PHPD takes look at JCB’s rotating telehandlers – machines designed to perform a range of tasks on busy building sites.
Machines that can perform a number of tasks on a housebuilding site can increase efficiencies while reducing the number of vehicles on a site. One such solution is a rotating telehandler, which can be used as a traditional telehandler, a mobile crane and for platform applications.
JCB entered the market for rotating telehandlers in 2019. Initially it launched the 21-metre 555-210R model and more recently, last year, introduced a second, 26-metre variant; the 555-260R.
The machines have been designed as a versatile replacement for smaller fixed and mobile cranes, with rapid set-up, ease of use and the ability to carry out a wide range of technical lifting operations.
Typical tasks include lifting triangular roof trusses, placing and piecing together modular panels, steel erecting, handling glass and cladding while at the same time performing safe and accurate MEWP operations.
Working height
Powered by JCB’s Dieselmax engines, the rotating telescopic handler range has a 5.5-tonne maximum lift capacity maximum working heights of 20.5 and 25.5m. Addressing the issue of site safety, the machines feature all-round visibility and access.
Auto one-touch deployment, stowage and levelling of outriggers ensures ease of use and minimal set-up time, while competitive lift-end cycle times with high-flow auxiliary hydraulics ensure efficient winch work, boosting productivity.
The low-mounted, clean boom design helps to deliver all-round operator visibility, which is boosted by a package of working light and camera kit options, including a boom-head camera for precise load placement at height.
All JCB rotating telescopic handlers can be used with a wide range of attachments including pallet forks, a 5.5-tonne carriage winch, a 2-tonne x 2m jib winch, a reduced height jib, a 5.5-tonne hook, light duty shovel, 360° rotating forks and a range of useful fork-mounted accessories.
Confined spaces
Recently, a leading equipment rental firm invested in a fleet of brand new JCB rotating telehandlers in a deal worth more than £5 million – the biggest order so far for the product.
Nationwide plant hirer Charles Wilson Engineers (CW Plant) ordered 25 machines including the 21-metre 555-210R machine and 26-metre 555-260R machines.
JCB MD of Global Major Accounts Steve Fox said: “We are delighted to be sole supplier of rotating telehandlers to CW Plant. To secure such a significant contract with a leading player in the market, strengthens our longstanding partnership and is a fantastic endorsement of these new additions to our range.
“The sector is changing and with customers demanding even more versatile, higher reach machines with the capability of operating in confined spaces, it was a natural progression for JCB to add these rotating telehandler models to our world number one Loadall telescopic handler range.”
