JCB expands new Texas factory plans in response to April tariff hike
Since Donald Trump’s import tariff announcement, the world has been on a wild economic ride.
It's no surprise to see JCB bring new products to the market, but the recent release of the 1CX-T combines their know-how of back-hoe loaders with the go-anywhere ability of rubber tracks.
The 1CX-T in reality combines the nimble compact dimensions of a typical skid steer loader with that of a tracked mini-excavator in a machine much more versatile, and should prove a hit with many industries including agriculture.
The Tier3, naturally aspirated engine from the Perkins stable delivers 49hp and couples to the Danfoss/Rexroth hydrostatic transmission via a power management system (PMS) that controls output while maintaining fuel economy.
In practice the system acts as a cruise control by setting a fixed forward speed at low engine revs for minimum fuel usage; or alternatively engine revs can be set to maximum and forward speed adjusted to give the best pushing or break-out forces without spinning the tracks or stalling the engine. The 320mm wide tracks ensure easy movement over difficult terrain, and are carried by a solid under-carriage with four triple flanged rollers.
With the power of a typical 2.5 tonne excavator, the backhoe can be specified with the Extradig, extendable dipper arm to allow up to 36% deeper digging depths of over 3m, so it easily outperforms a skid steer with a clip-on digger attachment. This is achievable because the backhoe was always designed to be an integral part of the machine while maintaining compact dimensions.
The frontloader uses a standard skid steer hitch so will be compatible with a wide range of attachments, and also features parallel lift for maximum load retention and safety. With a maximum capacity of 1000kg, and a break-out force of around 2500kg its performance is high, and combines with a lift height of around 2.65m to easily load over the side of road trucks.
Unlike the layout of conventional skid steers the JCB uses a full height, side-entry door to allow the operator easy access to the seat without the need to climb over often dangerous attachments. Full cab or canopy options are offered, both meeting FOPS and ROPS certification.
As with any machine of this type hydraulic power is king: the open centre system delivers 45L/min as standard, with the option to upgrade to 100L/min for flow intensive jobs.
The introduction of the 1CXT should provide a useful machine for many industries, and the peace of mind of buying a backhoe loader from a manufacturer that sells nearly half of all this type of machines produced in the world today.
Kiwis are wasting less of their food than they were two years ago, and this has been enough to push New Zealand’s total household food waste bill lower, the 2025 Rabobank KiwiHarvest Food Waste survey has found.
OPINION: Sir Lockwood Smith has clearly and succinctly defined what academic freedom is all about, the boundaries around it and the responsibility that goes with this privilege.
DairyNZ says its plantain programme continues to deliver promising results, with new data confirming that modest levels of plantain in pastures reduce nitrogen leaching, offering farmers a practical, science-backed tool to meet environmental goals.
'Common sense' cuts to government red tape will make it easier for New Zealand to deliver safe food to more markets.
Balclutha farmer Renae Martin remembers the moment she fell in love with cows.
Academic freedom is a privilege and it's put at risk when people abuse it.
OPINION: For years, the ironically named Dr Mike Joy has used his position at Victoria University to wage an activist-style…
OPINION: A mate of yours truly has had an absolute gutsful of the activist group SAFE.