Time of the black and yellow

Until recently, farmers of Bolshevik Agricultural Cooperative in Belgorod oblast preferred exclusively red loaders. They had been fully satisfied with the brand until they got to know JCB machines.

At Bolshevik Cooperative, the year 2020 was marked by local ‘technical revolution’ - the red machines were replaced with powerful black and yellow loaders by JCB.

‘Two years ago, AgroCentre held a demo of the JCB 531-70 Loadall on our farm’, recalls Igor Vasilchenko, Chief Engineer of Bolshevik Agricultural Cooperative. ‘By that time, our machines had become outdated, and we decided to see a JCB all-rounder in operation. The telehandler impressed us and a few months later, we bought the first black and yellow helper from the dealer. By now, it has already done 1,500 engine hours.’

The best-selling JCB 531-70 comes equipped with a potent JCB Dieselmax Stage V engine. Together with the transmission and axles, it ensures perfect operation of all machine components. The engine power ranges from 100 to 130 hp, and the torque at low revs allows for running at less load.

‘All daily checkups of the 531-70 Loadall are quick, simple and safe and can be carried out at ground level’, says Aleksandr Zhukov, Sales Rep of Belgorod branch of AgroCentreLiski. ‘The one-piece bonnet fixed with a gas strut is designed for convenient access. The radiator chaff guard fan keeps debris out of the cooling package, and the flat floor with drain channels makes for easy cleaning of the cab.’

JCB 531-70's excellent performance and reliability prompted Bolshevik farmers to purchase a second telehandler, the JCB 535-95. The machine with a robust 9.5-metre boom and a lifting capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes is built for heavy-duty applications.

‘Our former units lacked the boom reach’, continues Igor Vasilchenko. ‘The stable boom and high lifting capacity of the new telehandler allow for piling and stacking grain, tackling various tasks on the farm and in the field just at the touch of a button. In the run-up to the new year, AgroCentre made us a great present – delivered the all-rounder to the farm, and in a few weeks, it will get into top gear.’

The undercarriage of the JCB 535-95 is the main design benefit. The sturdy chassis provides stability with the maximum lifting capacity when working on any surface. All swivel wheels 4 x 4 x 4 make the telehandler the most manoeuvrable in its class. This is also ensured by machine's compact wheelbase, improved steering system and a large viewing angle from operator's cab.

‘JCB 535-95’s cab is one of the largest around boasting convenient access’, notes Aleksandr Zhukov. ‘A large glass window area is to help the driver manoeuvre and work in tight spaces. Besides, the cab meets all safety standards and protects the person in case of overturning and falling debris. The seat and the steering column have several independent adjustments, all controls and instruments are located for quick and easy access.’

For Russian agricultural producers, JCB telehandlers have become virtually indispensable over the last 25 years proving their ultimate reliability, performance and cost efficiency. So, the time of the black and yellow is gaining momentum.