JCB CEA has realigned its backhoe loader range with the reintroduction of the 3CX Classic model, offering customers the choice between a Stage V or Tier 3 emissions engine.
In 1953, JCB founder Joseph Cyril Bamford invented the world’s first backhoe loader with the MK 1 model, and ever since, the concept has become a staple of the earthmoving industry around the word.
The JCB loaders have continually developed and evolved over the last 70 years, with more technology and features constantly being integrated over time.
Renowned for their versatility, JCB backhoes offer both an excavator’s digging capabilities as well as the benefits of a wheel loader, making the two-in-one machine concept suited to several tasks in various industries.
JCB CEA backhoe sales manager Glenn McLeod said the unit was basically a wheel loader and a mid-range excavator welded together back-to-back, so all the tasks normally associated with each individual machine could be achieved with just one.
“There’s a range of reasons why the backhoe loader will never become extinct in the construction space, and it all comes down to versatility,” he said.
“These machines are used in many ways — they have the capacity to dig trenches and then the ability to load a truck. Sweepers can be attached to the backhoes to clean up jobsites, while material handling forks can be equipped to carry materials.”
Realigned range
JCB national distributor JCB CEA offers a comprehensive range of backhoe loaders, from the skid steer loader-based 1CX, through to the 3CX Compact and the various 3CX models, to the all-wheel steer 4CX and powerful 5CX.
Offering even more optionality for customers, JCB CEA has recently updated this range with the reintroduction of the 3CX Classic model, powered by a Tier 3 emissions engine.
Previously, JCB CEA only offered the JCB 3CX Pro, encompassing a Stage V emissions engine, which Glenn said could be a more expensive investment for customers on a budget compared to the Tier 3 equivalent.
“We felt like there wasn’t any real choice for the customer and if they didn’t want to go up to such a high engine standard, they were caught short,” he said.
“Given the costs associated with the Stage V engine, we have decided to go back to offering a choice between a more affordable backhoe without a diesel particulate filter and AdBlue, or one with the top-of-the-range engine.
“We have been out of the Tier 3 engine space for a couple of years, but we’ve seen that there is still a demand for this market and we have reintroduced it with the JCB 3CX Classic.”
On the other hand, Glenn said the top-of-the-range JCB 3CX Pro has proven to be popular in Australia’s local government sector, particularly with councils, due to their emission reduction policies.
“Out of all the machine types available to local government across Australia, backhoe loaders are generally the most purchased, and that demographic is still very focused on trying to be environmentally conscious,” he said.
“The Stage V engine has just about every bell and whistle that we can put on it in the factory.”
One of the most significant innovations of the JCB backhoe loader range is the Dual Drive feature — offered on the 3CX and 5CX Pro models.
This feature enables the cabin seat to be turned around, so the operator can drive, steer, manoeuvre and use the backhoe implement, all while facing the rear of the vehicle.
Glenn said this feature is unique to JCB and not offered on any other brand.
It is particularly effective during trenching work, he says, offering greater visibility of the site.
“Instead of reversing up to the job, having to look behind you and twist around, the operator can do everything from the rearward position,” Glenn said.
Top choice
Given the versatility of JCB’s backhoe loader range, it’s no surprise they are consistently used as the ‘jack of all trades’ on infrastructure projects.
Whether they’re being used for lifting pallets of pipes and other materials or being a general wheelbarrow around the site, Glenn said JCB’s backhoe loaders can’t be substituted for another machine.
For example, when compared to an excavator, the backhoes can be driven themselves from site to site, instead of needing to be transported using additional trucks.
“The JCB 3CX Pro can reach speeds of up to 50km/h, which is the highest road speed available on a backhoe on the planet,” Glenn said.
“It also has got a six-speed automatic transmission with a lock up converter, while the JCB 3CX Classic can do up to 40km/h.”
Many councils who operate their fleet on local roads have opted for a JCB backhoe loader over other brands for these specific reasons, as they can keep up with urban traffic without causing traffic disruption.
Given JCB’s history inventing the backhoe loader, it’s no surprise when Glenn said the brand accounts for more than 50 per cent of the global market share for this product category.
“That’s probably due to the legacy of the product which dates back to 1953,” he said.
“JCB is a very respected and highly regarded brand on the world stage and it continues to be so. You just have to look at the worldwide market acceptance of the brand to see why.”
For more information on the JCB CEA backhoe loader range, visit www.jcbcea.com.au