New launches as JCB points to return of growth

Plant manufacturer JCB is rebounding strongly from the recession was the message of this years JCB event for the waste management and recycling industries, held last week (June 29).

Under the title Embracing change, the event saw the company run through its recent performance, launch new products and demonstrate the Wastemaster range at its onsite showground. And, it heard a presentation from Derek Greedy, chair of the landfill working group and the next president of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management.

Addressing the large audience, Rik Kiddle, manager for the waste and recycling and demolition industries at JCB, said: After all the economic turmoil over the past few years, we have chosen the theme of embracing change for this years event. To accept change is to accept there is a better way.

He outlined how the recession had affected everyone, including JCB as a company, as individuals, the waste industry, JCB dealers and you as customers.

Group chief executive, Alan Blake, said that the company had sold 72,000 machines in 2007. But this tumbled to 36,000 in 2009, before recovering to 52,000 in 2010. This was a 50% drop in 2009, something which was totally unprecedented in our business. We did what we had to do and we have emerged from the recession with significant growth.

Derek Greedy, who becomes president of the CIWM in October 2011, said: It is surprising to think how far the UK has come in a relatively short period of time when you look at our past reliance on landfill our move away from it has been significant.”

‘Positive signs’

And, he said that while there are still poor waste management facilities around the world with people having to scavenge on landfill sites, there are positive signs with the development of MRFs, proper landfills and organic treatment around the globe. Attitudes to waste management have changed and are changing all over the world.

Tim Burnhope, group managing director, spoke next and said that the company had been listening to the waste and recycling industry. The Wastemaster range began with a four product line-up in 2003, and we now more than 30 models.

Mr Burnhope revealed that the 20-tonne JS20MH is set to join JCBs established JS200W Wastemaster a conventional wheeled excavator adapted for the needs of scrap and waste handling industries. The JS20MH will capitalise on the companys expertise in the production of high performance, reliable and durable wheeled excavators and will share the engine and hydraulics with the latest JS160W model.

However, the undercarriage is a completely new design and features a centralised slew turret for increased all-round stability and uniform lift performance throughout the 360 degree rotation.

Star of the show

Star of the show was the new 550-80 Loadall telescopic handler, which is to go into production soon. Mr Burnhope said this had been developed because you wanted greater lift performance and reach for improved lifting such as in metal recycling. It has special guards, solid door panels, air filtration, reversing fans and wide core radiators and additional filtration systems can be added.

The 550-80 had been 18 months in the making, been through three prototypes and 1 million of investment. The front end can take a range of heavy duty attachments, including a bucket or sweeper and the 46 degrees of bucket roll back helps ensure maximum retention.

Looking ahead, the company pointed to the development of hybrid technology in its machines for the construction industry and said this technology is likely to follow in the Wastemaster range. And, it highlighted important developments in safety features including one measure to stop vehicles tipping over.

This concerns machines sold in Europe and in countries requiring CE marking, and sees the introduction of JCBs Adaptive Load Control – a Longitudinal Load Moment Control (LLMC) system which, said the company, fully complies to industry standard EN15000 which is now included on all Loadalls in the EU.

JCB explained that this legislation has been introduced to reduce the likelihood of forward overturning of a variable reach truck performing stationary loading or placing operations on consolidated, stable and level ground, by the use of an automated LLMC. A machine will stop when it calculates that any further movement could lead to overturning.