Groundbreaking JCB Hyrdadig Arrives in Australia

JCB Construction Equipment Australia (CEA) has announced the addition of the Hydradig to its compact wheeled machine product range, bringing a whole new level of innovation in machinery to Australia.

The Hydradig is a ground-breaking digging, lifting, tool-carrying machine for urban construction, highway maintenance and council works. It was designed in response to five key challenges in today’s construction sector: visibility, stability, manoeuvrability, mobility and serviceability.

According to Deon Cope, JCBCEA National Product Manager for Hydradig, Australian customers can expect a machine that has innovation running right through the heart of it.

“The Hyrdadig is a machine that will offer the best results on site, and in the safest and most productive manner,” Deon says.

“With jobsites becoming increasingly congested, the Hydradig offers a new solution that rethinks machine design conventions.”

A key challenge for operators and machinery is visibility, so the Hydradig offers panoramic views and the ability to see all four tyres.

“The driveline is mounted in the lower chassis and there are no engine covers or fluid tanks so the Hydradig is built with 360 degrees visibility. As the engine is no longer mounted in the upper bodywork, there is no requirement for additional handrails, mirrors or a rear-view camera,” Deon says.

“The low centre of gravity allows stable lifting and excellent travel speeds, and the Hydradig has the shortest tailswing on the market, plus an overall height up to 150mm lower than other brands.

“For mobility, the Hydradig is able to travel up to 40 km/h, with stepless hydrostatic drive to all four wheels, and an extended all-wheel steer chassis,” Deon says.

The Hydradig also comes with three steering modes as standard – two-wheel steer, four-wheel steer and crab steering. As well, it comes with an optional reverse steer function, which changes the direction of the steering wheels when rotated at 180 degrees.

“The steering options available on the Hydradig make it a great machine for those confined workspaces in metro jobsites, and the stepless hydrostatic transmission ensures maximum traction and manoeuvrability on tough terrains,” Deon says.

When it comes to serviceability, the side-mounted engine has a wide-opening steel canopy that provides complete ground-level access to the engine and cooling pack.

“All daily service checks and regular maintenance can be safely carried out from ground level, with a lift-up engine canopy providing excellent access to the engine and filter. This reduces downtime and provides on-site safety as there is no working at height requirement.”

The Hydradig uses well-proven JCB components and technologies, including the JCB Ecomax engine and also comes with JCB’s LiveLink telematic system, allowing operators to monitor fuel use and access operating data remotely.

“The Hydradig is a machine that has true innovation as its heart, and because it is designed to both dig and lift, it has changed the wheeled tool carrier concept, completely transforming the market,” Deon says.

To find out more about the JCB Hydradig, go to jcbcea.com.au/hydradig/