British plant manufacturer JCB has showcased its new 4CX Wastemaster backhoe loader for the waste and recycling industry at this year's RWM exhibition.

The company said that the loader has been developed in line with extensive customer evaluation and fitted with a package of purpose-built features, which transforms the flexible backhoe loader into a tailor-made model for arduous waste environments.

With its ability to power an extensive range of specialist attachments, JCB said that its CXWM model - JCB's first dedicated backhoe loader for the waste industry - will excel in the non-stop working environment typically found at Household Waste Recycling Centre.
 
The company explained that globally, the backhoe loader is already one of its biggest selling machines into waste, recycling and demolition applications, with large volume sales in Asia and South America and a strong presence in specific European markets.

According to the manufacturer the 4CXWM offers unrivalled versatility at a price which is less than the wheeled excavator typically seen on site. Its ability to perform a variety of roles also eliminates the need for other machines such as forklift or pallet trucks - increasing cost savings.
 
The specialist new 4CXWM model incorporates additional length rear stabilisers and a front frame incorporating hydraulic legs. The company said that this combination raises the entire machine well clear of the ground, offering excellent views into a bin when compacting material with either a grapple or compaction wheel attachment.
 
Attachments and buckets

However, the company added that additional attachments ensure that the 4CXWM is highly effective for more than just compaction. These include grabs for handling waste material and a sweeper collector for keeping the site clean and tidy.

Furthermore, a unique hook lift for manoeuvring bins and skips offers advantages over other machines in terms of site productivity, according to JCB.

The company said that the range of purpose-designed bucket options opens up a wide array of typical waste re-handling tasks. At the loader end, users can choose between high-capacity general-purpose, 6-in-1, or top grab buckets depending on the application and nature of the load.

At the excavator end, a hydraulic jaw bucket or a mechanical grapple both deliver highly effective materials handling capabilities, the company said.
 
Safety and performance

JCB claimed that on-site safety is enhanced by excellent all round visibility from the cab, high visibility stabiliser chevrons, convex mirrors, rotating beacon and a reversing alarm.
Additionally the company added that machine protection is assured with the inclusion of additional boom protection, rear screen impact protection, light guards and puncture protected tyres.
 
The machine's specification is based on the company's 4CX backhoe loader, with features including the 75 kW (100hp) JCB Dieselmax engine and innovations such as Advanced EasyControl and 4-speed Powershift transmission with TorqueLock being incorporated.
 
In addition, the company said that the machine uses the most robust loader arms and axles available - taken from the recently introduced JCB 5CX model.

The machine also features a 4.72 metre extending dipper at the excavator end and excavator type seat mounted controls, which the manufacturer said makes for easy operation.
Other features that come as standard include air-conditioning, an immobiliser, JCB LiveLink telematics and the latest JCB Powerslide system - which the company said offers assured excavator movement from side to side across the whole of the machine's rear frame. 

New compact telescopic handler

In addition to the 4CXWM, JCB also used the RWM exhibition to showcase the most compact telescopic handler in its Wastemaster Loadall range - the 527-58WM.

The company claimed that the new machine has been built using the innovative approach to machine design that has seen it become the world's best-selling telehandler manufacturer, and offers a unique combination of size, manoeuvrability and power enables the JCB 527-58WM to target a wide range of waste and recycling applications.

At just 2 metres wide and 2 metres high (depending on wheel and tyre options) the manufacturer said that the machine can access low buildings, shipping containers and other restricted work areas.

The 527-58WM has a maximum lifting capacity of 2.7 tonnes with a lift height of 5.8 metres, and when operating at its maximum 3 metre of forward reach can handle a 1.25 tonne load.

The machine is powered by a 75 kW (100 hp) JCB Dieselmax engine, which the company said is driven through a highly efficient hydrostatic transmission which provides excellent control, high tractive effort and a travel speed of 20 kph.

The machine also benefits from a full size Loadall cab mounted low on the chassis, which JCB said enables excellent all-round visibility. The cab also features recessed door handle and door hinges which help to avoid damage in narrow spaces.