New JCB electric wheeled loader

14 June 2023

New from JCB is the 403E compact wheeled loader, the latest addition to the manufacturer’s E-Tech line-up of battery powered machines. 

Power comes from a 20kWh lithium-ion battery and a 33.4kW peak power drive motor offers three driving modes.  ZF axles with an integrated drop-box are incorporated for permanent four-wheel drive.

Performance is said to be comparable to the diesel 403 variant and the machine can typically operate for four to five hours of continuous use in a mixed duty cycle.

A built-in charger allows connection to a range of on-site power sources. A 110V socket will fully charge the batteries in 12 hours, while a 230V industrial or domestic plug will charge the battery pack in eight hours. JCB’s off-board rapid charger can also be used to deliver a full charge from a three-phase supply in two hours.

The machine has two independent electric motors, one for the driveline and one for the hydraulics. The three driving setting include Hare Mode (12mph), Tortoise Mode (5mph) to extend battery life, and Snail Mode which has a 3mph maximum speed, adjustable in increments for precision driving and inching. 

The loader arms are available in standard and high-lift configurations and the 403E has a transport weight of 2671kg. 

The machine is being offered with a fixed or folding canopy initially, with a fully glazed cab available from Q3 in 2023.