Last week (ending 16 February 2024) at its world headquarters in Staffordshire, JCB unveiled its new generation of backhoe loaders, updating its 3CX, 4CX and 5CX with a range of innovative new features. iVT editor Tom Stone was there to find out more about the new vehicles, which for the first time include Dual Drive, a new system that allows a backhoe to be driven at low speed with the seat facing the rear.
Other key developments include: single loading lever to reduce operator effort; revised steering control for faster and easier use; step-back function to improve performance; Improved quick coupler with a wider fork carriage…and lasers! JCB backhoe experts Ed Lovatt and Tom Wheatley were on hand to discuss and demonstrate some of the new features as JCB’s Kevin Quarry Demonstration Centre.
Richard Brooks, JCB Group Director of Product and Innovation, says: “These improvements and enhancements maintain JCB’s position as the world’s leading manufacturer of backhoe loaders. By making life easier for the operator, with greater comfort and control, JCB has ensured that the 3CX, 4CX and 5CX remain the first choice for operators.”
Operator Control: Dual Drive Release
JCB is taking the driving experience to a new level with the introduction of Dual Drive. Available as standard on 3CX Pro and 4CX Pro machines with servo controls, Dual Drive allows the operator to reposition the machine facing the excavator, without having to rotate the seat to the forward position.
This is especially useful when clearing trenches, leveling, breaking or planing patches, as the operator can simply drive the machine along the job site while viewing the work area.
A roller switch on the left servo lever controls steering, while the right lever has a forward-reverse selector switch. The two pedals in front of the operator are used to control the accelerator and brake system. A 7-inch monitor, located at the rear of the machine next to the side console, provides a wide-angle view of the front of the machine, while looking to the rear thanks to a field-of-view camera bird located at the top of the cabin.
Brooks says, “We studied how operators work and concluded that the ease of use and productivity improvement would be the ability to drive the machine in both directions while operating the excavator.
“This unique feature further sets us apart from the competition and reinforces our commitment to having the easiest and most comfortable backhoe to use.”
A JCB backhoe can excavate up to 190 tonnes per hour, loading and digging with Dual Drive is an absolute game changer for operator ease of use, which is why we’ve standardized this functionality on premium models.
Using experience from the wheel loader market, JCB has also adopted a 6-in-1 loader control lever as standard on all manual control machines, allowing operators to control the loader and transmission with one hand and direction with the other, without the need to use the column shift. A proportional switch on the side of the lever activates the 6-in-1 shell function. With a large capacity shovel, automatic shift transmission and back-to-dig function, it is possible to load a truck in as little as 5 minutes.
A switch is incorporated into the loader lever for directional control of the transmission in addition to the standard column shift control. As with JCB’s Loadall telescopic handlers, the column switch maintains priority over the loader lever switch.
To simplify setting the 6-in-1 blade angle for grading work, JCB has introduced a return-to-level function on all servo-controlled machines. With activation via a switch on the side console, the operator simply opens the clamshell scoop, before moving the loader lever to the right. The system automatically stops blade rotation when it reaches the optimal angle for grading.
With the widespread adoption of laser leveling systems throughout the industry, JCB has added a 2D laser receiver mount to the front loader torsion box. A mounting post can be installed and extended to accommodate various receiver types and sizes. This allows the operator to set grade and grade depth more accurately while reducing time required and fuel used. A 2D laser can increase graduation accuracy up to 10mm, offering the operator time savings of up to 25% over standard manual level control. The 4CX can grade and grade 50 tonnes of stone 63% faster, using 73% less fuel, than a 13-tonne excavator.
JCB’s integrated fork quick-hitch, which allows the shovel to be removed for use with a dedicated fork with a lift capacity of 2,000kg, has been enhanced with a 220mm wider fork carriage, for improved stability of wider loads. The forks are now located outside the carrier frame, making it easier to reach the forks and store them after use. Hydraulic couplings are also repositioned for easier access, to reduce changeover time. Rubber mounts have been introduced to reduce noise between the forks and frame, while the wiring and hoses are repositioned for improved protection.
A dual screen and camera option is now offered with the integrated forks, for improved visibility when handling material. An anti-bullying camera has been integrated into the quick-hitch frame, which provides better visibility of the forks and the load, especially at ground level. A second camera, mounted on the roof, allows the operator to see the quick hitch bar, making it easy to change attachments, while a 7-inch color screen on the right side of the front console can be switched to show the power of any camera. .
Road performance
A standard six-speed Autoshift transmission will replace all manual and Powershift transmissions in the 3CX and 4CX. TorqueLock, transforming road and cargo performance, will also become standard, reducing journey times by up to 10% and improving fuel efficiency by 25%. The backhoe can move materials up to 25% faster, using 50% less fuel than an 8-ton excavator and dump truck combined.
The floor-mounted manual shifter will be replaced by a simple column switch, with automatic gear changes in fourth, fifth and sixth gears. Loading is also made easier, with a throw switch now mounted on the floor, which automatically downshifts a gear from second to first for maximum shovel traction and penetration.
Month. . . .
All 3CX, 4CX and 5CX models now benefit from the standard fitment of eight LED work lights, four at the front and four at the rear of the machine. With 1,000 lumens of light each, these work lights improve visibility throughout the machine in poor conditions. A higher power 10 LED work light package is still available as an option.
A seat lock has been introduced on joystick machines, to prevent the longer joystick levers from hitting the steering wheel when the operator turns the seat. The seat will now only rotate when the steering column is in the fully retracted position, while the steering column foot release remains on the cab floor.
JCB has included a number of smaller updates to the backhoe range, including simplified activation of the excavator quick hitch, the option of new 20-inch Michelin Power CL tires on the 3CX and 3CX Plus models, a new seat belt warning feature and a green beacon socket for the UK market.
