JCB 4CX Backhoe Loader

DOWN ON THE FARM AS NEW JCB 4CX MAKES ‘FIRST’ APPEARANCE IN NORTHERN IRELAND

The first new JCB 4CX Eco Sitemaster Backhoe Loader to be delivered in Northern Ireland by Dennison JCB is already impressing its County Down operator.

Farmer Robert Malcolmson from the townland of Moneyslane traded in his JCB 3CX which was in immaculate condition after four years earning its keep on a variety of agricultural projects. “The new JCB 4CX is such a marked improvement on my earlier model,” says Robert who adds that he particularly likes the 4-wheel steer which provides excellent manoeuvrability and handling, while the six-speed autoshift transmission with its floor mounted kickdown switch provides greater pulling power. “It is also a lot more stable and steady, especially when using the front bucket at height, such as when I am loading up bales of hay or handling silage. The cruise control feature is also excellent out on the open road. “The cab, too, is a big improvement; plenty of space, great visibility, air conditioning, a heated air suspension seat and lots more extras over and above what the JCB 3CX had, so I am delighted with it so far. It is a brilliant, all round, versatile workhorse.” JCB tractor backhoes, of course, have always had class-leading braking performance but, as Robert drew to our attention, the 4CX takes this even further. Modelled on car brakes, the power brakes provide proportional braking throughout the pedal travel for superb control with minimal effort. Investing in the new model wasn’t a spur of the moment decision for Robert, as he explains: “I watched it in action on some YouTube videos and was impressed by the various demonstrations, so I made a few enquiries at Dennison JCB and haven’t looked back. It is the first time I have dealt with them, and they were very friendly and helpful throughout the process.” Robert didn’t need to buy any extra attachments, either, as they all easily transferred from the JCB 3CX; they included silage and bale grabs and various buckets.

Fit for Purpose

Powered by an EcoMAX engine which delivers as much as 81kW (109hp) and 516Nm of torque, the JCB 4CX Eco cab is rubber-mounted and isolated for low noise and vibration, as Robert discovered. He was also impressed with the seat-mounted excavator-style fingertip controls and the machine’s impressive manoeuvrability, as we mentioned earlier, which comes into its own while working in tight or restricted places around the farm; it is certainly a machine that is fit for purpose.

Other standard features include new style steering wheel with three spoke design that provides enhanced viewing to the front display, which shows the speedometer and which gear is selected in Powershift and Autoshift modes. The 4CX Eco features a 7” LCD panel detailing machine hours, service information fuel level and system warnings. It also has End Boom Damping, high flow load auxillary, clam ram and rear light guards, front bumper protection, Bluetooth radio and integrated LED roof beacons. Getting into the cab is easy and safe – there are large grab handles, a wide door opening, and open grid design steps that prevent dirt build-up, and once you are onboard you’ll find plenty of storage space for all your bits and pieces. A 360° view through tinted windows aids comfort, productivity and safety, while its scoop design one-piece rear windscreen allows you enhanced visibility, especially useful when excavating trenches or cleaning out waterways, for example, as Robert often does on the farm. The JCB 4CX Eco offers great traction and grip on all sorts of terrain, giving impressive pushing power in loading applications. This is thanks to the new variable flow pump power management system. The 4CX’s 4-ram self-levelling loader automatically adjusts the shovel on both the raise and lower cycle without any need for manual adjustment. It also provides unhindered front shovel visibility, especially when loading at height, while JCB’s new hydraulic quickhitch makes attachment changing on the 4CX quick, safe and compliant with current and future legislation. The 4CX JCB backhoe loader is also fitted with EcoRoad technology which significantly improves its performance and handling on the open road, resulting in better fuel efficiency, while high backoff brakes reduce viscous drag during roading and rehandling, which again further improves fuel economy - and for even more comfort and less material spillage, the 4CX’s Smoothride System minimises bounce during travel. JCB’s unique TorqueLock system is standard, saving up to 25% on fuel and 10% on road travel time, while Auto 2WD automatically switches from 2WD to 4WD when not needed to reduce unnecessary tyre wear and fuel consumption.

Easy Servicing

Daily under bonnet checks are a thing of the past with the JCB 4CX – all engine checks are done automatically by the CANBUS electronics engine management system. JCB’s new multifunctional instrument control panel can provide the 4CX’s current and average fuel consumption, as well as service faults and critical faults. The large 150 litre composite fuel tank is completely rustproof to prevent rust forming in the tank which protects the fuel system. Furthermore the tank is the largest on the market, extending periods between fill ups and allowing for a more productive day.