Product Review: JCB 403E electric wheeled loader

JCB is introducing its first full electric wheeled loader, delivering “best-in-class performance” and full working day use – with low noise and zero-emission operation making it “ideal” for work in livestock buildings, glasshouses and alongside farm and horticultural staff.

Fast charging

The machine boasts the largest standard battery pack in its class, with 20kWh capacity, JCB says.

The 403E has a built-in charger that allows connection to a range of on-site power sources. A 110V socket will fully charge batteries in 12 hours, while a 230V industrial or domestic plug will charge in eight hours. JCB’s off-board rapid charger delivers a full charge from a three-phase supply in just two hours.

Electric motors with three driving modes

The machine is equipped with two independent electric motors, one for the driveline and one for the hydraulics. The drive motor offers 33.4kW of power and comes with three driving modes, that the operator can toggle between using two buttons on top of the joystick.

Drive is transmitted through an integrated drop-box to ZF axles that can be supplied with open differentials or with differential locks for maximum traction. The loader is offered with a choice of narrow or wide wheels, plus the option of agricultural or industrial tyres.

Standard or high-lift arm configurations

The loader arms are available in standard and high-lift configurations. The standard lift arms deliver a pin height of 2.9m, while the high-lift model achieves a 3.1m pin height. Both loader arm set-ups come with a hydraulic quick hitch as standard and the loader arms provide true parallel lift.

Tipping load provides versatility

The 403E offers a tipping load of 972kg with pallet forks, within a transport weight of just 2,671kg. This makes it an ideal machine for use on farms with more than one set of buildings, as well as for contracting, landscaping, fencing and other related activities, according to JCB. A heavy-duty counterweight is available as an option, increasing the tipping load by 118kg and the transport weight by 121kg.

Dynamic response and precision control

The machine has a 20kW high efficiency hydraulic pump motor and the hydraulic system offers two operating modes, controlled by a rocker switch on the main console. Shovel/bucket mode provides dynamic response, while the fork mode delivers increased precision control. A programmable constant flow auxiliary feature is also standard, to power motorised attachments such as bedding spreaders used in cubicle houses or open yards, hay and silage bale processors, and yard sweepers, with the operator setting the flow rate through the main display and rotary controller.

An impressive machine

The 403E is offered with a fixed or folding canopy initially, with a fully glazed cab as an alternative from Q3 in 2023.

The machine has a single joystick with a proportional auxiliary controller on top. An optional second auxiliary roller can be provided, allowing the operator to access all loader functions from one lever.

There is a new multifunction digital display, controlled by the rotary controller to the right of the loader joystick. The operator can use the rotary controller to set auxiliary hydraulic flow rates, inching travel speeds and other settings within the display. The monitor also provides all critical machine operating data, including driving mode, state of battery charge and travel speed.

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