The JCB backhoe is celebrating 70 years of production this year and is the core product of the business, but it doesn’t stand still for long.
New this year include the launch of Dual Drive, which allows the machine to be repositioned without turning the driver’s seat.
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.
JCB says this is particularly useful when clearing, leveling, breaking or planning patches, as the operator can drive the machine while looking over 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 seven-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 view camera d ‘bird located at the top of the cabin.
Group product and innovation director Richard Brooks said: “We studied how operators work and came to the conclusion 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.”
Other new features of JCB backhoes for 2024 are:
- single loading lever to reduce operator effort
- revised steering control for faster and easier use
- rollback feature to improve performance
- Laser level assembly for easy 2D installation
- Improved quick coupler with wider fork carriage.
Richard Brooks said: “These enhancements and improvements maintain JCB’s position as the world’s leading backhoe manufacturer. By making life easier for the operator, with greater comfort and control, JCB has ensured that the 3CX, 4CX and 5CX are still the first choice for operators.”
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