JCB launches its biggest excavator to date

The 40 tonne 370X from JCB

UK-based OEM JCB has added its biggest tracked excavator yet to its X Series range.

The 40 tonne 370X is described by the company as its “biggest and most powerful model yet,” backed up by a 8.9-litre, six-cylinder Cummins L9 diesel engine, which is certified as EU Stage V and EPA Tier 4 Final compliant and offers 240kW at 1,700rpm.

The engine offers a 14% power increase on its JS370 and delivers maximum power within a reduced operating rev range, to increase fuel economy and reduce overall noise levels.

JCB said the 370X is capable of moving up to 4.5 tonnes more material per litre of fuel and up to 86 tonnes per hour more than competitors in testing.

Three working modes are available to optimise digging, lifting or economy, while auto-stop and auto-Idle engine functions are included as standard.

A 6.45m monoboom is included, with a choice of 2.63m, 3.23m and 4.03m dippers. Optional heavy-duty dippers have additional crush bars and reinforcement to cope with arduous applications.

The diameter of the bucket pin has been increased and the machine can be fitted with a new JCB dual pin quickhitch, to pick up 90mm or 100mm attachments.

There are also new 2.1m3 XHD and 2.43m3 XHD buckets available, while the new HM330T hydraulic breaker is being made available specifically for the 370X.

LED lights are available as standard, with the option to increase to up to 14 LED work lights also available.  Other options include auxiliary hydraulic circuits with up to 15 attachment settings, a premium heated and cooled operator’s seat.

A heavier counterweight for added stability, larger structures to cope with additional forces, increased service pipework diameters and raised hydraulic pressures for more power at the dig end have also been upgraded.

Cab upgrades

Inside the cab, operators will find the new JCB UX user interface with 10” colour touchscreen display and controls, which will be added to the entire X Series range. The previous display screen measured 7”.

The interface can support up top 25 user profiles, with each user able to customise their profile to set the joystick configuration to meet individual requirements. A switch panel allows for more customisable hot keys, enabling further personalisation for the machines operator, JCB said.

The new JCB UX user interface with 10” colour touchscreen display and controls. (Photo: JCB)

A bird’s eye 360° camera system, integrated within the 10” display, is an additional option. 

Elsewhere, JCB said it has enhanced mobile phone connectivity on the machine, with the operator able to integrate their phonebook via the monitor. This feature can also be disabled.

Help guides on the machine are made available via the monitor, including how to’ videos, covering all of the features of the JCB UX system.

Climate control, a radio with DAB option, keyless start and twin cameras for added visibility are also included as standard equipment.

For operator comfort, the 370X is fitted with a 2.86m3 JCB Command Plus ROPS cab. while a heated air suspension seat and 69dB reduction in-cab noise level are also included. 

Service intervals have also been improved, with hydraulic intervals doubled to 2,000 hours, engine coolant service now required at 3,000 hours and air filter element intervals extended up to 2,000 hours.

Paul Swallow, business head, excavators, said, “With more power, increased strength and durability, reduced fuel consumption and lower ownership costs, the JCB 370X is a major step forward for customers in the 35-40 tonne class. With fantastic operator comfort and control, the 370X delivers a heavy-duty excavator solution for markets around the world.”

Additional launches

The machine was launched during a press event at its headquarters last week, where the company also revealed an expansion of its Hydradig range of wheeled tool carriers, as well as a new tilt rotator designed specifically for the JCB Hydradig.

A number of service intervals have been improved on the 370X. (Photo: JCB)

Now available as an entry-level, Pro or Plus application, the JCB Hydradig is powered by a Stage V compliant EcoMAX diesel engine, delivering 81kW.

JCB said the Pro model, which it expects to be the most popular, is designed to offer a tailored mix of specification to suit the majority of customers and boosting comfort levels for operators.

The machine has boom suspension (SRS) as standard, single point axle greasing, reverse steering,  two low-flow auxiliary lines and an upgraded cab with deluxe air suspension seat, Bluetooth radio.

Elsewhere, an LED work light package and a refuelling pump are also included. 

In the new Plus range, JCB said the inclusion of a rear-mounted skid steer hitch and lower chassis-mounted high-flow hydraulics that offers 150l/min of flow allows it to work with the widest selection of mechanical and powered attachments.

The company has also announced a partnership with Leica Geosystems to offer factory-fitted 2D and 3D-ready semi-automated excavator control solutions.

Available on its JCB 220X tracked excavator from March, Intelligrade will be offered across the whole JCB X Series range in the future, the company said.