JCB has built and manufactured mini excavators since 1964. In fulfilling our commitment to feeding North America, we have created a range of excavators that includes everything from stand-behind and sit-on minis to a 10-ton, first-in-class machine.

This article takes a deep dive into the makeup of the 35Z-1 and the 50Z-1 mini excavators and the unique advantages these machines offer.

Results that Count

With every innovation, JCB continues to prioritize the things farmers need and expect from their equipment. Things like improved safety, reduced costs and easy management.

Easy Management

JCB LiveLink delivers metrics that enable you to manage your machine more effectively and plan a maintenance schedule in advance. It provides instant notifications when a service is due and critical alerts if there are any serious mechanical or electrical problems with your machine. This means you can quickly address issues so your mini excavator can get back out there where it earns you money.

35Z-1 Mini Excavator

In 2018 and 2019, JCB began developing the 35Z-1 Mini Excavator. With 55 years of excavator experience and customer feedback driving innovation, JCB built a 3,556-kilogram (7,840-pound) machine that met capacity requirements and remained under the transportation-required weight thresholds.

When benchmarking the machine against North American competitors, JCB’s engineers focused on taking the best from each competitor, making it better and pouring all of that into one machine. The result was a 3.5-ton mini excavator with a long list of advantages on the farm.

Benefits of the 35Z-1:

• Durability
  • 100% steel bodywork
  • Heavy-duty kingpost with durable rebushable pivots that optimize service life
  • Cab door positioned within the counterweight length when folded back, for protection from damage during operation
• Comfort
  • Bluetooth radio with hands-free, auxiliary socket and 12-volt phone charger
  • Machine health-check system
  • Fully adjustable suspension seating with independent adjustable positions
  • ISO/SAE changeover easily toggled inside the cab
• Performance
  • Enhanced hydraulic attachment operation with new electro-proportional joysticks
  • Simplified range thumb attachment
  • Bucket tearout forces of up to 32.0 kN combined with fast cycle times for unrivaled productivity
  • Dig depth and reach greater than the competition
• Safety and Serviceability
  • Unprecedented service access with:
    • Bolt-on service panels
    • Battery relocated to side panel
    • External fuel cap
    • Removable cab floor
    • Wide-opening steel bonnet
  • Machine health check on first key-on of the day for consistent status evaluation
  • LiveLink to control machines at the touch of a button (optional)
  • Unique JCB 2GO system
  • Zero tail swing, staying within its footprint when slewing
• Cost of Ownership
  • 500-hour greasing intervals for less downtime with graphite-impregnated bronze bushes
  • Load-sensing hydraulics that conserve fuel and only consume power where needed
  • Programmable auto idle and four different engine modes for reduced fuel consumption
  • Quick turnaround with easy-to-clean, sloping H-frame undercarriage
  • No DPF

JCB’s objective from the start was not to make a comparable machine, but to make a better one. Competitor testing proved that we accomplished that mission. The 35Z-1 outperformed competitors in hydraulic power, serviceability, safety and cost.

Specifications:

50Z-1 Mini Excavator

In 2020, JCB began working to create a direct replacement for the 48Z-1. The intention was to improve upon the 48Z-1 by offering longer dig-end geometry that would increase dig depth, reach and dump height. The result was the 50Z-1 Mini Excavator.

With a larger dig end, the 5-ton excavator design advanced reach, dig and dump ranges; allowed for increased productivity; and created a greater competitive advantage.

The 50Z-1 offers all the same product features found in the 48Z-1 and JCB’s other mini excavator offerings, plus several more.

• Ease of Use
  • 17.78 cm (7") color display screen, as seen in our big X-series excavators
  • Programmable auxiliary for up to 10 attachments
  • Rotary-dial screen navigation and ergonomic switch layout
  • Automatic auxiliary venting
  • ISO/SAE changeover
• Comfort
  • Hands-free Bluetooth radio, auxiliary socket and 12-volt charger
  • Redesigned tracking pedals with auxiliary and boom swing control on the joysticks that leave a clear, flat floor with plenty of legroom
  • High-back suspension seat with optional heated air suspension seat
• Performance
  • Tilt-rotate ready for versatility on-site
  • Nachi Slew motor for superior torque and control
  • Bosch Rexroth pump and main control valve
  • Heavy-duty, fully bushed kingpost, offset for greater visibility
• Safety and Serviceability
  • Machine health check on first key-on of the day for consistent status evaluation
  • Unique JCB 2GO hydraulic activation system
  • Lift overload warning system visible on the 17.78 cm (7") screen
  • Super-bright LED lights with new follow-me-home feature as standard
• Cost of Ownership
  • 500-hour greasing intervals for less downtime with graphite-impregnated bronze bushes
  • Programmable auto idle, auto engine stop and four different engine modes for reduced fuel consumption
  • Quick turnaround with easy-to-clean, H-frame undercarriage, easy-access daily checks and automatic on-screen health check
  • Increased uptime and reduced admin with five-year JCB LiveLink subscription
  • No DPF, DEF or SCR

Specifications:

What Customers Say

Just as JCB gathers customer feedback before creating a new machine, we also check in with our customers to find out what they think of products that have already launched. Here’s what customers are saying about the 35Z-1 and 50Z-1 mini excavators:

“Love the safety aspects.”

“Cab is comfortable.”

“Service access is very nice.”

“Machine performed as it should. No complaints.”

Mini excavators accomplish what other machines cannot. Visit www.JCB.com for more information.