Still swinging at 60

On the eve of its 60th birthday, it's appropriate that JCB should be bringing out a revamp to one of its most enduring product lines, the backhoe loader. Dan Gilkes tests the range-topping 3CX, now fitted with a JCB engine.
JCB has been building backhoe loaders for almost 60 years, carefully honing the design and improving the machines to the point where the marque is literally synonymous with the concept.
Each year JCB manages to add something to the machines, improving productivity, cutting fuel use and lowering operating costs. But these changes are
understandably relatively small, incremental improvements to a well-established product, rather than groundbreaking changes.
This year, however, there is something new for the range-topping 3CX and 4CX, a change that hits right at the heart of the machine. This year, the JCB backhoe loader comes with a
JCB engine.
That's not a Perkins engine with a JCB rocker cover, or a Cummins motor painted yellow, but a JCB engine, built in a JCB factory to the firm's own design.
Somewhat oddly, given that we are told customers always want more, the JCB motor offers virtually the same output as the Perkins engine it replaces. The 4.4-litre, four-cylinder engine in the 3CX Contractor pumps out 100hp (74kW) with a hefty 425Nm of torque at a lowly 1,300rpm.

Less is more
JCB says backhoe loader customers don't necessarily want more, in fact they want less. That's less fuel consumption, less service work from longer service hours, and the right amount of power to run the hydraulics smoothly.
The firm insists that 100hp is ample for a machine of this size, and by building the engine itself, it has been able to better match the engine's output to the hydraulic system/transmission to imp-rove performance and cut costs.
The result sees service intervals stretched to 500 hours, thereby lowering operating costs, while fuel consumption is said to be equal to, or better than, the previous engine in all conditions.
However, if you really want to save fuel, and you use your backhoe loader on the road to any extent, there is a second change under the bodywork that might be of interest. Offered as an option on all 3CX and 4CX models, with either the four
or six-speed powershift and autoshift transmissions, you can now get an automatic lock-up torque converter.
Torque Lock engages automatically when the machine gets into its top two gears, providing a straight-through drive that eliminates the losses associated with torque converter slippage. The firm says some customers are already claiming up to a 25% fuel saving on road work with Torque Lock.
JCB was a bit coy about option costs, but says at those levels a customer could expect to save the additional investment within 12 months. It's not surprising then, to see that although only launched earlier this year, 15% of customers are choosing the option.
Up above the engine, JCB has managed to maintain a sloping engine hood, which tilts to the rear to satisfy customer requests. The new engine is easy to get at, with all filters and fill points within easy reach from ground level.
Behind this, the cab remains one of the largest on the market, with plenty of room to move about and rotate the seat between operating positions.

Fully loaded
Our test machine was loaded with all of the options, from Torque Lock and the 100hp engine, to a Powerslide backhoe attachment and the latest generation of Precision Controls.
Powerslide allows the operator to position the kingpost of the backhoe anywhere along the slide rails using the machine's hydraulics, rather than loosening the clamps and pulling or pushing the kingpost across with the arm. It does offer faster positioning when varying the position for trenching, and JCB says around 10% of customers for higher specification models are including Powerslide.
Of more interest perhaps is Precision Control, the system that puts electro-hydraulic servo controls at the operator's fingertips, rather than having to reach for long levers at the rear. JCB has refined the hydraulics and the positioning of the levers for this second generation set-up, offering more adjustment in the control pods and on the seat. This is said to provide a more ergonomic feel to the controls for the backhoe.
There has been a change in the machine's safety interlocking system, which means that once the joysticks are powered up, by swinging the seat to the rear-
facing position, they will stay powered even if the operator turns the seat to the side of the machine. This means the operator doesn't have to keep pressing a manual override button to be able to work the machine over the side, making it more versatile and easier to pilot.
Though undoubtedly an expensive option, and again JCB was not prepared to give an exact price, it seems that Precision Control is gaining in popularity. JCB says around 10% of 3CX and 4CX backhoes are now fitted with the servo levers.

Direct approach
With all of this electro-hydraulic control to the rear, it is perhaps surprising to see that JCB has reverted to a direct link with the hydraulic valves for the front loader. Apparently customers weren't happy with the level of control offered by a front servo, and preferred the direct feel of a mechanical linkage.
That said, the lever head still houses an electro-hydraulic control for the six-in-one shovel's clamshell, which is operated by the thumb while working the main lever. This secondary hydraulic control can also be used to work attachments such as sweeper brushes and side-tip shovels.<25A0>