make trial runs and put on demonstrations in preparation for the record run.

The first officially-timed run will be made alongside the V8 supercars at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 on October 9-12 where a trained specialty driver from the UK will attempt to run the modified backhoe down a 250 metre stretch in under four seconds.

This run will be timed and submitted to the Guinness Book of World Records as evidence of the JCB machine’s innovative design and power.

The machine will then perform demonstrations at a number of events across Queensland and NSW throughout December.