JCB to launch 'rental-spec' 1200 kVA genset

JCB is to expand its range of power generators with the launch of a rental-specification 1200 kVA unit in a 20 ft ISO container.

Based on the company's Mitsubishi-engine powered G1350QX unit - which is part of the company's ‘Solutions' range of 730 - 2300 kVA generators for prime or standby power applications - the new rental set will be targeted at power rental specialists.

Richard Butler, managing director of JCB Power Products, told IRN that the 1200 kVA generator - to be launched in January - will have features requested by rental companies, including ease of access for maintenance, an internal exhaust, portability, and the ability to synchronise several units together. Other large rental gensets sizes will follow.

The launch of the 1200 kVA unit is part of a widening of the genset range that was first introduced by JCB in 2007. The company started with sets in the 50 to 100 kVA range, but now includes 30 different sizes from 8 kVA to 2700 kVA.

"We realised quickly that to be credible we had to have the products that gives our customer base the full range", said Mr Butler.

Last year, for example, JCB launched large, containerised gensets in the 700 to 2700 kVA sizes using MTU and Mitsubishi engines. "Customers were asking for them", said Mr Butler, "You have to have a full line-up - you can't stop at a certain node."

JCB uses its own Dieselmax 440 and 480 engines in the sets rated at between 60 and 140 kVA. It said the 4.8 litre, four-cylinder 480 provides the same output as competitive six-cylinder units but with a smaller footprint and 10% greater fuel efficiency.

Hand in hand with the expansion of the range has been the growth of a dedicated dealer network, which now numbers 80 dealers, of which around 80% are existing JCB dealers.

Sales of generators are focused on developing markets like the CIS and the Middle east, as well as Europe, South America and Australia. "Our footprint is growing", said Mr Butler.

JCB is not yet selling its gensets in North America, preferring to wait until portable genset emission regulations are harmonised with Europe in a few years time. "We've got far bigger opportunities outside of North America", he told IRN.

Around 55% of the sets sold by JCB are for fixed position applications for prime power or standby rather than mobile rental units, although the range does include nine ‘Rental' units in the 20 to 200 kVA sizes.

In addition to the gensets, JCB Power products also sells lighting towers. The hydraulic mast LT9 was introduced in the first half of 2009 and that machine has now been joined by a more economical version with a manually-raised mast.