JCB’s 444 engine reaches 100-unit milestone

Production of JCB’s 444 engine has now passed the 100 units per day mark.

The company said the move into engine production was in response to clear business needs, as production of earthmoving machinery had reached the level required to sustain it.

Tim Leverton, JCB’s group engineering director, said: “Over the next 10 years, the dominant influence on construction machinery engineering will be exhaust emission compliance.”

He says the 444 engine is ‘future-proof’ and can comply with all known forthcoming emissions regulations.

For Stage IIIa, the engine will receive common-rail injection above 75kW, and internal exhaust gas recirculation. Stage IIIb engines will be fitted with diesel particulate traps, while higher output versions could require additional after-treatment.

Currently, the engine has power ratings from 56kW to 106kW, with versions up to 120kW planned. Service intervals are 500hrs and the single auto-tensioned poly-vee belt driving the alternator and water pump will last the life of the engine.

The company said in-service experience has been very positive and it is planning a service exchange scheme and remanufacturing facility.