JCB shows off its first fully electric telehandler at The ARA Show

At The ARA Show in Las Vegas, JCB showcased its 505-20E, a fully electric version of the popular compact telehandler.

The 505-20E is built to deliver the same performance as conventional diesel-powered machines. It offers the same output as the JCB diesel telehandlers, but with a smaller eco-footprint.

“The most recent JCB innovation leads the world market for telescopic handlers, offering zero emissions without compromising performance, power, or productivity,” said Rebecca Yates, Senior Product Manager for Material Handling, JCB North America. “The JCB 505-20E is the perfect solution for a wide range of applications in general construction, industrial and agricultural markets, particularly where strict emissions regulations or noise pollution is an important factor.”

“JCB customers are not only concerned about performance and efficiency, but they also care about the environment,” said Ashby Graham, General Manager of Product and Marketing for JCB North America. “We are pleased to offer a machine with the same quality components JCB machines are known for while meeting sustainability initiatives. JCB engineers have optimized the machine’s battery life to meet customer requirements with a 96V Lithium-ion battery, capable of providing full-shift operation and offering a machine that’s also safe to use indoors.”

The 505-20E uses two electric motors, one for the driveline and the second to power the hydraulic system.

The 30hp hydraulic system motor powers a fixed displacement gear pump, delivering a maximum 21 gal/min of flow.

The telehandler has a 110v, 16A on-board charger capable of recharging the battery in 8-10 hours; 220v on-board charger is an option depending on the needs of the application. Also, according to product specialists, the JCB Universal Charger has the ability to rapidly top-up the battery, taking as little as 60 minutes.

JCB claims that the 505-20E is a machine built with the customer in mind, with the intention to meet their current and future needs in a variety of industry sectors.

These needs, according to JCB, include zero-emissions operation for working inside buildings, in underground construction as well as maintenance work, shipping ports, environmentally friendly sites and around hazardous materials and animals.

A secondary benefit that JCB believes to be and important benefit of electric operation is a reduction in noise levels. So, making the Loadall suitable for extended operation in noise restricted areas such as schools, inner city work, and hospitals was important.

The 505-20E delivers an in-cab noise level of just 66.7dB, while the external level is 92.2dB. A white noise reversing alarm is available standard, to warn site workers of machine movement. Additionally, the full-size ROPS/FOPS cab is ergonomically built, in an attempt to reduce fatigue in operators, featuring easily located controls. Both cab and canopy versions are available, depending on the customer’s needs.

With a slightly lower weight, the maximum lift capacity is just under the diesel variant at 5,250 lbs. However, the external dimensions of the telehandler remain the same with a 12 ft 1 in outside turn radius and an overall height of 6 ft 2 in.

The 505-20E is compatible with forks, a range of buckets and many other JCB Loadall attachments.