Operator comfort has been one of the major redesign objectives.
Over a four-year development period, JCB has employed a programme of intensive component and product testing, to achieve increased levels of build quality and reliability for customers. The new machines feature a 15% larger global cab with integral ROPS structure, offering reduced noise levels; a 200mm (7.9 in) wider upper structure delivering improved packaging; a central main boom mounting for increased digging accuracy and durability; an intuitive, ergonomically-designed cab with simple user interface; and stronger side doors for greater strength and increased protection.
The cab is a completely new structure, which will be used across the X series range. It is 100mm (3.9 in) longer and a full one metre (39 in) wide, making it 15% larger overall than on previous machines. The cab incorporates the ROPS frame within the structure and has flat glazing all round. The 220X has a low 68dB noise level inside the operator’s cab, down from 73dB on the previous generation. The wiper motor is mounted to the bottom left-hand side of the front windscreen, to maximise visibility. There are three options of all-new seats, with heating and ventilation among the options. The servo levers are mounted from the seat frames and so move with the operator, while the cab now sits on four new cab mounts, for improved isolation. The flat floor is easy to keep clean and even the rubber mat has been redesigned to assist with sweeping out. JCB has also provided an additional hour meter, that can be seen from ground level from outside the cab. Regarding the controls, to the right-hand side of the operator is an all-new command pod, bringing together all switches and controls into a single seat-mounted unit. A 7” tilt-adjustable monitor has been provided with intuitive menus and functionality. The monitor is accessed through an automotive-style rotary controller.
The new 20-tonne class excavators have an upper structure that is now a full 2.7 m (8.9 ft) wide and 200 mm (7.9 in) broader than their predecessors. The additional space has allowed JCB’s designers to mount the main boom in the centre of the machine, rather than at an offset. This reduces stress on the slew bearing and provides increased accuracy for the operator when trenching. It also permits the use of larger buckets without impacting the tracks. To the right of the machine the handrail has been mounted in-board of the structure to prevent damage. However, if handrails are caught, they are now bolted in place, so can easily be replaced. The service doors are pressed double-skin steel, with sturdy handles and a welded framework for added rigidity. A pronounced skirt circles the upper structure, providing a strong, yet easily repairable profile to protect the new doors. There is easy access to a large tool box, with integral refuelling pump with filter, while the AdBlue tank is positioned under a separate cover, to prevent cross-contamination and to make it easier to refill.
JCB has stayed with Kawasaki hydraulic pumps and Kayaba valves, but has opted for larger spools and a latest generation valve block for reduced hydraulic losses. The diameter of the main hydraulic hose to and from the main hydraulic valve has increased in diameter from 19 to 25mm (0.75 to 0.98 in), giving greater flow without increasing the speed of the oil. Maintaining the speed of the oil in increased diameter hoses, results in less wear and tear and therefore increases hose life.
Even the way that the excavators are built has been changed, with 42% of the machine now constructed as sub-assemblies off the main line, double the previous amount. This allows for additional quality inspections and reliability checks, while simplifying the main line. Source