With the TM280 and TM280S, JCB is closing a gap in its ‘pivot’ range. Although they share some parts with the bigger TM320S, there’s a lot different on the two new 2.8t lift models.

KEEPING IT BRIEF

  • Has a maximum lift height of 4.80m and a rated load capacity of 2.75t.
  • One of the key design features is that it stands less than 2.60m tall.
  • The DualTech transmission was reworked to go in the TM280S.
  • People like the TM320S; in fact, JCB says it’s a best seller. However, for some, its physical stature means it is just that bit too big. Which is where the new TM280 and TM280S step in. As it turns out, these two 2.75t capacity handlers actually sit lower than the long-serving 2.2t capacity, 55kW/74hp TM220.

More compact

The two 280 models have been developed in a very short time — just over two years at the behest of Lord Bamford. To do this, the JCB engineering team has used some familiar components from the larger TM320 so it garners the same look and feel. For instance, the cab is from the bigger models, but due to a new chassis design it sits 20cm lower, the TM280 standing 2.59m tall on the 20-inch tyres. 

Armrest is the same as on the TM320S, though the TM280S has a different side console — not just for controlling the transmission behaviour but also the hydraulic flow.
Most of the cab design is more or less the same as on the TM320, including the frame.

Speaking of which, there are three boot sizes: 420/75 and 500/60 that result in an overall width of 2.10m; and wider 600/50 tyres that push it out to 2.3m. The rigid five- stud axles are simply narrower versions of those employed on the 320, with limited slip (30%) differentials front and rear.

Transmission choice

Power to the axles is pumped through two different transmissions. The TM280 is a full hydrostatic machine with a speed range of 0-30km/hr. The TM280S on the other hand gets a new version of the DualTech ‘box,  which has been specially developed for the pivot-steer machine. This part hydro, part mechanical transmission was first shown in 2016 when it was debuted on some of JCB’s other Loadall models.

The version in the TM280S uses hydrostatic drive from 0-25km/hr before the clutch packs swap over to full mechanical drive to take it all the way to 40km/hr, switching back to hydro once the speed drops below 21km/hr. As well as being more efficient at speed, there is also less transmission noise. The DualTech in the pivot-steer only has one mechanical range; in contrast, the Loadall version has three. By using this transmission instead of one with a torque converter, the engineering team had more flexibility in the engine placement and could mount it lower in the chassis for better rearward visibility. We will speak about the engine in a moment, but first a couple of additional points on the transmission.

The family line-up: TM420S, TM320S and, on the right, the TM280 which stands just 2.59m tall.

Cruise control

One of the in-cab differences between the TM280S and TM320S is the side console, because the smaller model has more dials for extra transmission settings. This includes a cruise control function that can be activated by the grey button on the joystick, allowing the operator to save and recall a speed in three driving ranges.

  • Up to 20km/hr, both the engine rpm and ground speed can be manually adjusted using two dials on the side console,
  • The travel speed can also be adjusted up to 20km/r independently of the engine rpm — ideal when using hydraulic operated attachments such as bucket brushes etc.
  • Between 0 and 40km/hr only the driving speed can be saved.
The four-cylinder JCB motor delivers 96kW/130hp in the S variant.

S gets extra juice

Both 280 models have a 4.8-litre JCB motor mounted transversely in their tail. In the TM280 model, this four-cylinder develops 81kW/109hp with 516Nm of torque. In the TM280S this stat is upped to 97kW/130hp with 550Nm. The filler neck for the fuel tank lives at the rear right of the machine under the lockable bonnet. There is also an AdBlue tank for the SCR unit in the Stage V compliant engine. Engine service intervals are every 500 hours. 

Once the bonnet is open, a lower panel can be removed without any tools, allowing the cooling pack to unfold for cleaning. 

On the subject of maintenance, all the main grease points with graphite-impregnated bushes only need visiting with the grease gun every 500 hours —in other words, when the engine service is carried out.

The business end

At the other end of the newly designed chassis is the single-stage boom. When fully extended, this has a maximum lift height of 4.80m. When the boom is retracted, and at full lock, the tipping load capacity of the two 280s is 2,750kg. Keep it heading straight, and you should be able to lift 4,630kg.

These newcomers also follow the JCB pivot norm of having the rams for the parallel lift control either side of the boom — good for an even load distribution and maintenance, though it does make it broader than others. On the end, you get a choice of pin and cone, loader style Euro 8 or JCB Q-Fit heads. 

The hydraulics are catered for by a 140l/min piston pump. There is a pressure relief system for the front auxiliary. Another nice touch is that you can control the flow to the third function from a dial located on the side console. More than that, if the pipes have been plugged in the wrong way around, just flip the dial to the other side and the flow is then reversed, allowing you to operate the joystick roller switch in your preferred way without leaving the seat. 

The axles also come from the bigger TM, but they have a narrower track width.
JCB has developed this retractable pick-up hitch. You can see the camera on the left, making it a doddle to line up with a trailer.

Other details

  • JCB sticks with its rigid axle but oscillating pivot design with 43° steering angle and +/- 10° lateral movement.
  • Boom suspension kicks in automatically from 6km/hr.
  • A three-pin power socket at the front of the boom is now available.
  • LED work lights on the telescopic boom and 10 work lights around the cab form the 360 lighting pack.
  • Single or dual line hydraulic brakes are part of the pick-up hitch option.
  • There’s a choice of Agri, Agri Plus and Agri Pro. A TM280 starts from £110,426, the TM280S kicks off at £115,637.

Summary

With the TM280(S), JCB has given its two new additions a similar look and feel to those of the bigger TM machines. The S is particularly interesting, not just because of the extra power it has, but also the DualTech transmission. The capability to give seamless speeds in the lower hydrostatic range and then shift to the one range mechanical ratio for greater efficiency is intriguing. And now that the development work is done, could we perhaps see the bigger TMs adopt this transmission in the future? It’s an intriguing prospect.

Lucas Colsman, Mervyn Bailey

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