New JCB 480 and JCB 490 Wheeled Loading Shovels Set New Standards for Productivity

JCB has unveiled its largest and most productive wheeled loading shovels to date - introducing the all-new JCB 480 Wheeled Loader and JCB 490 Wheeled Loader at the Hillhead Quarry Show 2026 near Buxton.

New JCB 480 and JCB 490 Wheeled Loading Shovels Set New Standards for Productivity

Designed for demanding applications in Quarrying, Recycling, Waste Management, Ports and Heavy Construction, these advanced wheeled loading shovels deliver exceptional productivity, fuel efficiency and Operator comfort. Available with payload capacities of 8 tonnes (JCB 480) and 9 tonnes (JCB 490), the machines provide Operators with the performance required to move more material in less time.

High-Performance Wheeled Loading Shovels for Demanding Industries

The JCB 480 and JCB 490 have been engineered to meet EU Stage V and Tier 4 Final emissions standards, offering customers a powerful, efficient and environmentally compliant solution for heavy-duty material handling.

To suit a wide variety of loading applications, both wheeled loading shovels are available with either a standard or high-lift loader arm configuration. This flexibility allows Operators to match machine specification precisely to site requirements, whether loading crushers, hoppers, stockpiles or high-sided trailers.

Key Features of the JCB 480 and JCB 490

  • 250kW Stage V diesel engine delivering up to 1,695Nm of torque
  • Standard Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for fuel-efficient operation
  • Fully programmable electro-hydraulic controls for precise machine handling
  • JCB UX operator interface with 10-inch touchscreen display
  • Patented loader arm design available in standard and high-lift configurations
  • Advanced object detection system with automatic braking functionality

Patented Loader Arm Technology Delivers Maximum Productivity

The JCB 480 Wheel Loader and JCB 490 Wheel Loader introduce a patented loader arm design that combines the breakout force traditionally associated with Z-bar linkage systems and the visibility and control benefits of a tool carrier design.

This innovative approach allows Operators to utilise larger low-density buckets while maintaining excellent bucket rotation throughout the lift cycle. The result is efficient bucket filling, improved material retention and effective discharge when loading from stockpiles or tipping into elevated hoppers and crushers.

Standard and high-lift loader arm options offer maximum pin heights from 4,445mm to 5,000mm, making these loading shovels ideal for high-capacity material handling operations.

Powerful Cummins Engine and Fuel-Efficient CVT Transmission

At the heart of both wheeled loading shovels is a Cummins X12 Stage V/Tier 4 Final diesel engine, producing 250kW (335hp) and delivering up to 1,695Nm of torque at just 1,400rpm.

This impressive low-end torque helps maximise bucket filling performance while reducing operator effort during loading cycles.

Power is transferred through a standard ZF Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), providing adjustable rimpull and optimal traction across a variety of ground conditions. The transmission also features:

  • Four virtual gear modes
  • Hill-hold functionality
  • Automatic park brake operation
  • Integrated transmission braking
  • Automatic engine exhaust braking to reduce axle brake wear

The intelligent hydraulic boost system automatically adjusts engine output to match hydraulic demand, ensuring the machine operates within its most productive and fuel-efficient range.

Designed Around Operator Comfort and Control

The spacious cab features JCB’s renowned Command Driving Position, delivering excellent visibility and ergonomics for long shifts in demanding environments.

Fully programmable electro-hydraulic controls are integrated into the air suspension seat frame, allowing precise operation with minimal effort. The premium seat includes:

  • Heating and cooling functions
  • Electrically adjustable lumbar support
  • Adjustable damping settings
  • Smart detent functionality for improved efficiency

Operators also benefit from JCB’s latest UX user interface, displayed through a 10-inch full-colour touchscreen. This intuitive system provides access to machine settings and optional technologies including:

  • Auto-greasing systems
  • On-board weighing systems
  • Object detection technology

Advanced Safety Technology for Modern Job Sites

Safety remains a key priority across the new range of wheeled loading shovels.

Flush-mounted cab roof beacons provide 360-degree visibility for surrounding personnel and machinery, while the integrated object detection system features automatic braking functionality to help prevent accidental collisions on busy sites.

The Next Generation of JCB Wheeled Loaders

With payload capacities of 8 and 9 tonnes, advanced transmission technology, innovative loader arm design and premium operator features, the JCB 480 and JCB 490 represent a major step forward in the evolution of heavy-duty wheeled loading shovels.

Built to deliver more tonnes per hour while reducing fuel consumption, these machines offer quarry operators, recycling businesses, ports and construction contractors a powerful new solution for high-productivity material handling.

Find out more about the JCB 480 and JCB 490 Wheeled Loading Shovels

Holt JCB is the designated JCB dealer for the South West and Wales. A privately run family business, Holt JCB has over 45 years experience of selling JCB equipment and providing after sales services, making us one of the oldest and longest running JCB dealers in the world.

Our expert sales team is on hand to answer any questions you may have about the new JCB 480 Wheel Loader and JCB 490 Wheel Loader, including finance options and service and maintenance packages to help you optimise the lifespan of your new machine.

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