On the back of the diesel-powered 403’s success, JCB has introduced a battery-powered version that promises similar levels of performance, minus the noise and fumes.

The 403e’s 20kWh lithium-ion battery pack feeds a 33.4kW (45hp) drive motor and a separate 20kW (26hp) unit to power the hydraulics.

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Continuous working times of five to six hours are possible, although this is based on mixed work and not flogging it constantly at its limit.

Depleted cells can be replenished in eight hours using the built-in mains charger, or just two hours with JCB’s optional external rapid charging station.

Loader arms

Like the 403 diesel, loader arms are available in standard and high-lift configurations, with the former having a pin height of 2.9m and the latter 3.1m.

Both have a rated tipping load of 972kg with pallet forks, but the addition of a heavy-duty counterweight increases this 1,090kg.

A hydraulic quick hitch also comes as standard, and the loader arms provide true parallel lift.

To help make the most of the available power, JCB has given the 403e three drive modes – snail, tortoise and hare – which peg the top speed at 5kph, 8kph and 20kph, respectively.

Similarly, there are two operating setups for the hydraulics, with bucket mode serving up all the power and fork mode dialling down the performance for increased precision.

Permanent four-wheel drive

Both versions feature permanent four-wheel drive with a drop-box that sends power to the front and rear ZF axles. In standard form these have open differentials, but buyers working in particularly tricky conditions can specify locking versions.

There’s also the option of narrow or wide wheels shod with either agricultural or industrial tyres.

Initially, the 403e will be offered with either a fixed or folding canopy, but a fully glazed cab will be available later in the year.

Regardless of the workstation chosen, operators get a single proportional joystick controller that groups all functions in one place, including the third hydraulic service.