JCB 531-70 vs JCB 540-170

The JCB 540-170 is the heavier machine, at 12.1 t against 7.06 t, and the JCB 540-170 has more power (74 kW against 63 kW).

The JCB 531-70 is ahead on: turns tighter, narrower to transport, lower to transport. The JCB 540-170 is ahead on: more power, more torque, reaches higher, lifts or carries more.

Below, every figure both makers publish sits side by side, with the JCB 531-70 and the JCB 540-170 drawn to the same scale from their dimension drawings.

JCB · telehandler
JCB 531-70
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JCB · telehandler
JCB 540-170
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At a glance

Bold is the machine ahead on each figure, with its lead.

Figure	JCB 531-70	JCB 540-170
Operating weight	7,060 kg	12,060 kg
Gross powerHigher is better	63 kW	74 kW+17%
Max torqueHigher is better	400 Nm	512 Nm+28%
Lift heightHigher is better	7 m	16.7 m+139%
Max lift capacityHigher is better	3,170 kg	4,000 kg+26%
Outside turning radius, over tyresLower is better	3.7 m+10%	4.1 m
Overall width (over tyres)Lower is better	2.23 m+9%	2.44 m
Overall heightLower is better	2.49 m+7%	2.69 m

All specifications

Every figure the makers publish. Search for one, or show only those that differ.

Differences only(37)

FigureJCB 531-70 JCB 540-170

Dimensions

Overall height2.49 m2.69 m

Overall width (over tyres)2.23 mType dependent2.44 m

Inside width of cab0.94 m0.94 m

Front track1.81 m1.9 m

Wheelbase2.75 m2.75 m

Overall length to front tyres4.38 m5.08 m

Overall length to front carriage4.99 m6.36 m

Ground clearance0.4 m0.4 m

Front wheel centre to carriage1.25 m1.94 m

Rear wheel centre to rear face0.99 m1.67 m

Outside turning radius, over tyres3.7 m4.1 m

Carriage rollback angle43°Not published

Carriage dump angle38°Not published

Width, stabilisers fully deployedNot published3.55 m

Lift performance

Max lift capacity3,170 kg4,000 kg

Lift capacity to full height2,400 kg2,500 kg

Lift capacity at full reach1,250 kg600 kg

Lift height7 m16.7 m

Reach at max lift height0.48 m2.05 m

Max forward reach3.7 m12.5 m

Reach with 1 tonne load3.7 mNot published

Placing height6.3 mEN 1459 Annex BNot published

Weight

Operating weight7,060 kg12,060 kg

Engine

Engine modelJCB DieselmaxJCB DIESELMAX, Tier 3

EmissionsTier 3 / Stage IIIANot published

Gross power63 kW (84 hp)74 kW (100 hp)at 2,200 rpm

Max torque400 NmAt 1,300 rpm, standard engine512 Nmat 1,300 rpm

Optional engineNot published97 kW (130 hp), 550 Nm

Transmission

TransmissionTorque converter, 4-speed powershiftNot published

Top speed29 km/h33 kph when 2/4WD select is specified29 km/h33 km/h optional

Hydraulics

Max pressure241 bar260 bar

Pump flow82 L/minMax pump flow90 + 72 L/min

Boom raise / lower time7.2 / 5.4 sNot published

Extend / retract time6.8 / 5.0 sNot published

Tyres

Tyres15.5/80-2415.5/80-24

Service capacities

Fuel tank146 L146 L

Engine oil, with filter15 L15 L15 L to the dipstick maximum, 12.5 L at the minimum

Cooling system22 LFill no faster than 6 L a minute22 LFill no faster than 6 L a minute

Transmission, refill21 L21 LWet fill; 17 L on SE-engine machines with the 4-speed gearbox; dry fill 23 L (19 L)

Front axle housing17.7 L17.7 L

Front hubs (each)1.9 L1.9 L

Rear axle housing10 L19 L

Rear hubs (each)2 L2 L

Hydraulic tank115 L180 LNominal tank capacity; fill with all rams closed and watch the sight glass

Service intervals

Engine oil and filter500 hours500 hoursEvery 250 h in arduous work or on 20% biodiesel

Water separator fuel filter500 hours500 hours

Engine fuel filter1,000 hours1,000 hours

Air filter (outer)1,000 hoursMore often in dust1,000 hoursMore often in dust

Air filter (inner)2,000 hours2,000 hours

Coolant2,000 hours2,000 hours

Transmission oil1,000 hours1,000 hours

Transmission filter500 hoursFirst at 100 h500 hoursFirst at 100 h

Axle oil500 hours500 hours

Hub oil500 hours500 hoursFirst at 100 h on hubs with oil-immersed brakes

Hydraulic oil2,000 hoursSample, then change2,000 hoursSample, then change

Hydraulic filter500 hoursCanister filter; first at 100 h500 hoursCanister filter; first at 100 h

Brake fluid2,000 hours2,000 hours

Lift, stabilisers up

Lift height, stabilisers upNot published11.57 m

Lift capacity to full height, stabilisers upNot published1,500 kg

Max forward reach, stabilisers upNot published9.04 m

Transmission and brakes

TypeNot publishedTorque converter, 4-speed powershift

Service brakesNot publishedOil-immersed multi-disc, front and rear axles

Sources: JCB Construction Loadalls brochure 9999/5776 09/14 Issue 1 (T3), JCB Qatar · JCB Construction Loadalls brochure 9999/5776, 09/14

Drawn to scale

Side views measured off each maker's dimension drawing, front edges and ground lined up.

JCB 531-70JCB 540-170Same scale, front edges and ground lined up.

JCB 531-70 vs JCB 540-170: questions

Which is bigger, the JCB 531-70 or JCB 540-170?

By operating weight the JCB 540-170 is the biggest at 12.1 t, then the JCB 531-70 at 7.06 t.

Which has more power, the JCB 531-70 or JCB 540-170?

The JCB 540-170: JCB 531-70 63 kW (84 hp), JCB 540-170 74 kW (100 hp) (gross power), a 17% difference.

Which lifts or carries more, the JCB 531-70 or JCB 540-170?

The JCB 540-170: JCB 531-70 3,170 kg, JCB 540-170 4,000 kg (max lift capacity), a 26% difference.

Which turns tighter, the JCB 531-70 or JCB 540-170?

The JCB 531-70: JCB 531-70 3.7 m, JCB 540-170 4.1 m (outside turning radius, over tyres), a 10% difference.

Which is narrower to transport, the JCB 531-70 or JCB 540-170?

The JCB 531-70: JCB 531-70 2.23 m, JCB 540-170 2.44 m (overall width (over tyres)), a 9% difference.

Where do these figures come from?

Each model's own published spec sheet or brochure, linked under the table. Builds differ by market and year, so confirm the figures for a particular machine with its dealer.

Can I rent or buy these machines in the UAE?

Each model's page lists the ones for hire and for sale on EquipmentsFinder now, with typical prices in AED.