JCB has expanded its compact equipment range in North America with the launch of the new 250 and 290 skid steer loaders. Manufactured at the company’s facility in Savannah, Georgia, the machines are designed for construction, landscaping, material handling and other applications requiring compact equipment.
Powered by a 74 hp engine, the two models are designed to handle tasks including truck loading, pallet movement, grading, site clean-up and general material handling. They also feature JCB’s single-arm boom design, which provides improved visibility and allows operators to enter the cab through a side door. The 250 and 290 are positioned in a new mid-size weight class within JCB’s compact equipment range. The machines combine lifting capacity, manoeuvrability and attachment compatibility for use across different jobsite applications.
Lee Tice, Senior Product Manager – Compact Equipment, JCB North America, said, “North American contractors continue to face labor shortages, making every employee and every piece of equipment more important than ever. The new 250 and 290 skid steer loaders are designed to help a single operator accomplish more throughout the day. Our industry-exclusive side-door entry eliminates the need to climb over buckets, pallet forks and other attachments every time operators enter or exit the machine. It’s a smarter design that improves productivity, enhances safety and helps operators keep work moving.”
The 250 has a rated operating capacity of approximately 2,531 pounds, while the 290 has a rated operating capacity of around 3,029 pounds. Both models have hinge pin heights of more than 10 feet, allowing operators to load trucks, handle palletised materials, move aggregates and place supplies at height.
High-flow hydraulic options and compatibility with a range of skid steer attachments expand the applications of the machines. Operators can use the equipment for multiple tasks without requiring separate machines for different material-handling requirements.
Despite their lifting capacity, the two skid steers maintain a compact footprint and are designed for manoeuvrability in confined work areas. They can be used on residential construction sites, commercial developments, landscaping projects and other locations where larger equipment may have limited access.
The new models form part of JCB’s broader compact equipment portfolio, which includes skid steer loaders, compact track loaders, telehandlers, wheel loaders and the company’s Teleskid range. JCB said the 250 and 290 are designed around the requirements of North American contractors, with a focus on operator access, visibility, attachment flexibility and everyday material-handling performance. The launch adds capacity to JCB’s compact equipment offering as contractors continue to seek machines that can perform multiple jobs while operating within restricted jobsite spaces.
