It features:
- Compact four-cylinder Kubota engine generating 26kW (36hp) and 92Nm torque
- All-new two-range hydrostatic driveline with choice of 20kph or 30kph top speeds
- Open or manual diff locks in heavy duty axles to suit hard surface and soft ground operation
- Daily service checks carried out beneath single, rear hinged bonnet
- Choice of open platform with ROPS/FOPS protection or fully glazed and sound-proofed cab
- Joystick controller and armrest with one-hand shuttle and high/low operation
- Choice of standard or high lift loader arms with parallel lift and hydraulic quick-hitch
With parallel lift, hydraulic attachment pin operation and joystick hydraulics and transmission control all as standard, the new 403 is a very well-equipped compact loader. It is powered by a fuel-efficient Kubota diesel engine, delivering 26kW (36hp) and 92Nm torque. The hydrostatic transmission offers two speed ranges to suit different applications and situations.
High torque and fine speed control are the main characteristics of the ‘low' transmission range, essential for digging into materials and for precision control and placement of loads. Maximum acceleration to a top speed of 20kph – or 30kph as an option – is provided by the ‘high' range, for moving around site and travelling to the working area.
An inching control, operated by the brake pedal, enables the operator to draw on the loader's hydraulic power to breakout and lift materials without causing unnecessary wear to the braking system and transmission. On the move, power and torque are channelled through robust ZF axles with open differentials, or optional manually-operated differential locks front and rear for machines frequently used in difficult ground conditions.
Customers have a choice of loader arms – the standard design provides a good all round combination of breakout force, lift capacity and a load-over height of 2.6m, while the extended arm option provides 2.8m of lift height, for stacking and loading into high-sided bins or trailers. Both provide true parallel lift, ideal for handling with pallet forks and to minimise spillage of loose materials from a bucket. A range of quick hitches are available with hydraulic pin locking for attachment change-over from the driving seat, while a two-stage electronic isolation system prevents inadvertent release of attachments.
The JCB 403 uses a totally new ROPS/FOPS cab to provide all-round protection from the elements, dusty working environments and potential hazards. The fully glazed structure makes the most of the new loader's dimensions to provide ample working space for operators and there is easy access through a large door with grab handles and substantial steps. Even with the cab fitted, the machine remains less than 2.2m tall and only 1.1m wide when narrow tyres are fitted, enabling it to access the tightest confines on site.
A new control panel to the right-hand side carries rocker switches, a storage tray and a new joystick controller, which in addition to operating the lift arms and any attachment has switches for selecting forward-reverse and the high-low transmission ranges.
The low operating weight of the JCB 403 makes it possible to transport the machine on a trailer behind a 4x4 or light commercial vehicle. However the machine delivers strong performance, with a payload of 610kg (521kg with long arms) and a full turn tipping load of 1,219kg (1,041kg).
Daily checks and routine servicing can be carried out beneath a one-piece canopy that hinges rearwards to give clear access to either side of the engine bay. Together with the engine coolant radiator, all major components are protected by a cast counterweight styled to match the bigger machines in JCB's wheeled loader range, while housing recessed light clusters and a recovery towing pin.
