The two New Skid Steer Loaders to be added to JCB Construction Equipment Australia’s (CEA) range, the 135HD and 155HD, are purpose built to operate in tougher applications and confined areas.

The compact structure of the new skid steer loaders offer versatility across multiple jobs, from livestock and small farming operations to landscapers and landscape material suppliers.

Phil Withell, JCB CEA National Compact Product Manager, says that along with the standard features that come custom to the JCB skid steer range, the new machines offer increased versatility, safety and visibility.

“The all new JCBs side cab entry and our exclusive low-slung Powerboom design means that there’s excellent visibility to both the left and right side of the machine. There’s a 270 degree field of vision on the 135HD and 155HD compared with just 165 degrees on other brands on the market.”

Both models feature an ergonomic operator environment, with a cab that is 46% larger when compared with other models on the market.

The new models also feature advanced fuel filtration systems that are fitted with 95 litre standard fuel tanks, which have matching hydraulics, transmission and engine fuel-efficiency.

“These combinations ensure maximum uptime between refuelling,” Phil says.

The controls on the skid steers are robust and mechanical, meaning low complexity and running costs. All JCB new skid steer loaders have easily accessible daily maintenance points, and for more complex maintenance the 135 HD and 155 HD have been designed with unique tilting cabs for easy access to components.

“These models are designed to ensure optimum efficiency and accessibility, in even the most difficult environments.”

NT Land Development has 150,000 mango trees across 4 farms in the Northern Territory. They purchased a 541-70 Agri Super telehandler through their local dealer Forklift Solutions to trim the mango trees. A unique attachment was developed for the telehandler which has 10 rotating blades; 6 horizontal and 4 vertical.

NT Land Development produces the Calypso variety of mangoes which are in season from October to the end of February. They supply these mangoes to major Australian supermarkets and in some export markets.

Hireworks purchased a JCB 531-70 Agri telehandler through their local dealer Forklift Solutions. According to Allan Gillet, Managing Director of Hireworks, the new telehandler was purchased as part of a growing fleet of JCB telescopic handlers.

“We have been buying JCB telehandlers for the past 7 years,” says Allan. “We keep buying them because they are reliable.”

“We have had no complaints from our customers about them,” says Allan. “We find the telehandlers quick and easy to prepare for each new hire.”

The Coomalie Holding Depot is a live export depot facility supplying cattle to South East Asia. Based in the Northern Territory, the facility is responsible for getting cattle ready for export. The Coomalie Holding Depot purchased a 541-70s telehandler, 4220 Fastrac tractor and 300T compact tractor through their local dealer Forklift Solutions.

According to Hamish Brett, Manager for the Coomalie Holding Depot, the telehandler is used for unloading hay trucks and organising the feed mix.

“I use the Fastrac tractor to pull the feed in mixer wagons and I use the compact track loader to clean the cattle pens,” says Hamish. “The JCB machines are really reliable and have never let us down.”