Big step to protect small equipment

JCB immobilizer system now fitted across entire range of mini- and midi-excavators sold in UK

JCB have taken a big step to protect their smallest plant by announcing that all JCB mini- and midi-excavators sold in the UK now feature their 3-star Thatcham-approved immobilizer as standard.

With more than £1 million of plant stolen every week across the UK and Ireland – and just 5% ever recovered – this move will protect thousands more machines against theft and reduce insurance premiums on them by up to 45%.

JCB’s 801 series mini-excavators were the first to benefit from the fitting of immobilizers in 2010, and the security measure has gradually been rolled out to the rest of the range, culminating now in the final three models, the 8025, 8030 and 8035ZTS machines.

This means all of JCB’s 16-machine mini- and midi excavator line-up, from the 1.5-tonne 8014CTS model up to the 8-tonne 8085ZTS, now have the new JCB immobilizer. It is available as either a key transponder immobilizer or a keypad punch-button pin system, depending on customer preference.

JCB’s UK & Ireland sales director, Yvette Henshall-Bell, said: ‘This latest announcement is another clear signal of our commitment in the ongoing fight against plant theft in the UK.

‘The development of a 3-star Thatcham-approved immobilizer and decision to fit it as standard across our mini- and midi-excavator range sends a clear message to our customers. We will continue to invest in measures to help protect their businesses and reduce the cost of owning JCB equipment.’