JCB Returns to North American Paving Market With Tandem Rollers

SOURCE: Heavy Equipment Guide | February 18, 2024

The CT160 and CT260 rollers are small, easily transported machines that will provide contractors precision and good uptime in their compaction operations.

Weights range from 3,770 to 6,041 pounds. Two drum sizes are available on the CT160, either 31.5 or 39.3 inches, while the CT260 comes with a 47.2-inch drum.

These machines have been available outside of North America for some time, and have proven capabilities, said James Gill, Product Manager – Backhoe Loaders, Site Dumper, & Compaction Equipment with JCB North America.

“The CT160 and CT260 are market leaders in their sector with well over 25 percent of market in some regions,” Gill said. “By re-entering the North American market with a product that we have confidence in, it paves the way for the rollout of an extensive portfolio of compaction equipment.”

JCB is returning to the Vibromax brand with these machines in North America, and will put all of the engineering expertise it gained through the acquisition of the German company of that name in 2005 into what it says will be a growing portfolio of compaction machines.

Both machines feature a responsive directional drive lever which enables smooth fore and aft movements. The CT rollers have an hourglass profile, a shape that enables operators to clearly see the drum edges. The control panels are easy to understand when it comes to work modes, and switches are sized for positive tactile feedback even when wearing gloves. Anti-vibration mounts reduce fatigue for operators.

The rollers come standard with automatic vibration control. Three vibration settings include vibration for both drums or vibration for either front or rear drum separately.

A manually adjustable offset on the front drum helps avoid damage to curbs and ironwork. The rear drum is flush to the rear chassis, allowing for work close to obstacles. The drums have chamfered edges for a smooth finish, and a pressurized water spray keeps them clean while operating. Spray systems feature easy-to-fit bayonet nozzles with filters and stainless steel spray bars. Two scraper bars per drum are easy to adjust.

Daily maintenance is simple thanks to easily accessible engine service points and a high lift, tilt-up engine hood. The radiator is at the centre of the machine for protection and easy cleaning.

The CT160 is powered by a three-cylinder, 19.8-hp engine, while the CT260 features a three-cylinder, 24.4-hp engine. Engines are Tier 4 compliant and do not use a diesel particulate filter or diesel exhaust fluid (DEF).

These machines come standard with JCB LiveLink telematics so customers can receive real-time location, use geofencing, and monitor operational data. Critical machine alerts can help avoid unscheduled maintenance and aid in planning

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