Building upon the success of the 3.2t lift capacity TM320 and TM320S, the new JCB TM420 provides 4.1 tonnes of lift capacity from ground level to full height (32% more than from the TM320S), and 200mm of additional lift height at 5.4m to more easily load high-sided diet feeders and storage bins. The new bigger capacity telehandler incorporates all the improvements and upgrades from the latest-specification TM320 and TM320S, including an improved cab with instruments providing daily start-up checks from the driver’s seat; LED lighting options; and self-lubricating bushes that extend greasing intervals to 500 hours.

The newcomer also uses the same 145hp (108kW) JCB EcoMAX 4.8-litre 4cyl engine, which meets Stage IV emissions rules using SCR but no DPF. Buyers can opt for a hydraulically-driven cooling fan with manual reversing or auto reversing every 15 or 30 minutes to clean dust and debris from the cooling pack. Power and torque are transmitted through a six-speed powershift, which can be operated manually or in automatic mode. Automatic torque converter lock-up provides direct drive from gear two onwards, which says JCB, gives the TM420 good silage clamp climbing ability, and on the road the newcomer has a top speed of 40km/hr. Other features include regenerative hydraulics circuit for faster boom lowering for quicker loading cycles, a tougher chassis with larger pins and bushes for the centre pivot and loader, heavier-duty axles with permanent 4wd to handle the increased payload and 26in wheels with larger tyres. “It’s as if the TM320S has been to the gym,” said JCB chief innovation and growth officer Tim Burnhope. “It’s got more muscle where it counts but remains a compact and highly manoeuvrable machine that suits anyone wanting to exploit the performance and durability of a wheeled loader with the versatility of a telescopic handler.”

Retaining nearly the same wheelbase and overall size as the other models, the TM420 will be launched at Agritechnica.