The 4CX Pro backhoe includes a new Dual Drive system (Photo: PPI)
Following the unveiling of its new 2.5-tonne 26 C-1 mini excavator and three-tonne 3TE dumper, JCB has revealed even more new machines.
Now in its 70th year of production at JCB, the company has introduced new additions to its backhoe range.
The 3CX, 4CX and 5CX models offer a number of upgrades to support improved functionality and performance. These include the Dual Drive system that allows the machine to be repositioned while the operator faces the excavator (rear).
Dual Drive will be standard on the 3CX Pro and 4CX Pro variants with servo controls. While looking at the back of the machine, a roller switch on the left servo lever controls steering, while the right lever has a forward/reverse selector. Pedals are used for accelerator and brake.
A 7-inch monitor provides a wide-angle view at the front of the machine while looking at the rear to support safe movement and positioning.
Speaking to PPI at the launch of the new backhoe models, Richard Brooks, Group Director of Product and Innovation, noted that while some small OEMs offer a system such as Dual Drive and some companies supply systems as aftermarket add-ons, JCB will be the first machine OEM to deliver the system in a volume product.
“We want to offer the system on all premium backhoes, not have it as an expensive option. We think it’s important to make our backhoes easier to use and more attractive to the market,” he said.
As for on-road operation, the new backhoes come with a standard six-speed Autoshift transmission. This replaces all manual and Powershift transmissions in the 3CX and 4CX. TorqueLock steering is also standard across the range. This can reduce travel times by up to 10% and improve fuel efficiency by 25%.
The backhoe can move materials up to 25% faster, while using 50% less fuel than an eight-ton excavator and dump truck combined.
The floor-mounted manual shifter has been replaced by a column shifter, with automatic gear changes in fourth, fifth and sixth. There’s also a floor-mounted dump switch that can drop the case from second to first for maximum shovel traction and penetration.
In addition to the new backhoe models, JCB has introduced new EU Stage 5 compliant large platform skid steers.
Teleskid 3TS-8W has a telescopic boom with a vertical reach of more than four meters (Photo: PPI)
These include the 270 Skid Steer Loader, the 270T Compact Track Loader and the 3TS-8W Teleskid. The 270 and 270T wheel loaders have an operating capacity of 1.25 tons. The Powerboom single arm has vertical lift travel on both machines.
The Teleskid 3TS-8W has the same single-arm boom, but with the addition of a telescopic boom to provide additional forward and vertical reach. With a maximum lifting capacity of 1.45 tons, the machine has a full lifting height of more than four meters, with vertical or radial lifting travel. JCB’s Smooth Ride boom suspension system is standard.
These models use a 3.0 liter JCB DieselMax 430 engine which is achieved with a new and more efficient combustion chamber design, diesel particulate filter (DPF) and cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) . There is no requirement for diesel additive fluid (AdBlue).
The engine produces 55 kW (74 hp), the same as the 4.4 liter predecessor, but with an overall engine size that is 24% smaller and 30% lighter. It also generates 10% more peak torque output at 1500 rpm. Fuel economy is further optimized by JCB’s auto-stop feature which shuts down the engine after a predetermined period of non-use.
The new side-entry cab features a completely redesigned interior that includes a new touchscreen control system. This includes MyChoice control features that can set maximum forward and reverse speeds in 1km/h increments, along with three different acceleration speeds.
