JCB has unveiled a line of new backhoes and skid steer loaders, just weeks after introducing its 2.5 ton 26 C-1 mini excavator and 3 ton 3TE dump truck.
The British equipment manufacturer has introduced the 3CX, 4CX and 5CX models to its backhoe range, which include upgrades to improve functionality and performance.
Among these features is the Dual Drive system, which allows the machine to be repositioned while the operator looks towards the rear excavator.
The 3CX Pro and 4CX Pro variants with servo controls will be equipped with the Dual Drive system as a standard feature.
When facing the back of the backhoe, the left servo lever controls steering and the right lever acts as a forward/reverse selector.
Throttle and brake control is operated by foot pedals.
A 7-inch monitor provides a wide-angle view for safe movement and positioning, when the machine is facing the back.
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According to Richard Brooks, Group Director of Product and Innovation, JCB will be the first major machine OEM to integrate the Dual Drive system into a volume product, setting itself apart from smaller OEMs and aftermarket suppliers.
“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,” said Brooks.
The new backhoes feature a standard six-speed Autoshift transmission, replacing the manual and Powershift transmissions on the 3CX and 4CX.
In addition, TorqueLock steering is now a standard feature across the range, potentially reducing journey times by up to 10% and improving fuel efficiency by 25%.
Backhoes can move materials up to 25% faster and use 50% less fuel than an eight-ton excavator and dump truck combined.
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The floor-mounted manual shifter is now a column switch, facilitating automatic gear changes up to sixth gear.
Additionally, a floor-mounted downshift switch allows for quick downshifting from second to first for maximum paddle traction and penetration.
Stage V Standards
In addition to the new backhoes, JCB has also introduced large flatbed skid steers that meet EU Stage V emissions standards.
These machines include the 270 Skid Steer Loader, the 270T Compact Track Loader and the 3TS-8W Teleskid. The 270 Wheel Loader and 270T Track Loader have an operating capacity of 1.25 tons.
The Powerboom single arm provides vertical lift travel on both machines.
The Teleskid 3TS-8W features the same single-arm boom, with the added benefit of a telescoping boom for increased forward and vertical reach.
With a maximum lifting capacity of 1.45 tonnes, the machine achieves a full lifting height of more than four metres, offering a choice of vertical or radial lifting paths. JCB’s Smooth Ride boom suspension system comes as a standard feature.
JCB DieselMax 430
These skid steers use a 3.0 liter JCB DieselMax 430 engine which achieves compliance through a new and more efficient combustion chamber design, diesel particulate filter (DPF) and cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR).
The system eliminates the need for diesel additive fluid (AdBlue).
With 55 kW (74 hp), equivalent to the 4.4 liter predecessor, the engine is now 24% smaller and 30% lighter.
It offers a 10% increase in peak torque output at 1500 rpm.
JCB’s Auto Shutdown feature improves fuel economy by automatically shutting down the engine after a predetermined period of inactivity.
