JCB has launched the 520X crawler excavator, a 50-tonne class machine that takes the manufacturer’s X-Series tracked excavator range into a new market segment. The 520X completes JCB’s Heavyline crawler excavator range, which already comprises the 370X and recently launched 420X models.
The 520X has an operating weight of 52–57 tonnes depending on build specification. It can be configured with a standard 6.9m boom for maximum versatility, or a 6.5m mass excavation boom for customers focused on the highest output. A 2.55m or 3.0m heavy-duty arm is available on the 6.5m mass excavation boom, while a 3.0m or 3.3m arm can be fitted to the 6.9m reach boom. The machine is capable of handling buckets in the 2.8–3.4m3 range, depending on specification.
Maximum digging reach is 11.8m with the reach boom and longer arm, with a maximum digging depth of 7.8m. Maximum dump height is 7.5m. The 520X has a dipper tearout force of up to 279kN, while bucket tearout is as high as 318kN.
The 520X is powered by a Cummins X12 diesel engine. The 11.8-litre engine delivers 298kW (400hp) at 1,800rpm, with 1,969Nm of torque available at 1,400rpm. The engine drives twin variable displacement axial piston hydraulic pumps, producing 404 l/min each of hydraulic flow. The hydraulic system features larger diameter pipework and a hydraulically-driven cooling fan to reduce fuel consumption, while a dual slew motor system delivers competitive cycle times.
In standard Earthmoving Pro specification, the 520X has two heavy-duty undercarriage options: a fixed 2,740mm track gauge or a mechanically adjustable variable width track of 2,390mm to 2,890mm. Customers can specify 600–900mm track pads, and there are two counterweight options, a fixed 10.5-tonne weight and a hydraulically-removable 9.8-tonne counterweight.
The 520X joins the 40-tonne class 420X, which is aimed primarily at aggregate production, contract crushing, demolition, earthmoving and quarrying customers. Building on the JCB 370X, the 420X has been designed to handle the most arduous applications, from mass excavation and aggregate extraction to demolition and crusher loading. It comes with a standard Earthmoving Pro Pack including a 2.6m3 heavy-duty bucket, up from the 2.34m3 bucket on the 370X, a 10% volumetric increase achieved through a heavy-duty reinforced boom and arm as standard.
The 420X arm is available in 2.63m and 3.23m lengths, with additional wear strips on the inner face and increased plate thickness reinforcing all front-end components. The arm’s hydraulic cylinder diameter has been increased compared with the 370X, delivering increased breakout performance, particularly in dense material. Larger diameter boom cylinders contribute to increased lifting capability over the front end, with the 420X capable of lifting over 940kg more at maximum reach than the lighter model.
The 420X benefits from a larger undercarriage with a wider track gauge that delivers an 11% improvement in over-the-side lifting capability compared with the 370X. The undercarriage is two track plates longer than the 370X, boosting over-the-front lifting and improving stability when working with attachments. The machine has 50-tonne class track motors, delivering a 21% increase in tractive effort, up to 345kN. Above the tracks, the 420X has a 40mm larger slew ring with a higher load bearing capacity, while the slew motor and gearbox have been upgraded to offer a boost in slew torque with lower noise levels.
The 420X is powered by a 240kW (321hp) Stage V diesel engine developing up to 1,526Nm of torque. Engine speed is raised versus the 370X, contributing to the increased output and a rise in hydraulic flow for more efficient multi-tasking when excavating and lifting. Auto Boost is fitted as standard.
Both machines can be specified with an optional Heavy-Duty Pro Pack, which includes additional side impact protection plates, heavy-duty belly plates, bucket ram guards and working light guards. Both Earthmoving Pro and Heavy-Duty Pro models can be ordered with foldable side walkways for maintenance and easier service access.
All X-Series machines benefit from JCB’s CommandPlus cab, specified with a heated and ventilated operator’s seat with electric lumbar adjustment. The JCB UX user interface is standard, incorporating a 10in full colour touchscreen monitor that can be customised to suit individual operator preferences, with bespoke hotkeys for rapid access to regularly used functions. JCB has introduced keyless start on the X-Series, and the monitor allows operators to create up to 25 user profiles to save customised joystick and switch choices.
The cab is ROPS certified as standard and features JCB’s 2-Go hydraulic isolation system. A high-definition 360 camera is fitted as standard and integrated into the UX display, while 14 LED working lights deliver visibility in all lighting conditions. Standard JCB LiveLink telematics monitoring provides real-time data including fuel consumption, idling times and fuel levels, alongside service warnings, maintenance requirements and remote geolocation functions.
Image: JCB
