JCB expands new Texas factory plans in response to April tariff hike
Since Donald Trump’s import tariff announcement, the world has been on a wild economic ride.
While most motive industries are focused on hybrid or EV power plants, JCB has developed the construction industry’s first hydrogen-powered excavator.
The 20-tonne, 220X is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. This works by reacting hydrogen with oxygen, to create energy to power electric motors – with the only emissions being water at the exhaust pipe.
Currently undergoing testing at JCB’s quarry proving ground, the excavator joins a list of the company’s other emission-beating technologies.
This includes its first fully electric, mini-excavator, the 19C-1E. This was recently complemented by an electric version of the JCB Teletruk telescopic forklift, the JCB 30-19E
“The development of the first hydrogen-powered excavator is very exciting as we strive towards a zero-carbon world,” JCB chairman, Lord Bamford says. “In the coming months, we will develop and refine the technology with advanced testing of the prototype machine.”
In other news, the company also appears to be leading the way with its in-house Dieselmax engines. JCB claims the latest Stage V versions have reduced emissions of nitrous oxide (NOx) by 97%, soot particulates by 98% and carbon dioxide (CO2) by close to 50%.
Questions are being raised about just how good the state of the dairy industry is - especially given that the average farmgate payout for the coming season is set to exceed $10/kgMS.
A leading financial and banking advisor says he doubts if most dairy farmers fully understand the dynamics of banking.
Dairy farmers are shoring up their balance sheets, with almost $1.7 billion of debt repaid in the six months to March 2025.
Virtual fencing company Halter is going global but for founder Craig Piggott, New Zealand farmers will always remain their main partners.
A former Fonterra executive is the new chair of the Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ).
New Federated Farmers national dairy chair Karl Dean is looking forward to tackling the issues facing the sector.