JCB produces backhoe loader number one million

UK-based JCB is celebrating production of the one millionth backhoe loader. Image: JCB

Designed initially for post-war reconstruction, as a machine that could complete a host of tasks on site, the concept started as an agricultural tractor with a Major Loader fitted to the front and an excavator arm to the rear.

By 1953, Joseph Cyril Bamford had designed and launched the Mk 1. This early model was strengthened and performance improved, with the launch of the Hydra-Digga in 1956 and the more powerful JCB 4 in 1960.

Demand for a smaller, more manoeuvrable model would soon lead to the JCB 3, a backhoe loader for the housebuilder, rather than the civil engineer and a model that would launch plant hire businesses across the world.

In the seven decades since, JCB has continued to develop and evolve the concept, adding longer loader arms, a horizontal ‘side shift’ for the backhoe mounting, the six-in-one front shovel and even a kettle for the operator.

Commenting on backhoe loaders, Chris Sleight, managing director, Off-Highway Research, said, “The global backhoe loader market is currently running at about 100,000 machines per year, with India representing roughly 50% of the market.

Lord Bamford and artist and illustrator Dave Smith. Image: JCB

“It is a product which has lost favour over the years in more mature markets like Western Europe and North America, which have gravitated more towards separate compact excavators and loaders.

“However, it remains an extremely popular machine in the emerging markets of South America, Africa, the Middle East and he Indian sub-continent. With this milestone, JCB has undoubtedly built more backhoe loaders than any other manufacturer.”

The one millionth JCB backhoe to be produced was a 4CX model, which has been decorated in graffiti art by London-based artist and illustrator Dave Smith, and presented to Lord Bamford, chairman of JCB.

The company is currently working on an hydrogen engine for its backhoe loaders.