JCB says it is celebrating 70 years of its backhoe loader with what it says are platinum editions of the 3CX and 4CX models.
In a press release, the company said its founder, Joseph Bamford, “invented the concept of the backhoe.” The first JCB model was manufactured in 1953 after combining a light backhoe with a Major Loadall loader tractor. “He created, for the first time, a single machine that combined a front shovel and a rear excavator arm.”
More than 900,000 have been made in the UK, India and Brazil. A total of 70 limited edition 70th Anniversary 3CX PRO and 4 CX PRO machines will be made.
“The backhoe is an incredibly versatile machine and thanks to continuous innovation and evolution, it remains as relevant today as the day it was invented,” said Bamford.
Platinum Edition models will have servo excavator controls, Powerslide, air conditioning and bi-directional auxiliary flow hydraulics. The machines will sport limited-edition decals and grid badging and have platinum-colored wheels. Inside the cabin will be an embroidered graphic on the carpet and upgraded seat material with 70th anniversary branding, along with a steering wheel center cover with the 70th anniversary logo.
JCB said it has continued to develop and improve the backhoe concept, with turbocharged engines, powershift transmissions, four-wheel drive and extendable arms. The machine increased in appeal with the launch of the miniature-based 1CX, the all-wheel drive 3CX Compact and the larger wheeled 4CX and 5CX machines.
