EquipmentWorld.com | August 2014
19
In response, all OEMs say they've gone way beyond
the Tier 4 upgrade, making signifi cant improvements
to their large backhoes. Katie Pullen, brand marketing
manager at Case Construction Equipment, summed
it up by saying, "It's actually a very exciting time in
backhoe loader development. The market has re-
mained strong as manufacturers have really stepped
up their game in the last few years in terms of added
features, capabilities and effi ciency."
Much of what's new relies on maturing electronics
and advanced hydraulics. One example is a system
to damp rocking-horse oscillations during lift and
carry, increasing operator comfort and decreas-
ing bucket spillage. Other examples include auto
idle, auto shutdown, and multiple user-selectable
work modes. Once offered only in larger machines,
these features have come down to smaller models of
all types of equipment. The net effect for customers
is improved productivity and lowered costs. Reduced
fuel consumption
makes a big con-
tribution to that
cost reduction.
Delivering 74 horsepower, the JCB 3CX is powered
by a Tier4 Final JCB Ecomax diesel engine that
consumes around 2.3 gallons of fuel. With a maxi-
mum bucket breakout force of 13,603 pound-feet, the
backhoe has a parallel lift loader geometry, reversible
stabilizer feet, plus a reinforced excavator end.
jcb.com
