Agritechnica 2007 saw the addition of a new compact, wheeled loading shovel to JCB's range of agricultural machines. The JCB 403 Agri is powered by a 36hp engine and has a bucket capacity of just 0.3cu m. Maximum forward speed is a relatively modest 15kph.

According to JCB, compact wheeled loaders have always been popular in northern Europe as an alternative to skid-steer loaders.

Low height limitations, such as pig and poultry buildings, limit the size of machine that can be used.

JCB agriculture director and general manager, Ian Sayers, said: "With the introduction of the 403 Agri, we have expanded our range of agricultural materials handling products, offering a compact machine for the pig and poultry industry as an alternative to a skid-steer loader".

With its articulated design, the operator's seat is positioned on the rear chassis. From this position, the narrow loader towers promise good forward visibility to the attachment.

Standard and high-lift loader arm sets are available, giving dump heights of 2,180mm and 2,428mm respectively.

The machine is fitted with a hydrostatic transmission system, with a single variable displacement hydraulic pump driving four individual wheel motors.

JCB says that this design increases ground clearance.

Also, because there is no exposed prop-shaft baler twine, plastic film can't get tangled up and cause problems.

Moreover, because the motors are all connected, tractive effort is still generated, even if three of the four wheels are slipping.

Routine maintenance is supposedly made easy thanks to fully-opening rear bodywork and a swing-up seat base.

http://www.independent.ie/farming/wraps-come-off-new-compact-jcb-loader-1236172.html

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