In Fall 2013, I headed a team of 10 industrial designers to complete a comprehensive project between JCB North America and the Savannah College of Art & Design under the supervision of faculty member, Dean Jesus Rojas.

 

The project involved a complete redesign of an Extra Large Platform Skid Steer/Compact Track Loader.

JCB wanted a more capable Tier 4 Interim/Tier 5 skid steer platform rated at an operating capacity of no less than 4000lb.

 

The brief called for an engaging and improved design over the current Tier 4 machines in production with a huge emphasis on the North American market.

It was important to understand the real world implication of lifting capacity in weight versus volumetric sizing.

Compact sizing is a key strength of the platform in alongside a wide variety of attachments.

MADE IN USA - The next generation skid steer should communicate visual values of toughness and durability.

Some of my initial ideas about extending the useful range of the platform, attachments and ingress/egress solutions.

First hand operation of legacy products like the Tier 2 'Robot' and the Tier 3 260 were some of the research opportunities looked into to understand the product's developmental history at JCB.

Alternative industries and actual job sites where skid steers are utilised were thoroughly explored to comprehend real world applications of the machines.

Streamlined singular trim level with functional options allows customer to obtain a premium workhorse even at the base level.

 

A conventional diesel powerplant alongside the innovative hydraulic accumulator option were proposed.

Hydraulic bladder accumulator in action compared to alternative power systems.

Proposed specfications:

1/1 Scale Cab Mock-up before client delivery: 

1/10 Scale Models delivered to client: