JCB 507-42

The 507-42 telehandler from JCB is one of four new Loadall telehandlers introduced by the company in 2008. The 507-42 replaces the 6,000-pound capacity 506 and 506 CHL and 8,000-pound capacity 508 telehandler. It features a high-mounted boom design for pick-and-place applications, which varies from JCB’s typical European low-boom, tool handler-style machines. Capacity is 7,000 pounds at the maximum lift height and 1,600 pounds at its 28-foot full forward reach.

Previous JCB products utilized a full hydraulic boom extension system. While quite dependable, the design did not allow for simultaneous extension of the mid and tip sections of the boom. JCB’s new models now use the hydraulic cylinder chain combination to provide faster cycle times.
The entire driveline powering the 507-42, including the engine, axles, and powershift transmission, is manufactured by JCB.  An 85-hp DieselMax turbocharged engine is standard; 100-hp version of this engine is optional. The engine is situated transversely to the machine in a side-mounted pod. Everything is tightly packaged to minimize sight obstruction to the operator’s right-hand side. James Blower, mid-range product manager, says JCB went with this design instead of the center-mounted engine found on the 508 unit for ease of maintenance. 

Rear axle stabilization is now available on all high-mounted boom models with lift heights greater than 42 feet. RAS is determined by the speed of the machine. When driven up to 1.8 mph, the movement is dampened proportional to the speed. If the boom angle is above 36°, the axle is limited to a total of 4° of movement.

The hydraulic tank in back of the machine is actually part of the 507-42’s frame. The thick steel side plates of the frame make up the reservoir’s sides. These act to dissipate the heat from the oil that is returned from the hydraulic circuit.

For switching between attachments, a quick hitch is standard on the 507-42. A single pin on the front pulls out to remove the carriage. JCB offers standard carriages measuring 66 and 72 inches wide, side-tilting carriages, side-shifting carriages, as well as a number of other attachments. Auxiliary hydraulics is standard.

JCB has incorporated a cab with a lowered step height for the operator to easily enter. However, the cab has been set just high enough to allow virtually unobstructed views. The operator’s seat is full suspension, and the dash is automotive style in appearance. Blower notes there is a lot of commonality of parts between the company’s pick-and-place and ground-engaging machines. 
The 507-42 at the Equipment Showcase featured a fully enclosed cab. The standard machine would include a canopy with glass on the right side and on the back. A metal grid is provided protect the glass windshield from falling objects as well. Although a simple feature, a rubber fender flap protects the fuel filler cap that is located behind the cab from mud and damage. Pneumatic tires are standard. Options include foam- or calcium chloride-filled tires.
--Lift & Access