JCB lifts cover off electric mini digger

JCB CEA has announced the release of its 19C-1 E-TEC electric mini excavator that is scheduled to hit the Australian market in early 2020.

The fully electric excavator was based on JCB’s premium specification 19C-1 conventional tailswing model unveiled in 2018, and features an electric motor and three 104Ah battery packs in place of the conventional diesel engine, delivering 312Ah (15kWh).

The brand new JCB 19C-1 E-TEC mini excavator was developed in top secret at JCB’s World HQ in Staffordshire, JCB CEA said.

Being powered by an electric motor instead of a diesel engine means the excavator produces no harmful emissions, making it an ideal machine for work inside buildings and in emissions-sensitive inner city environments.

It will also allow rail contractors to operate in tunnels and underground, without having to install costly exhaust extraction equipment.

Another key benefit of the new electric rig is the massive reduction in noise emissions, which JCB CEA said is a massive five times less than its traditional diesel powered counterpart. This means contractors can work after normal hours in urban streets without disturbing residents, as well as in other noise sensitive environments including hospitals and schools.

JCB CEA said there is no compromise on performance and hours, adding the 19C-1 E-TEC is “capable of putting in a full shift in normal operation”. As the machine does not require daily checks of coolant and engine oil levels, it is off to work quicker than its diesel counterpart.

“By replacing the diesel engine with an efficient, 48V electrical driveline, with the latest generation automotive battery cells, JCB has once again moved the mini excavator market forwards,” said JCB Chief Innovation and Growth Officer, Tim Burnhope.

“The 19C-1 E-TEC will provide contractors with a zero-emission, low-noise solution, allowing them to work independently, in late night urban conditions, within buildings and even in rail tunnels with no requirement for costly exhaust extraction equipment.

“The 19C-1 E-TEC points the way to a new zero-emission future for JCB mini excavators.”

The modular batteries in the 19C-1 E-TEC utilise NMC lithium-ion cells, shared with the latest road cars, in a rugged battery pack housing that has been designed to withstand the rigours of off-highway construction use, JCB CEA said.

The motor drives the 19C-1 E-TEC’s proven Bosch Rexroth load sensing hydraulic system, delivering the same digging performance as JCB’s standard 1.9-tonne excavator.

The efficiency of this electric-hydraulic combination means considerably lower cooling requirement - only a small hydraulic cooler with a small thermostatic electric fan and no engine radiator. This contributes to longer battery life and lower noise level.

The 19C-1 E-TEC is equipped with the same adjustable undercarriage and choice of digging equipment as the diesel model, to provide a maximum digging depth of 2576mm with the longer 1100mm dipper arm.

A convenient on-board charger is provided as standard, allowing the machine to be fully recharged in six hours, using a conventional 230V plug. JCB will also offer a fast-charging option - a heavy duty off-board unit, allowing a full charge in 2.5 hours.

The self-contained power system means there is no requirement for an electrical power connection or cable during machine operation. According to JCB CEA, the battery packs allow a full working day in a typical duty cycle or four hours of operation in an extreme duty cycle.

The 1.9-tonne machine is capable of handling a range of powered attachments, JCB CEA said.

Initially, the mini excavator will be available with the ROPS/TOPS and FOGS certified canopy. As the electric excavator is based on the premium specification 19C-1, the excavator comes with proportional rocker switches for auxiliary functions and boom offset swing. The premium model also has a membrane switch pad to the right of the operator for all additional controls, while the fuel gauge has been replaced by an easy-to-read charge level readout.

The 19C-1 E-TEC has a new box section main boom and dipper arm, with all hoses routed through the boom structure for added protection. The boom pins and dozer pivot points come with sealed graphite infused bushings, allowing 500-hour greasing intervals.

All grease points are located on one side of the machine for easy maintenance.

Key features of the 19C-1 E-TEC: