Company founder Joseph Cyril Bamford CBE invented the backhoe concept, and the first JCB model was manufactured in 1953 after he combined a lightweight backhoe with a Major Loadall tractor loader. It created, for the first time, a single machine that combined a front shovel and rear excavator arm.
While it took 20 years for JCB to build 50,000 backhoes, under the leadership of JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford, more than 900,000 have now been made. JCB has been world market leader for backhoes for almost 25 years and today manufactures the machines in the United Kingdom, India and Brazil.
A total of 70 limited-edition 70th birthday 3CX PRO and 4 CX PRO machines will be manufactured.
“The backhoe loader is an incredibly versatile machine, and thanks to continued innovation and evolution, it remains just as relevant today as the day it was first invented,” Bamford said.
“The JCB backhoe loader remains one of the most popular pieces of construction equipment in the world, and it has a very exciting future ahead of it.”
The Platinum Edition backhoe models will have servo excavator controls, powerslide, air conditioning and bi-directional auxiliary flow hydraulics. The machines will also have limited edition platinum decals and grill badge and platinum-coloured wheels.
The cab will have an embroidered graphic in the carpet and upgraded seat material with 70th anniversary branding, along with a steering wheel center cap featuring the 70th logo. Each machine will also have a special plaque, and customers will receive a special platinum gift pack with the backhoe loader.
