JCB has developed a new concept vehicle designed to increase safety on the construction site.
The seven-tonne Hi-Viz dumper has been engineered specifically to address the poor visibility operators typically have on vehicles at the heavier end of the dumper range.
Current regulations require an operator to be able to see person a 1.5-meters tall, standing one meter from the unladen machine. JCB’s new dumper makes it possible to see a 1.2-meter tall individual from anywhere around the vehicle even when it is fully loaded.
Tim Burnhope, chief innovation and growth officer, JCB, said, “The reality of the 6-9 tonne dumper is that front visibility can be poor especially when heaped. The issue of overheaping also causes instability.
“We also found that when you’ve got big 20-tonne excavators swinging around, clearly the operator’s position becomes an issue because it’s open. Another issue to consider is the off-road ability when heaped.
“More articulated trucks can be an option but the feedback we’ve received is that the product is much bigger, heavier, more complicated, and has very poor rear visibility. Our new concept is based on overcoming these challenges; it has good all-round visibility, is more stable and provides greater protection for the operator.”
Engineers extended the front axle, making room for the skip to be lowered and sit behind the axle line. An increased steering lock allows the longer wheelbase machine to maintain the same turning circle as a six-tonne dumper, while the ground clearance is also unaffected. The redesigned skip offers 3.4m3 heaped capacity, or 2m3 liquid volume to be carried.
JCB CEO Graeme Macdonald said, “We believe that the JCB Hi-Viz site dumper concept will provide a much safer solution in terms of visibility, operator protection and stability. It is a clear demonstration of JCB’s innovative approach to machine design, delivering improved safety and productivity for rental customers and operators.”
June 9, 2017
