1977 - The first ever JCB telehandler is launched, the 520 model

Until then, farmers had simply stacked bales, loaded muck and shovelled grain using tractor-mounted hydraulic loaders. The considerably greater versatility and output potential of a telescopic handler raised the productivity of the farm workforce and showed the value of a purpose-designed machine dedicated to farm materials handling.

JCB's first telescopic handler – the two-wheel drive JCB 520 – was designed primarily with construction sites in mind but its potential for farm work was also recognised. A lighter version with optional four-wheel drive introduced in 1981 delivered the levels of traction and improved power-to-weight ratio that farmers needed to operate their handler out in the field as well as on the firm – if often mucky – surfaces of a farm yard and buildings.

The ‘Loadall' name was adopted for JCB's pioneering product line in 1982, and slicker gear shifting and faster travel speeds were among the benefits of JCB installing its own Synchro-Shuttle transmission in 1986. The following year brought Servo joystick control for added operator comfort and ease of use.

The shape of Loadall telehandlers changed in 1989 when the rear-engined 525-58 and 525-67 machines were launched with multi-mode steering and equal size wheels and tyres all round.

1990 - The JCB 530-67

In addition to front-end two-wheel steering that made it easier to pilot a Loadall along the road, drivers could enjoy pirouetting in tight circles with all wheels steering or even shuffling sideways in crab-steer mode to get out of an awkward corner or take the edge of a bucket along the bottom of a wall in a cattle yard.

A key advantage of the rear-engine installation was the lower boom mounting, which improved rearward visibility. More power and traction were added in 1996 with the 106hp 526S and 24in wheels and tyres.

1997 - The JCB 530-70 is launched

By 1997, JCB had identified the advantages of mounting the engine not in the middle of the chassis or in the tail but offset between the wheels on the right-hand side. This allowed a further reduction in the height of the boom pivot for even better visibility over the earlier right-rear blind spot, while providing unmatched service access to the power unit, cooling pack and hydraulics.

Farmer demand for more power and performance were met with the introduction of Super models in 2001, featuring 120hp engines and a five-speed powershift transmission with 40kph top speed. At the same time, Smooth Ride System boom suspension brought new levels of load stability and operator ride comfort.

Power and fuel efficiency benefitted again in 2005 when JCB's own engine – the 4.4-litre Dieselmax with 100hp using mechanical fuel injection – was introduced in the rear-engined Loadall 526/526S and 528/528S.

2005 - The JCB 526S model is launched

Output was increased to 125hp for the engine's debut during 2006 in the side-engine Loadall Agri Plus, Super and Xtra models – and two examples of this potent engine powered a purpose-built streamliner to a new diesel land-speed record on Bonneville salt flats in the United States.

The new Loadalls also featured an industry-first six-speed powershift transmission, providing greater performance and flexibility through closer-spaced ratios, and reinforcing the Loadall's reputation for heavy towing capability thanks to an improved torque converter lock-up system giving direct drive in the top two gears.

As part of the ongoing development of the Loadall in response to customer demand for increased performance and lower ownership costs, top-end models featured a high-capacity, variable flow hydraulics system with oil pumped only as needed up to 140-litre/min.

That same year, the Loadall reached a significant production milestone when it became the first telehandler brand to hit the 100,000 mark. Annual sales were such that an £8 million investment in manufacturing resources and a second assembly line at the Rocester headquarters factory brought improved production efficiency and flexibility, and substantially increased capacity.

In 2009, JCB built on existing experience with hydrostatic drives in mid-engined compact handlers to develop the 527-58. As the first side-engine Loadall with hydraulic propulsion, this recently enhanced machine offers a great combination of size, manoeuvrability, driving ease and loading/handling performance.

To meet new emissions standards and performance demands, JCB developed the 4.4-litre and 4.8-litre EcoMAX engine, using only cooled EGR and a variable geometry turbo to meet Euro Stage IIIB / US Tier 4 Interim emissions standards.

2012 - The JCB 536-60 model is launched

Installed in high specification versions of mainstream Loadall handlers in 2012, the EcoMAX also featured a more powerful engine control unit that sharpened its responses and helped deliver more torque and significantly improved fuel consumption.

Today, the engine has a compact exhaust silencer and SCR system housed beneath the hood to meet the much more exacting Euro Stage IV / US Tier 4 Final emissions without the added hardware and servicing costs associated with the diesel particulate filter (DPF) needed on several competitor machines.

Hydraulics performance came under the spotlight in 2014 with the introduction of Smart Hydraulics which included a unique lift cylinder circuit that permits the boom to lower faster under complete control at low engine revs. This regenerative hydraulics system also added more:  cylinder end-stroke damping, a ‘bucket shake' feature, automated the boom suspension and auxiliary venting. Loading cycles were also 20% faster and the system delivered a 15% reduction in fuel consumption.

2015 - The JCB 525-60 model is introduced

Further evidence of JCB's unrivalled experience developing both hydrostatic and powershift transmissions emerged with the 2015 introduction of the ultra-compact Loadall 525-60 Agri Plus with a hydrostatic transmission featuring Varispeed independent ground and engine speed control, which gives the driver perfect operating strategies for every application.

That wealth of experience comes together in the new Loadall AGRI Pro models, where the combination of hydrostatic and powershift drives in the DualTech VT variable transmission delivers the best of both worlds for ultimate control, performance and productivity, and a positive driver experience.

THE JCB LOADALL TIMELINE

1977 JCB 520 two-wheel drive telescopic handler launched with 2.25 tonne maximum lift and 6.4m lift height. Heavier lifting 525 added in 1980.

1981 Lighter second-generation JCB 520-2 and 520-4 launched, introducing four-wheel drive and larger rear wheels for improved traction and flotation, and the Q-fit implement carriage.

1982 ‘Loadall' name adopted for the JCB telescopic handler range.

1986 JCB Synchro Shuttle transmission provides slicker gear shifts and faster travel speeds.

1987 Light-touch JCB Servo joystick control system introduced.

1989 New generation JCB Loadall 525-58 and 525-67 launched with mid-engine installation and lower boom pivot improving rearwards visibility. Equal size wheels and multi-mode steering transform manoeuvrability and traction.

1996 Loadall 526S introduced with 106hp turbo engine and larger 24in tyres.

1997 First side-engine Loadall launched, providing first-rate powertrain access and further improved right-hand and rear three-quarters visibility.

2001 Demand for more power and performance brought a 120hp engine, five-speed powershift and 40kph top speed to the range with the Loadall Farm Special Super models. Smooth Ride System boom suspension introduced to improve load retention and ride comfort.

2005 First JCB engine– the 4.4-litre, 100hp mechanical fuel injection Dieselmax – installed in rear-engined Loadall 526/526S and 528/528S.

2006 Dieselmax 100hp and 125hp engines introduced in new Loadall Agri Plus, Super and Xtra models with industry-first six-speed powershift transmission introducing closer ratios and new torque lock-up system reinforcing JCB Loadall's reputation for roading and towing performance. JCB Dieselmax engines set a new land-speed record for a diesel-powered vehicle and Loadall becomes first telescopic handler brand to reach 100,000 units production milestone.

2007 Electronic fuel injection helps increase Dieselmax output to 130hp for Loadall Agri Super and Xtra models.

2008 JCB Loadall becomes the undisputed World Number One telescopic handler.

2009 Launch of the first hydrostatic drive side-engine Loadall, the 527-58 with 2.7 tonne lift capacity and near-6m lift height in a compact and highly manoeuvrable package.

2012 New JCB EcoMAX engine with variable geometry turbo introduced in 4.4-litre and 4.8-litre sizes, bringing 145hp option to the Loadall range.

2014 Smart Technology package includes automated boom suspension and regenerative lift cylinder hydraulics speeding up loading cycles by up to 20% or cutting fuel consumption by 15%.

2015 Ultra-compact hydrostatic drive Loadall 525-60 Agri Plus introduced with Varispeed independent ground and engine speed control. JCB EcoMAX T4F engine launched in the Loadall range with simple no DPF one-can exhaust SCR emissions solution for Euro Stage IV / US Tier 4 Final.

2016 Unique industry-first JCB DualTech transmission launched in Loadall AGRI Pro handlers, combining best characteristics of hydrostatic and powershift drives. Loadall production hits 200,000 units.