JCB launch 'Hi-Viz' dumper truck
news11th July 2017
JCB have announced a new concept in site dumper trucks - a seven-tonne high-visibility or 'Hi-Viz' model designed to protect operators and passers-by with greater comfort, stability and an improved field of view.
Production is due to begin before the end of the year at JCB's headquarters in Rochester, Staffordshire, with nine other site dumpers ranging from one to nine tonnes also due to be launched, in a move that should create over 50 new jobs with the company.
The Hi-Viz dumper truck and its nine siblings are expected to sell strongest to the UK and Ireland market, as well as in the export market to France.
JCB CEO Graeme Macdonald said: "JCB has offered a range of site dumpers under a supply agreement with a third-party manufacturer since 2015. In deciding to begin manufacturing our own range, we have taken the opportunity to innovate and we have developed a solution that directly addresses safety concerns.
"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."
Driver visibility in the Hi-Viz dumper is improved thanks to a low skip height which allows objects over 1.2m in height to be seen easily from the driver's cab, even when the skip is fully loaded - exceeding the statutory requirement for objects over 1.5m to be visible at 1m or more from the unladen vehicle.
A longer wheel base and low centre of gravity improve stability, while the front of the skip extends beyond the front wheels, giving the front axle good dump clearance.
JCB have confirmed that when the Hi-Viz site dumper goes into full production at the end of 2017, it will be available in two versions - forward-tip and swivel-tip - ensuring that the load can be dumped safely in different site conditions.
Written by Ian Johnson