Global construction equipment manufacturer JCB will take the wraps off at least six new machines at bauma 2001, lending added weight to the company's tracked and wheeled excavator ranges and bringing safety and service benefits to the two larger Robot skid-steer loader models.

The JCB unveilings will include its biggest-ever tracked excavator, new versions of its Robot skid-steer loaders and a four-wheel-drive version of the ''revolutionary'' Teletruck. The company will also show an expansion of its wheeled excavator range.

In addition, full production models of machines previewed at Intermat last year will be on display on the JCB stand. These include the seven-tonne JZ70 zero tailswing tracked excavator, the six-tonne 8060 midi excavator, the 9.5-m-reach 535-95 and 17-m reach 540-170 Loadall telescopic handlers and the 714 and 718 dumptrucks.

JCB chief executive John Patterson says: "We have been successfully producing our own excavators for some time now and, during that period, have nurtured even closer links with our key Japanese suppliers, ensuring we lead the field in technological advances.

"This has helped ensure that our range has gone from strength to strength, selling in greater volume and in a growing number of territories. The addition of our largest-ever tracked excavator, together with two more wheeled excavators, makes us an even bigger force in this market.

"In addition, the new Robot skid-steers loaders bring even greater service and safety benefits to our customers."

The new tracked excavator - the 46-tonne JS460 - is built at JCB Heavy Products in Uttoxeter, UK, with core components, including engine, pumps, motors and valves, sourced from key Japanese suppliers.

The machine incorporates the JCB Eurocab for a spacious operator environment and excellent visibility. The JS460 also features the Advanced Management Control System (AMS), giving the dual advantages of in-depth diagnostic capability for increased serviceability and excellent controllability of the engine, pump, electrical and hydraulic systems, to suit various applications.

The new wheeled excavators - the JS 145W and the JS 175W - mean there are now five models in the range. Both machines have been designed with speed in mind and are among the quickest in their class.

The JS 145W operates in the 13-15.5-tonne category, incorporates a four-cylinder engine with a net power of 72 kW (96 hp) and has a top speed of 35 kph, which coupled with its weight, makes it ideal for city building sites, says Patterson.

Its larger stablemate is designed for the 16-18 tonne sector and has a six-cylinder Isuzu engine with a net power of 95 kW and a top road speed of 37 kph. The machine boasts one of the smallest turning circles in the 17-tonne category and is said to be perfect for all aspects of construction where power and speed are needed.

JCB is also displaying the newly-designated Robot 190 and Robot 1110 skid steer loaders - the largest in the range. The Robot 190 has an operating capacity of 900 kg and the 1110 an operating capacity of 1,100 kg. In line with their smaller stablemates, the 160 and 170 models, both machines, become even safer and easier to service as a result of a radical restyling, he points out.

The twin loader tower has been replaced with a lower, single structure, which is claimed to offer unrivalled visibility, including a completely unhindered view over the left-hand side of the bonnet.

Patterson continues: ''The wraps also come off a four-wheel drive version of the JCB Teletruk, the unique counterbalance forklift with forwards reach ability. The development widens still further the variety of applications for the machine and comes in the wake of customer demand for compact dimensions, together with the added traction capabilities of four-wheel drive.

''JCB Attachments will give its European launch to a new range of handheld breakers, offering excellent performance, safety and operator comfort. The range will include breakers from light through to medium and heavy-duty and will be suitable for popular steel sizes of 22 mm, 25 mm and 32 mm. The breakers will have noise and vibration levels, which are well below any existing or proposed limits.

A new ultra lightweight Micro JCB Powerpack - the Beaver III - will also be unveiled.