They feature:

• CommandPlus cab with increased space, new controls and lower noise levels
• Choice of high specification seats, new seat-mounted controls and two cab trim levels
• New electric park brake and temperature-reactive reversible engine cooling fan options
• Tier 4 Final engine with no costly diesel particulate filter (DPF)

The JCB 411 and 417 are designed and equipped primarily for hard surface applications, operating in bulk stores and carrying out routine handling and loading tasks. These agile loading machines have a commanding driving position that makes it easy to position and manoeuvre them in the most restricted working environments.

The loaders are powered by a JCB EcoMAX engine delivering 81kW (109hp) in the 411 and 93kW (125hp) in the 417. Both versions of the award-winning engine are fitted with an efficient selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system. Together with a ‘clean' combustion process, this achieves EU Stage IV / US Tier 4 Final emissions requirements without a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) or a costly diesel particulate filter (DPF). This cuts the need for any regeneration process, often needed to periodically clear DPF systems.

A larger, wide-core cooling pack is installed and buyers can opt for the new hydraulically-driven fan, which adjusts its speed according to ambient temperature to optimise cooling and fuel efficiency. This can be set to periodically reverse the airflow to clear debris.

Torque proportioning differentials are standard in the machines' heavy-duty JCB axles, with optional limited slip differentials front and rear providing additional traction for loaders that are working predominantly off-road. The ability to disconnect drive through the brake pedal releases engine revs for optimum hydraulic performance, while reducing brake wear and fuel consumption. The 411 and 417 are equipped with a four-speed Powershift transmission, capable of achieving up to 40kph.

CommandPlus cab

The spacious CommandPlus cab brings new levels of information, control and comfort to the JCB 411 and 417, with excellent visibility and improved sound suppression, making it a great place to spend long hours in the driving seat. Windows demist faster on chilly mornings thanks to a climate control air conditioning system, that provides improved ventilation and air flow distribution. There are also generous storage compartments for the operator.

Two levels of cab specification are available. Standard equipment includes an adjustable steering column, air suspension seat, windscreen roller blind, heated external mirrors and a 12v power socket. With the High Spec option, operators benefit from a deluxe seat, twin roller blinds, and removable rubber mats in the storage compartments either side of the instrument display.

They also get a second information screen with integrated remote camera display and CommandPlus Control, which enables in-cab adjustment of auxiliary oil flow, the optional boom suspension system and timing intervals for the reversing fan if fitted. There is also a ‘help' feature that details the function of control switches, which is particularly useful for occasional and seasonal operators.

Operators can perform daily routine service checks from within the cab, such as engine oil and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) levels, which not only saves time but encourages operators to regularly make these important checks. A choice of new joystick and multi-lever controls for the hydraulic system caters for varying operator preferences. Both designs are seat-mounted as standard and they include a thumb-operated forward/reverse shuttle switch and provide proportional control of all loader functions.

New LED lighting options, which have a significantly longer service life, can be selected instead of either standard or halogen lights to provide operators with even better visibility around the machine when working in the dark.

Hydraulics and front end options

The 411 has a gear pump hydraulic system producing 123 litres/min at full output, while the 417 has a load-sensing flow-on-demand installation with up to 156 litre/min available. Apart from supplying oil to the articulated steering cylinders and four-wheel power braking system, the pumps power the loader arms and a standard or quick-hitch implement carriage, that can work with a wide range of equipment from JCB Attachments.

The 8.7 tonne 411 has JCB High Torque lift arms as standard, providing 3.36m of load-over clearance with the quick-hitch fitted and a full-turn tipping load of a little more than 5,000kg with a general purpose 1.2-1.6m3 bucket fitted.

Three loader arm choices are available for the JCB 417, giving up to 4.2m clearance for loading an intake hopper at a concrete batching plant or loading high sided lorries. Full turn tipping load capacity is around 3,900kg in that configuration, with up to 5,800kg capacity available with a quick-hitch on the standard arms, which will clear 3.3m.