AUTOMATED DRIVETRAIN

The 3CX Pro comes with a range of automated features designed to boost productivity by making life easier for the operator, for example a return-to-dig function for the front bucket. This model features a suite of automated sub-systems within its drivetrain, the star of the show being a new JCB six-speed autoshift powershift transmission, driven by their latest Stage 5 ultra-low emissions engine. The in-house driveline is completed by JCB’s TorqueLock system, which offers improved acceleration, faster road speeds and improved fuel economy. The latest version of auto-drive allows the operator to easily select a chosen engine speed when roading. Through the main monitor, the operator can also adjust when the auto 2WD system kicks in. This automatically switches the transmission from all-wheel drive to two-wheel drive, when the additional traction is no longer required. It’s handy when digging into a stockpile in 4WD, allowing the system to do its thing as the backhoe reverses out of the pile and gains speed. It’s one less thing for the operator to do, which will have a significant impact on both fuel consumption and tyre life.

These tasks were undertaken by a single operator, so arguably taking the place of an excavator on loading duties and a telehandler on pallet work, to say nothing of a road cleaning solution. The ultra-low emissions, extremely versatile machine was consuming an average of just 5.8 litres of diesel an hour.

Operator Feedback

Having been brought up on a farm, then working for George for the past 18 years, Sandy is a highly experienced plant operator. After almost 10,000 hours in the anniversary model, he clearly enjoys the versatility that a backhoe can provide, both on civils and general plant hire work.

Sandy said, “The JCB 3CX Eco 70th anniversary model was a nice machine to operate and its iconic red wheels, buckets and white cab looked great. Apart from a few very minor niggles, the machine was on the whole very reliable, had great all-round performance and has proved to be hugely versatile around this large jobsite.

“While I was more than happy with the 2016 3CX, this new 3CX Pro is even better equipped and has more performance, particularly its stability on the road and top speed, which can reach 50kph. The other advantage of the suspension damping system is on site, where there is little or no bounce, so a pallet of monoblocs is far less likely to split open when travelling across unfinished roads.

“The machine has other additional useful features, such as the front grille rubber bump stops when loading close in to vehicles. And the revised location of the standard radio in the headboard keeps it clean. The new cab layout is well designed with the operator in mind.

“This JCB 3CX has plenty of digging power, in fact I’d go as far as to say there isn’t another backhoe on the market that would out-dig a 3CX. Overall, I simply can’t fault it, as it’s great to drive and looks stunning in this bespoke black and red livery.”

The Future

The civil engineering and plant hire divisions of the GBSS business have recently been separated to work as sister companies, to better enable expansion in both sectors of the market. George anticipates a busy time for the civils side of the business in 2023, which will obviously have an impact on the hire business, to supply any additional machines required.

Independent of this, George has plans to grow the hire fleet with a mix of the latest kit, together with rebuilt machines. A paint shop has recently been added to their main workshop, which will enable them to refurbish machines in-house mechanically and cosmetically. As their existing fleet reaches 7000 to 8000 hours, the plan is to give them a second life, which is expected to provide another 5000 hours of service. This will provide customers with a choice of cutting-edge technology, or a more costeffective option, both of which are to be found in their modern backhoe loader.