Company founder Joseph Cyril Bamford CBE invented the backhoe concept and the first JCB model was manufactured in 1953 after combining a light backhoe with a Major Loadall tractor loader. He created, for the first time, a single machine that combined a front shovel and a rear excavator arm.
Although it took JCB 20 years to build 50,000 backhoes, under the leadership of JCB chairman Anthony Bamford, more than 900,000 have now been manufactured. JCB has been the world leader in backhoe loaders for almost 25 years and today they manufacture the machines in the UK, India and Brazil.
A total of 70 limited edition 70th Anniversary 3CX PRO and 4 CX PRO machines will be manufactured.
“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.
“The JCB backhoe remains one of the most popular pieces of construction equipment in the world and has a very exciting future ahead of it.”
Platinum Edition backhoe models will have power slide, powerslide, air conditioning and two-way auxiliary flow hydraulic controls. The machines will also have limited-edition platinum decals and platinum-colored grille and wheel badging.
The cabin will have an embroidered graphic on the carpet and upgraded seat material with 70th anniversary branding, along with a center steering wheel cover with the 70th anniversary logo. Each machine will also have a special plaque and customers will receive a special platinum gift pack with the backhoe.