Wraps Come Off New Entry Level Backhoe

Mon July 14, 2014
Agricultural Equipment Guide

Global backhoe loader market leader JCB announced plans to launch a new entry level backhoe loader which will be aimed at large fleet owners and rental customers around the world.

Initially aimed at the key North American and Latin American markets, the new backhoe will eventually be offered to other territories including Europe, Russia and the Middle East. With a number of unique selling points, the new 3CX will go into production later this year at JCB’s Savannah plant in Georgia, increasing JCB backhoe production to four continents, with machines already manufactured in the UK, India and Brazil.

JCB Chief Innovation and Growth Officer Tim Burnhope said: “JCB is celebrating 60 years of making backhoe loaders and 50 years since we sold our first backhoe in North America. Over that time JCB’s product range has gone from strength to strength and we have now been world market leader for 14 consecutive years.

“Today we are delighted to announce another exciting addition to that iconic range which will strengthen our position. The JCB backhoe loader is the most versatile machine in the world and the launch of today’s brand new 3CX for rental and large fleet owners offers a very attractive product that minimizes ownership costs.

“While the new machine will be aimed initially at customers in North and South America, we expect its appeal to be much wider with other regions of the world already expressing a great interest in this new backhoe.

“As the global market leader, JCB knows what makes the best machines for the job. With the new 3CX, JCB has designed and built a tough, economical backhoe loader that will appeal to the rental market, offering maximum productivity with the lowest running costs, all backed by the reassurance of the dedicated JCB dealer network.”

The new JCB 3CX for North America and Latin America will offer a number of unique features for a machine in its class:

• A stress relieved and reinforced excavator end

• Standard limited slip differential and parallel lift

• Standard stabilizer ram guards, internal hose routings and highest ground clearance to minimize damage

• The highest hydraulic flow — up to 35 percent greater than other backhoes

• Highest breakout forces — up to 45 percent greater than other backhoes

The 3CX also is powered by the highly efficient TIV Final JCB Ecomax diesel engine, delivering a strong 74 hp (55 kW) of power with maximum economy. This advanced engine meets the Tier IV Final emissions standard without the need for an expensive, complex diesel particulate filter (DPF), reducing maintenance costs for customers. At 400 Nm, it also has the highest engine torque compared to other machines in this class.

Built to Work

The 3CX has twin shovel cylinders and the largest-in-class torsion box positioned close to the loader bucket ensuring best-in-class breakout force and maximum visibility for the operator. The machine has a maximum bucket breakout force of 13,603 lbf with a 9.5 sq. ft. (.88 sq m) standard front GP bucket — up to 50 percent better than other models, according to the manufacturer.

JCB’s 3CX offers a parallel lift loader geometry as standard, ensuring maximum load retention with added visibility to the bucket. This also provides increased control when used with pallet forks, improving productivity. Likewise, a standard return-to-dig setting delivers efficient operation in repetitive loading tasks, allowing the operator to concentrate on maneuvering the machine as the bucket is lowered. Loader arm float makes grading and site clearance easy too, as the bucket follows the contours of the ground.

The stabilizer feet are reversible for added versatility, with one surface for use on asphalt/concrete and the other designed for use in the dirt.

The Business Backhoe

With a dig depth of 14 ft. (4.24 m), the 3CX has the reach for trench excavation. An optional extending dipper gives an extra 4 ft. (1.2 m) of reach. The extending dipper locking pin is located at the bottom of the dipper arm, making it easy to access from ground level, while all cylinders and hoses are concealed within the boom and dipper structure to minimize risk of damage and cost of repair, and to improve visibility into the trench. All exposed hoses on the excavator kingpost, are sheathed to protect the operator in the event of a hose burst.

The backhoe durability is enhanced by the use of keyhole castings, relieving stress at the end of the boom cylinder by distributing cylinder forces through the core structure of the boom. The main frame and rear frame form a fully welded unit to cope with some of the highest digging loads. Durability is further enhanced with heat treatment of the boom and the dipper, to relieve stress on the excavator end. In addition, extra plating is fitted as standard on the boom and dipper ends.

Economy and Efficiency

The JCB Ecomax diesel engine has been designed to achieve Tier IV Final emissions standards through efficient combustion, the use of second generation common rail fuel injection technology, cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and sophisticated electronic control. Ecomax engines do not require a costly, hard to package DPF, reducing maintenance for customers and cutting operating costs.

With a transmission and axles designed and built by JCB, the 3CX benefits from total component integration, with each part specifically designed for use in a backhoe loader. The high specification includes a limited slip differential as standard, to provide maximum traction in difficult site conditions. At 38 gpm (144 Lpm), the machine also offers a far higher hydraulic flow than its competitors.

Operation and Maintenance

With its wide cab, the 3CX boasts an enhanced view to the loader, due in part to a low hood line and narrow and four-ram geometry loader arm design. Ergonomic styling ensures that the operator remains comfortable and fatigue-free throughout the working day, increasing productivity, according to the manufacturer.

There is plenty of in-cab storage for the operator, providing safe and secure location for equipment and belongings. The rear-opening, one-piece hood provides easy access to the engine for more in-depth service and maintenance work.

For more information, visit www.jcb.com.

This story also appears on Construction Equipment Guide.