JCB digger drivers are in for some heart-warming news as the first icy blast of winter strikes.
With temperatures plunging to below zero, the company has announced that a new system is now available on its iconic backhoe loaders that automatically heats the cab and engine before the operator arrives for work in the morning.
The device means the machine now takes much less time to reach operating temperature in cold weather and is ready to start its daily shift much quicker – boosting productivity for owners and operators.
JCB’s Chief Innovation and Growth Officer Tim Burnhope said: “This is another fantastic innovation on JCB’s backhoe loaders that will allow operators to simply get in and drive, without having to defrost windscreens or warm through the engine. As well as providing greater comfort for the operator it will cut downtime and boost productivity for the customer.”
The system is available as an option on JCB’s 3CX and 4CX backhoe loaders and can be activated using a 24-hour timer, with up to three pre-set start times, or manually through a switch in the cab. The heater can also be used manually throughout the day, when the machine is not in use, maintaining a comfortable working environment for the driver. It works by using a water heater that is integrated into the engine’s coolant circuit.
The water heater unit automatically runs a safety check before heating, prior to starting an integrated diesel-fuelled burner. Atomised fuel is sprayed into the combustion chamber and ignited with a high-tension spark. The hot combustion gases flow through a heat exchanger, which transfers the heat to the engine coolant system. This thermal energy is forwarded to the cab through the machine’s ventilation outlets, with residual warmth remaining in the engine.
As the heater is electronically and thermostatically controlled, it works intermittently, only burning for the amount of time required to reach the desired temperature.
The heater system is not just intended as a comfort option for the driver though. It removes the requirement for an engine block heater in colder climates and extends engine life by reducing engine cold starts. As the heater runs off the machine’s own fuel supply, there is no requirement for additional tanks or storage. There is also no need for an external power supply, as with an electric block heating system, so the machine can be left in remote areas overnight.
The heater consumes 0.27-0.62 litres/hour of fuel, making this a low cost option for customers. The pre-heater is available as an option for all two-wheel steer and four-wheel steer 3CX and 4CX models. It incorporates a self-diagnostic function to ensure trouble-free running.
