JCB previews new 480 and 490 wheeled loaders at Hillhead 2026

JCB is previewing its largest, most productive, wheeled loaders to date, at the Hillhead quarry show near Buxton. The 480 and the 490, both engineered to meet EU Stage V and Tier 4 Final emissions standards, will deliver payloads of 8,000kg and 9,000kg respectively.

By offering two payload variants, each with standard or long arms, JCB can tailor the machine to meet the exact requirements of a diverse range of customers and job sites across the market.

The 480 and 490 redefine JCB’s large wheeled loader models, offering power with economy, strength with control. Built for heavy-duty applications in quarrying, waste handling, ports and construction applications, they feature reduced fuel burn with increased productivity.

Key features include:

  • 250kW Stage V diesel engine delivering 1.695Nm of torque
  • Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) as standard delivering fuel efficient performance
  • Fully programmable electro-hydraulic controls for precise operation
  • JCB UX user experience with 10” touchscreen
  • Patented loader end available in standard and high-lift loader arm options

The JCB 480 and 490 deliver a new level of performance and productivity, thanks to a patented loader arm design that blends the high breakout performance of a traditional Z-bar linkage, with the precision and visibility of a tool carrier arm design.

Compact bucket link packaging, without the forward protruding Z-link, allows for the use of oversized low-density buckets. Wide angle, high-torque bucket rotation is maintained across the complete working height, providing excellent levels of material discharge when tipping off steep loading ramps.

Standard and high-lift loader arms are offered, with a pin height ranging from 4,445mm to 5,000mm at maximum lift. This makes it possible to load into high-sided trailers, hoppers and crushers with ease. The loader arms also feature sealed and lubricated pins and bushes, in heavy-duty castings, to ensure longevity on site.

The machines are powered by a Stage V/Tier 4 Final compliant Cummins X12 diesel engine, delivering 250kW (335hp). This is backed by up to 1,695Nm of torque, at just 1,400rpm, providing plenty of low-end tor que to assist with bucket loading. The power is delivered through a standard ZF Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), that offers adjustable rimpull for optimal traction in all ground conditions.

The operator will benefit from the new, intuitive ‘single pedal control’ transmission, which controls machine travel speed and torque. Meanwhile, the intelligent hydraulic boost function meets the constantly changing hydraulic demand from the loader’s front end by automatically adjusting engine output. This connected system ensures that the engine remains in its most productive and efficient operating zone, leaving the operator free to concentrate on the task at hand.

The transmission has four virtual gear modes and features hill-hold and automatic park brake settings for smoother start/stop operation. There is an integrated transmission brake, with automatic engine exhaust braking, to reduce axle brake wear.

In the cab, operators benefit from JCB’s Command Driving Position which comes with fully-programmable electro-hydraulic (EH) controls, mounted in the air suspension seat frame. The seat comes with heating and cooling functionality, along with electrically adjustable lumbar support and adjustable dampers, for all-day comfort. The EH controls allow for precise operation with minimal effort for the operator and the machines have adjustable smart detents to improve operator efficiency.

The cab features JCB’s UX user interface, with a 10” full colour touchscreen. This provides control of all machine functions, including optional systems such as auto-greasing, object detection and on-board weighing systems. The cab roof has flush-mounted beacons on each corner, to provide clear warnings to other machines and operators from all sides. The 480 and 490 also benefit from an object detection system, with auto-braking, to prevent accidental impact on site.

Lands End To John O’Groats Cycle Challenge

Managing Director, Richard Telfer and Marketing Manager, Fred Telfer will be cycling from Lands End to John O’Groats, starting on the 2nd September and finishing on the 12th. They will complete on average 110 miles per day across the 10 days with a truly ambitious aim of raising £50,000.00 for three different charities. The three charities are;

Mind
Wishes 4 Kids
Young Leicestershire

You can still donate and support their ride on the link below.

 

PROGRESS UPDATE

DAY 10 – 12th September 2021 They Crossed the Finish Line

1,100 Miles Completed and a Total £56,240.00 Raised for Charity

On Sunday afternoon Richard, Fred, and George Bamford crossed the finish line on the last day of their Tour from Lands end to John O’Groats.

After completing an epic 1,100 miles in 10 days the trio was greeted at the finish line by friends and family including Lord Bamford. A phenomenal amount of money has been raised for three local charities.

Richard Telfer personally would like to thank everyone for their great generosity in showing support for the event and contributing to raising over £56k for Wishes 4 Kids, Mind & Young Leicestershire.

DAY 8

Only two more days to go before Richard, Fred and George reach John O’Groats

Today on Day 8 of the Challenge they faced the hills of the Scottish Highlands

Fred Telfer said, “it was a tough one today, very hilly we did 82 miles overall and came over a fair few massive climbs. Two of the climbs were just over 10 miles long each, but there were unbelievable views and overall an incredible day”.

They are looking forward to resting this evening prior to facing the last two legs over the weekend

You can still donate on the link below, the charities have been extremely grateful for all the donations received so far and there will be a further update on how your donations have made an impact!

Day 6 – 8th September, Richard, Fred and George crossed into Scotland after battling the uphill climb of the Yorkshire Hills in 28 Degree Heat

Richard and Fred crossed the Scottish Border

Day 5 – 6th September, Richard, Fred and George made their way to Chinley, they stopped off at the JCB World HQ in Rocester whereby they were greeted by Lord Bamford.

After lunch they set off with some of the other dealer groups who joined them for the day on this leg of the tour riding for a total of 6.5 hours yesterday!

The team was able to make fast progress on Sunday 5th September, from Bristol to Kidderminster in just under 4.5 hours.

This morning (6th September), they have set off to Chinley (Peak District) covering a further 110 miles today. They have been lucky to have some great weather making the ride more enjoyable.

DAY 1 : 3rd September

Yesterday at 8:30 am Richard Telfer, Fred Telfer and George Bamford set off from Lands End on their first leg of the 10 Day Charity Cycle.

On Day 1 they cycled just over 105 miles up to Sandford reaching over an incredible 9876 feet of elevation in 7 hours and 44 minutes.

Richard Said, “the ride went really well, we had a very, very hilly day!”

After staying overnight just outside Oakhampton last night, the team set off again this morning for their second leg and will be reaching Amberley later today.

Background
Richard Telfer has said “I have always been passionate about supporting great local Charities, so when George Bamford asked if I would join him in taking on the Land End to John O’Groats cycle to raise money for some local causes it was too good an offer to turn down.

Foolishly my son Fred also agreed to join us so now the three of us find ourselves facing the slightly terrifying task of cycling 1100 miles in 10 days from 2nd -12th September! we will also be joined each day by some willing souls who have agreed to help us along the way for a day including Richard Barker who joins us on day three.

This year alone my Strava app tells I have cycled over 3000 miles in training and yet the 110 mile and 6000ft of vertical climbing a day still seems a really daunting task!”

We would be hugely grateful of any donations to help us reach our target and help our chosen local charities.

Richard and Fred have managed to raise an incredible amount of money for Young Leicestershire, Wishes 4 Kids and Mind.

A Robust And Enduring Partnership Between TPPL And Watling JCB Since 2016

The robust and enduring partnership between TPPL (The procurement partnership Limited) and Watling JCB, forged since 2016, stands as a testament to the strength of collaboration in the business realm. TPPL has played a pivotal role in facilitating Watling JCB’s entry into targeted tender opportunities, particularly with local authorities and councils. This alliance goes beyond mere business transactions; it reflects a shared commitment to growth, innovation, and mutual success.

The strategic collaboration has allowed Watling JCB to navigate and capitalize on specific tender avenues, contributing significantly to their market presence and success. The trust and synergy between TPPL and Watling JCB underscore the value of long-term partnerships in navigating the complexities of the business landscape.

JCB Operator Challenge & New Products Day

Operator Challenge Results

COMPETITION PRIZES

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Regional Prizes
The top three operators from each regional heat will be invited to the Operator Challenge final in June, where they will be treated to a VIP visit to the JCB World Headquarters, including factory tour, hospitality lunch, an evening meal and one night B&B stay at the exclusive JCB Golf and Country Club. Each regional finalist will also receive a JCB goody bag.

Plus… every competitor who takes part will receive a JCB cap.

Final Prizes: 1st
An all-expenses paid, three-night stay for two in Las Vegas, including flights, hotel and spending money.

Final Prizes: 2nd
Tickets for two for the Sunday of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone in the BRDC (British Racing Drivers Club).

Final Prizes: 3rd
A two-night London city break for two with spending money.

Plus… The top three competitors from the final will be treated as a VIP guest of JCB at the opening day of Hillhead on Tuesday 25th June with a helicopter flight to and from the show, a guided tour of the JCB stand, where we will be showcasing our latest product developments in our range of excavators, and lunch.

Prizes are none transferable and there are no cash alternatives.

We’re Expanding into the West Midlands!

We’re Expanding into the West Midlands!

 

Today, Watling JCB is excited to announce our expansion into the West Midlands with the acquisition of Midlands JCB!

We are now the official JCB dealer for Staffordshire, Herefordshire, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire, operating from our new depots in Smethwick, Hereford, and Stoke-on-Trent.

Richard Telfer, our Managing Director, says: “It’s been my life mission to create a business providing world-class customer support whilst maintaining family values in the business. This new project creates an opportunity to bring this customer service to a whole new customer base and I really look forward to meeting you all.”

Gareth Lumsdaine, JCB Sales Director UK & ROI, adds: “We are delighted to see Watling JCB expand its remit into the West Midlands as we further strengthen the dealer network selling and supporting JCB equipment across the UK.”

Watch our announcement video to learn more!