Thoughts on new JCB mini-excavators

We currently have a JCB 8040ZTS we bought new mid 2015(2015 model). Currently sitting at 900 hours and aside from a minor fuel pick-up issue its been a great machine for us. Runs and operates great, and does everything we want it to. We've had several people that own similar sized Cat's and Bobcats run our machine and compliment how smooth it is. Plus iabsolutely love how the engine and hydraulics are laid out for easy service, and i believe it was the only new excavator we looked at without any emissions control. No EGR or anything, just a simple Perkins engine. Spec wise the 8040 fit right where we wanted it, we had been looking at Cat's but we were afraid a 303.5 or 304 would be too small/light, and a 305 would simply be too heavy. The only complaints i've ever had were no blade float or angle, and the aux hydraulic controls were on the floor.

But yesterday we went to the Ohio Farm Science Review and i finally got to see a 55z which is the new model. They now have an angle/float blade, aux controls on the joystick, and the interior seems to be considerably nicer with some actual gauges and interesting features compared to the pretty bland interior in our 8040 that only has some warning/indicator lights, fuel gauge, and hour meter. But its Tier 4 Final so no more emissions free Perkins, its now a Kohler with EGR but no DPF or DEF.


So i'm curious if anybody has ran one, or seen one out working yet. Hoping i get a chance tomorrow to call the new JCB rep about getting some prices for a 48Z and hopefully set up a demo.