JCB makes immobiliser standard on UK mini and midi excavators

All JCB mini and midi excavators sold in the UK now come with immobilisers fitted as standard.

The manufacturer said the move will protect thousands more machines against theft and reduce insurance premiums by up to 45%. The same JCB immobiliser is available as a factory fitted option for all regions.

JCB first fitted immobilisers to its 801 mini excavators in 2010 followed by the gradual introduction of the anti-theft technology on the rest of the range. Now the final three models, the 8025, 8030 and 8035ZTS machines, are being included in the programme.

All of JCB's 16-machine mini and midi excavator line-up - from 1.5 t to 8 t - now have the JCB immobiliser, which is available either as a key transponder immobiliser or a key pad punch button pin system.

Yvette Henshall-Bell, JCB's UK & Ireland sales director, said the announcement showed the manufacturer's commitment in the fight against plant theft in the UK; "JCB's development of a 3-star Thatcham approved immobiliser and decision to fit it as standard across our mini and midi excavator range sends a clear message to our customers."

JCB's immobiliser is three star, Thatcham rated. Thatcham is a non-profit organisation created and funded by the UK motor insurance companies to develop national standards for security equipment. Its endorsement of a product has a significant impact on insurance rates for equipment.

JCB said key customer benefits of the immobiliser include reduced insurance rates of up to 45%; reduced likelihood of machine theft; increased control over machines by eliminating unauthorised starting; and restriction of machine use to approved and competent operators only.