JCB Skid Steer is Set to Revolutionize Material Handling Process
"As the prospect of SSL demand in India is positive with expected units of around 600 in 2015 and 1,000 units in 2018, JCB Skid Steer Loader known as JCB Robot is set to revolutionize Material Handling Process with its best in class features. This machine also holds the potential to be an ideal machine for Solid Waste Management applications," says Mr. Amit Gossain, Executive Vice President - Sales, Marketing, and Business Development, JCB India.
How do you view the growth prospects of Skid-steers Loaders in India in near future?
JCB Skid Steer Loader known as JCB Robot is an extremely versatile machine that is specifically designed to work in a variety of applications. This machine also holds the potential to be an ideal machine for Solid Waste Management applications.
At present, the demand for Skid Steer Loader (SSL) in India is on the lower side; however, we are certain that coming years will see an increase in the demand for this product. A leading research firm, Off-Highway Research, indicates that demand for SSL in 2015 is expected to be around 600 units.
Even in the long term, the outlook for SSL in India remains positive and the industry is expected to reach a level of 1,000 units in 2018.
Please brief our readers about the product range currently on offer and also the range of attachments? How do you look at the competition and what makes you stand apart?
Presently, we have two India made JCB SSL Robots: Robot-135 & Robot-155.
JCB Robot is set to revolutionize the material handling process in India with its best-in-class fuel-efficiency, unmatched productivity, and operator comfort. The engine has been designed to give maximum performance with lowest fuel consumption. The cab has 46% more volume and capacity against competition. Besides, 20% higher breakout forces provide higher productivity and maximum output.
JCB Robot comes with a vast array of attachments like Industrial Grapple, Fork, Rock Breaker, Shovel, Vibratory Rollers, etc. which make the machine suitable for many applications such as agriculture, industry, construction, demolition, material handling and maintenance.
With the mechanical quick-hitch, one can easily switch between the vast ranges of attachments and can perform array of jobs with utmost ease and comfort.
Would you like to elaborate on the features that make your range of skid steers highly fuel-efficient such as engine, hydraulics, and transmission?
JCB machines are the most fuel-efficient machines in the market and continuing the trend, our Skid Steers are known for offering the best-in-class fuel-efficiency as they are fitted with highly reliable Perkins Engine with the JCB Power Management System. JCB Skid Steers provide maximum performance with lowest fuel consumption that can help save fuel up to worth Rs.1 lac/year.
The hydraulic systems are at the heart of our Robot technology. The advanced auxiliary hydraulic system has been designed for an easy control of loader arm, transmission and attachments. For smooth and precise operation, independent transmission systems – controlled through servo controls – are provided for both left and right sides.
What about the structure and design elements/ease of maintenance, operator comfort?
The single boom has 20% more tensile steel in comparison to the twin arm designed machines. It has an advanced fuel filtration system designed to work with even low quality fuel. It is also equipped with a specially designed water filter to prevent water seepage into the engine.
JCB Robot comes with best-in-class cabin with low effort servo controls to provide an unmatched operator comfort ensuring their maximum productivity at all times. Moreover, due to the mono boom design, the visibility has increased to 60%. The cabin is 46% larger and the servo controlled Joystick makes it operator-friendly for longer working hours.
The Robot is introduced as the world's safest SSL. Could you highlight some of the factors adding to its safety features?
At JCB, product improvement is a continuous process. We add innovation and hard work to our customers' valued feedback – the result of which is the launch of trend setting products time and again. Safety of the operator is of utmost importance and every OEM is now designing machines, which not only have enhanced safety features but also ergonomic features as well.
The single boom with side door design in JCB SSL makes it the safest Skid Steer Loader in the world. The unique side door entry allows operator to enter and exit the machine without having to climb over attachments or an unsupported boom. The cabin has also been equipped with grills on both the sides and servo isolator switch for operator's safety. Also, JCB Robot has three emergency exit options instead of the only rear window option in the traditional twin arm machines.
NBM&CW July 2015
