Although the Loadall’s wheelbase is short the chassis isn’t articulated, but the steering modes give it great access and manoeuvrability in small spaces. British manufacturer JCB has included telescopic loaders in its range since the 1970s, building all its own chassis, engines, transmissions, axles, cabs and booms in-house.
What we’re looking at is the new 541-70, the largest of the ‘mid-range’ machines it now makes. Although that designation might look like numerical soup, there’s a method to the system.
The ‘5’ reveals we’re talking about a telehandler – or Agri Loadall in JCB speak; the ‘41’ is its lifting capacity: 4.1 tonnes and the ‘70’ is its maximum lift height: 7m.
The engine is a ‘triple 4’ — being 4.4-litre, four-cylinder JCB design, fitted with a Borg Warner variable-vane turbo…
