Webasto heating specified for JCB's record Army machine order
Commercial vehicle climate control specialist, Webasto, has been chosen by mechanical engineering firm JCB to supply engine and interior heating systems on machines forming part of JCB's largest order from the British Army for more than 25 years.
ALC, a joint venture between Amey plc and Babcock International Group plc, which is the service provider to the Ministry of Defence for plant and mechanical handling equipment for the British Army, awarded the contract for 138 4CX backhoe loaders and 98 436eHT wheel loading shovels, each complete with modifications such as Nato green livery, personal weapons storage inside the cab, convoy lighting and increased wading capacity.
22 of the wheel loading shovels and 4 backhoe loaders are additionally equipped with Engineered Winterisation Kits based on Webasto's Thermo 90 water heating system. The system provides initial engine heating via the fuel system, coolant circuit and battery to enable the engine to start in Extremely Low Temperature Operations (-40°). The heater also provides a comfortable temperature for the cab interior.
These Webasto heating systems are powered by the machine's on-board diesel, are extremely quiet and efficient, as well as incorporating the major benefit of operating whether the machine's engine is running or not.
Webasto engineers carried out the initial installation on a pre-production machine and supported JCB with Climate Chamber testing, with JCB personnel installing the remaining kits.
Speaking of the contract Greg Oregland, Webasto's Market Manager Special Vehicles and Off Highway said: "Webasto has been pleased to be selected to supply "Winterised" equipment for previous JCB contracts, but we are delighted to help support our armed forces by providing a key element in JCB's second largest military order, which was beaten only by a £144m order from the US army in 2005. The British Army is called upon to carry out operations, training and many other tasks in every type of climate, but at least the troops operating these machines can be confident that their duties won't be compromised by the effects of extreme cold."
Source: Webasto
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