JCB has launched the 457S, a new 20-tonne flagship for its market-leading agricultural wheeled loader range, with payloads in excess of six tonnes delivering ultimate loading performance for sugar beet hauliers, big biogas plants, and large-scale contract silage and muck spreading teams.

The new machine joins JCB’s top-end 419S and 435S wheeled loaders purpose-built for agricultural applications; and while it shares some elements of the established JCB 457 used for stockpiling and loading out of large bulk commodity stores, the ‘S’ version has a new rear chassis and counterweight, and new transmission, axles, wheels and tyres to give it outstanding capabilities for demanding outdoor roles.

The new JCB 457S wheeled loader features:

• 282hp (210kW) Dynamic power for a class-leading 14hp per tonne power-to-weight ratio

• 224hp (167kW) Economy power and auto engine shut-down to help overall fuel economy

• New six-speed manual/auto powershift with selectable torque converter lock-up

• Wide track heavy-duty 20-stud axles with limited slip or auto locking differentials

• High load capacity 710mm or 800mm radial traction tyres or hard surface tyre

• Standard or high-lift loader arms with roll-back available to minimise bucket spillage

• New JCB folding grass fork attachment – 4.88m (16ft) wide, 7.10cu m capacity

• New rear chassis with larger 400-litre fuel capacity and increased departure angle

• Wide core cooling package with swing-out auto reverse hydraulically-driven fan

• Quiet and comfortable Command Plus cab with fabric heated air suspension seat

• Contractor Pro pack adds LED 360-degree lighting, carpet, half-leather heated and ventilated seat, twin beacons, stainless steel exhaust stack

JCB Agriculture managing director John Smith said: “The new 457S loading shovel is an important addition to our range, providing a further step up in bulk loading performance with tremendous pushing power to meet the requirements of operators carrying out the most demanding applications.

“It also underlines our commitment to developing purpose-built high-capacity wheeled loaders for the agricultural market for efficient and highly productive bulk loading and handling.”