Heavy Equipment

JCB Unveils Cutting-Edge Backhoes and Skid Steers

The new models elevate performance and functionality with upgrades.

Updated on

March 20, 2024

JCB 4CX Pro Backhoe — The 4CX Pro backhoe. PHOTO | COURTESY

JCB has unveiled a line-up of new backhoes and skid steers, just weeks after introducing its 26 C-1 2.5-ton mini-excavator and the 3-ton 3TE dumper.

The British equipment maker has introduced the 3CX, 4CX, and 5CX models to its backhoe range, featuring upgrades for improved functionality and performance.

Among these features is the Dual Drive system, which enables machine repositioning while the operator faces the rear excavator.

The 3CX Pro and 4CX Pro variants with servo controls will come equipped with the Dual Drive system as a standard feature.

When facing the rear of the backhoe, the left-hand servo lever controls steering, and the right-hand lever acts as a forward/reverse selector.

Throttle and brake control are operated via pedals.

A 7-inch monitor provides a wide-angle view for safe movement and positioning when the machine is facing the back.

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According to Richard Brooks, director of Group Product and Innovation, JCB will be the first major machine OEM to integrate the Dual Drive system into a volume product, distinguishing itself from smaller OEMs and after-market providers.

“We want to offer the system across all premium backhoes, not have it as an expensive option. We think it’s important in making our backhoes easier to operate and more appealing to the market,” Mr. Brooks said.

The new backhoes feature a standard six-speed autoshift transmission, replacing both manual and Powershift transmissions on the 3CX and 4CX.

Additionally, TorqueLock steering is now a standard feature across the range, possibly reducing travel times by up to 10%, and improving fuel efficiency by 25%.

The backhoes can move materials up to 25% faster while consuming 50% less fuel than the combination of an eight-ton excavator and a site dumper.

The floor-mounted manual gear lever is now a column switch, facilitating automatic gear changes up to the sixth gear.

Additionally, a floor-mounted kick-down switch allows a quick drop from second to first for maximum traction and shovel penetration.

Stage V standards

In addition to the new backhoes, JCB has also unveiled large-platform skid steers compliant with EU Stage V emission standards.

These machines include the 270 skid steer, the 270T compact track loader, and the Teleskid 3TS-8W. The wheeled 270 and the tracked 270T loader boast an operational capacity of 1.25 tonnes.

The Powerboom single arm provides a vertical lift path on both machines.

The Teleskid 3TS-8W features the same single-arm boom, with the added advantage of a telescopic boom for increased forward and vertical reach.

With a maximum lift capacity of 1.45 tons, the machine achieves a full lift height exceeding four metres, offering a choice between vertical or radial lift paths. The JCB Smooth Ride boom suspension system comes as a standard feature.

JCB DieselMax 430

These skid steers use a 3.0-litre JCB DieselMax 430 engine which achieves compliance using a new, more efficient combustion chamber design, a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR).

The system eliminates the need for diesel additive fluid (AdBlue).

Generating 55 kW (74 hp), equivalent to the 4.4-litre predecessor, the engine is now 24% smaller and 30% lighter.

It delivers a 10% increase in peak torque output at 1500 rpm.

The JCB Auto Stop feature enhances fuel economy by automatically shutting down the engine after a predetermined period of inactivity.