JCB diggers get Thatcham three-star approval

JCB has become the first plant manufacturer to gain Thatcham's three-star security rating on its machines - in this case JS and JZ Auto wheeled and tracked excavators and 801 and 8020 minis. To get the three-star rating, machines have to be Cesar registered, have an individual key and a Thatcham-approved immobiliser.

From the start of 2010, all JS and JZ Auto excavators will be supplied with a keypad which requires a PIN number to be entered before the engine will start. The 801 range and the 8020 will have a unique key, although a keypad is an option as is LiveLink, JCB's satellite tracking system, which is also available on most JCB machines.

Making the announcement at the fifth annual CITS conference held at the manufacturer's premises in Rocester, JCB's sales director Yvette Henshall-Bell said the firm was working on achieving three-star rating on its other machines.

JCB Insurance will offer premium discounts of up to 45% on the manufacturer's threestar rated machines.