JCB has a new safety system for its wheeled loaders to reduce the risk of running people over on site
The JCB Proximity Braking System (PBS) – developed in collaboration with FCC Environment (UK) – automatically sounds an alarm in the cab and applies the vehicle’s brakes if anyone enters a pre-set exclusion zone around the machine.
The system also automatically puts the vehicle into neutral and applies the parking brake.
The system is paired with a vibrating transponder attached to workers’ safety helmets, to alert them of impending danger.
The new PBS system is being launched as an option on JCB’s flagship wheeled loader, the 19-tonne JCB 457, with plans to roll out the feature to the rest of JCB’s wheeled loader range.
JCB PBS uses triple antennas mounted on the wheeled loader, which generate a detection zone around the machine. Site operatives are equipped with a vibrating transponder, usually attached to a safety helmet. If the person enters the safety ‘bubble’ around the machine, the transponder will vibrate to warn the operative that they’ve entered a danger zone.
At the same time, the transponder also communicates with the machine, triggering an audible alarm in the cab and alerting the operator to the potential collision, whilst automatically applying the machine’s braking system, bringing the loader to a halt.
This potential collision is then recorded on the machine’s MCU, with date and time information, so that further investigation can be carried out as to why the individual entered the machine’s danger zone. This can be used to develop safety improvements to site procedures.
The JCB Proximity Braking System can be fitted to multiple machines on a single site. It is particularly suited to heavily trafficked working areas, such as waste and recycling projects, JCB says.
JCB chief innovation and growth officer Tim Burnhope said: “Safety on-site is of paramount importance and we are delighted to launch the new JCB Proximity Braking System which drastically reduces the risks to pedestrians.”
