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PROFI TEST

Driving impression: JCB Telemaster TM310S Agri pivot-steer telehandler

Cheadle keeps faith


with the artic alternative
The pivot-steer handler would appear to offer a mix of some

B
key advantages of the telehandler and the loading shovel but,
igger, better, faster, more. That’s
despite this, the ‘artic’ market remains the preserve of just a
generally how the wish list goes when handful of manufacturers. Four years on from our JCB TM300
users of a particular machine are asked driving impression (profi 06/03), Martin Rickatson
by the manufacturer what they’d like to
see in the current design’s successor. And spends a day with the S version of JCB’s
that is exactly how it was, according to Cheadle-built Telemaster TM310
JCB, when the firm surveyed owners and
operators of its Telemaster TM300 pivot-
steer telehandler. Bigger engine, better
visibility, faster hydraulics and more lift A solid rear counterweight replaces the TM’s
capacity were just some of the upgrades previous pressed steel version, while total fuel
requested, and the maker duly obliged capacity is now 160 litres from a single tank.
on those four points, and others, with the
spring 2007 launch of the TM310 and its plant, with fuel capacity up 10 litres to 160
slightly more powerful TM310S sibling. litres courtesy of a new single tank. The
Before proceeding any further, it’s worth critical difference is that, on the S model,
defining the difference between the two the 4-cyl, 4.4-litre engine is tweaked to
variants that makes up the £1,100 price generate an extra 15hp, giving the TM310S
premium for an S model. Both machines a 145hp rated output; the standard TM310
employ JCB’s own Dieselmax 444 power- produces 130hp. Respective max torque
figures at 1,500rpm are 550/532Nm, and
Third incarnation of its pivot-steer telehandler, JCB’s the torque curve is more graduated than
Telemaster TM310 Agri, tested here in 145hp S spec, that on the old 300, the engine holding on
benefits from more power, lift and hydraulic output. longer when lugging down. These

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stats compare with 121hp/434Nm ratings Loader back-end stays securely
for the superseded TM300. Other engine planted when the nose is hard
upgrades common to both models include at work on a muckheap. Vision
a stacked cooling pack. A new wider one- is excellent to the front, less
piece bonnet, which can be opened from so to the rear – but then the
the ground, extends to cover items such latter is true of most handlers.
as the fuel cap on the offside mudguard,
but overall width remains just over 2.3m.
The engine and transmission oil dipsticks/ The transmission can be
filters are grouped and easily accessed, worked in one of three
and there is an outer sight glass on the switch-prompted modes
opposite side for hydraulic oil level. – Power, Field and Eco
Aside from the power hike, the two TMs
are identical, lifting to a maximum height
– via an armrest switch
that illuminates symbols
DATA SHEET
of 5.2m (as on the TM300) and with a max on the new electro dash, JCB Telemaster
which supersedes the familiar JCB silver
dials. The first of these modes suits laden TM310S Agri
trailer haulage, using the full rpm range Engine: JCB Dieselmax 444 unit with
of each gear for optimum pulling power. four cylinders and 4.4-litre capacity,
Field mode auto-changes through all the common-rail electronic fuel delivery.
speeds, except for sixth, for faster in-field Turbocharged and intercooled. Max
movement between bales, for example, output 145hp (130hp on standard
whereas Eco mode is suggested as ideal TM310). Max torque @ 1,500rpm is
for road travel without a load, it changing 550Nm (532Nm on standard TM310).
through the gears quickly to make it up to Fuel capacity 160 litres
speed as fast as possible while sipping
Transmission: 6F/4R auto powershift
minimal fuel. Additionally, a kick-down
and torque converter with torque-
button on the shuttle allows the driver to
lock in 5th/6th; Power, Field and Eco
shift down/up one speed in the first three
modes; transmission kick-down.
gears, according to the preset gear on the
Shuttle via steering column lever or
stalk, for work such as silage clamping.
joystick switch. Standard front and
rear limited slip diffs. Full-time 4WD.
As is becoming the fashion, the shuttle
Top speed of 40km/hr
can be operated from the main joystick,
Power comes courtesy of JCB’s own Dieselmax 444 although JCB continues to also spec a Axles: JCB epicyclic hub reduction
engine. The only difference between standard and column-mounted shuttle, allowing the drive axles for the front and rear with
S specification models is an electronic tweak to the operator to choose his preferred method Max-Trac torque-proportioning diffs.
fuel pump, which provides an extra 15hp on the S. of changing direction. Upside is that this Oil-immersed inboard multi-disc
gives both options to the operator who brake on front axle providing braking
needs time to convert to the benefits of to all four wheels. Parking brake via
lift capacity of 3,100kg (up 100kg), both shuttling and operating the boom with disc on gearbox output shaft
benefiting from a solid counterweight to the same hand. Downside, however, is Hydraulic system: 140-litre/min
replace the previous pressed steel unit. that it can be a little confusing unless the Variflo piston pump. Max pressure
Whether the additional £1,100 cost of the operator is solely focused upon using one 230 bar. Max lift capacity 3,100kg (to
S’s extra power is justifiable very much or the other. For the uninitiated, it’s easy full height), max lift height 5.20m,
depends on the type of work the machine to head for a heap with forward selected max reach 3.0m, reach at max lift
is likely to be asked to do: If a lot of silage on the column shuttle, apply the brake as height 1.38m, lift capacity at max
clamp or muck loading work is involved, reach 1,650kg. Smooth Ride boom
for example, it’s probably warranted. suspension fitted as standard
Tyres: Michelin XM CL 460/70R24
Perhaps the most significant JCB upgrade (500/70R24 option)
from 300 to 310 specification, though, is Hoses in the
in the transmission department. Whereas pivot area Dimensions: Overall height 2,695mm,
the 300 driver had a 35km/hr four-speed are now overall width 2,344mm, overall
powershift at his right hand, the 310/310S encased in length (minus carriage) 4,715mm,
operator now gains two further speeds full nylon wheelbase 2,500mm, machine
and a top travel rate of 40km/hr, courtesy wrapping ground clearance 444mm, turning
of a transmission donation from the JCB and sit on a radius (outer) 4,382mm
Loadall range. There is a torque lock that nylon wear Weight: 8,000kg
operates in speeds five and six to limit plate, to Price (excl. VAT): £50,330 (130hp
torque converter slippage and ensure a extend the 310), £51,465 (145hp 310S)
true 40km/hr travel. working life.

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PROFI TEST

the load is lifted and then inadvertently service. These are worked via a pair of
select reverse via the joystick switch with roller wheels on top of the joystick, and
the column shuttle still in its ‘forward’ while these do the job, we have to profess
position, whereupon either the switch or a preference for the roller wheels used by
column shuttle must be returned to its some other makers. In all other aspects,
neutral position before further progress however, JCB’s joystick is a pleasant unit
can be made. to work with, and is further enhanced by
a pair of little buttons above the thumb
That said, having worked with joystick- switches, one button for diverting the oil
operated shuttles before, we found it to the rear spool for trailer tipping, the
relatively simple to adapt to one-handed other permitting constant pumping for
operation of the boom, the other firmly operation of auger bucket/road brushes.
on the wheel, and once the operator has There is also a boom isolation switch for
established a preference for one or the when working with a man platform.
other, the above comment is not really an
issue. Operating on a fresh – read soft – Externally, the cab looks similar to that
muckheap, we found shuttle response used on the previous TM, save for new
swift and the engine to provide plenty JCB’s retro silver dials are replaced by a new digital cab steps angled into the mudguard, but
of climbing ‘grunt’ when pushing into dash, which includes a performance monitor function there are some key interior differences,
the heap or clambering up it to build with fuel use display. Layout is clear and effective. starting with the seating position. While
material higher. Loader grip was also in the machine itself is the same height as
plentiful supply, thanks going primarily its 300 forebear, the cab floor has been
Joystick accommodates proportional control thumb
to the fact that JCB now fits as standard lowered by 80mm and the seat by 40mm.
switches for boom extend/retract and auxiliary service,
front and rear limited slip differentials, Downside of this is that the formerly flat
plus a F/R shuttle switch. Column shuttle is still fitted.
an essential option on previous yellow floor now gains a hump to accommodate
pivot steers. As an aside here, standard the main hydraulic pump, whereas the
tyre fitment is now the Michelin XM CL upside is that the operator enjoys much-
boot in 460/70 R24 spec, with a 500/70 needed extra headroom. Vision-wise, the
R24 option. A semi-industrial tyre with glass area remains unchanged, and view
10% thicker sidewalls, the XM CL design from the seat is impressive, save for out
is claimed to last up to 43% longer than to the TM handler’s rear, where it could
comparative rubber. be very easy to scrape the outer edges of
the counterweight. Doors can be latched
While on the subject of clamp-climbing, open, but it’s unfortunately not possible
it’s worth noting all the different design to release them from inside the cab.
approaches taken by pivot-steer handler While the dash pod itself stays the same,
makers to articulation, and more to the JCB’s silver dials are replaced on the 310
point, oscillation. While several makers /S by a digital display, and the steering
site the oscillation point on their models wheel which sprouts from beneath it is
on the rear axle, the Telemaster, like its adjustable for reach as well as rake. The
predecessor unit, oscillates ahead of the offside console is largely unchanged, but
articulation point. The merits/minuses of to the left of the operator JCB has done
each type are probably outside the scope away with the old storage box in favour of
of this article, but the Telemaster keeps a large moulded tray around the hand-
its wheels planted and feels stable and test day, with minimal right foot required brake. Air-conditioning is still an option,
secure on the clamp even when the front to lift a hefty forkful from the heap, which though justification probably depends on
and rear sections are at different angles. should also have a beneficial effect on how much intensive work – field bale-
Incidentally, the TM310/S uses the same fuel consumption. shifting, for instance – the machine will
pivot as the old TM300 model, but hoses Variable flow to auxiliary services should be expected to perform.
in the pivot area are now encased inside also bring operational pluses to those
nylon wrapping and sit on a nylon wear using equipment such as auger buckets Summary: JCB’s latest Telemaster pivot-
plate, which should prolong hose life. or dispensers, ensuring that changes in steer handler answers many of the key
Engine power, of course, is only half of engine rpm do not affect feed-out rates. demands on the ‘want’ list of owners and
the loader design story when shifting and To pair with the TM’s increased hydraulic operators of its previous TM300, in areas
lifting. Answering customer calls for more output, JCB has revised the boom’s front- such as fuel capacity, operator headroom,
hydraulic output at the same time, JCB end geometry, upping the performance hydraulic flow and lifting power.
has rethought the issue of oil delivery and from fully dumped with greater tear-out Then there are the extra horses available,
switched from a multi-gear pump unit to force. Smooth Ride boom suspension is particularly if the wallet is levered open
a piston unit with ‘Variflo’ variable flow now standard on both models. that little bit wider for an ‘S’ spec model.
capability, raising flow rates by 20 litres/ Controlling all of the boom functions, the In short, the new JCB TM310 pivot-steer
min to 140 litres/min. The advantages of TM joystick includes proportional control handler is clearly a lot more than just a
greater flow were clearly evident on our of boom extend/retract and the auxiliary reworked TM300.

profi 11/2007 24 www.profi.co.uk

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