JCB backhoes - 70 years and still counting

The machine has gone on to become a mainstay of construction and agriculture sectors around the world. To date, more than 900,000 units have been sold.

The concept dates to the early 1950s when Joseph Cyril Bamford (JCB) produced a front loader designed specifically for the popular Fordson Major tractor. In 1953, he combined this with a rear-mounted digging arm to create what we now know as the JCB. However, at that stage, it still remained an adaptation of a tractor rather than a purpose-built machine.

The backhoe element was based on a design that Bamford had brought back from Norway, although there is little record of how it was being used in that country. When it actually became a purpose-built machine is something that continues to be discussed – particularly by one of JCB’s competitors who produced its own version in 1957.

The JCB Hydra-Digga of the same year certainly marked a turning point in having a purposedesigned cab but still built around a Fordson. Ten years after the original machine, the arrival of the iconic 3C model certainly put JCB on the map. This revolutionised the construction sector – in particular – becoming the grandaddy of the current ranges.

The JCB Hydra-Digga of the same year certainly marked a turning point in having a purposedesigned cab but still built around a Fordson. Ten years after the original machine, the arrival of the iconic 3C model certainly put JCB on the map. This revolutionised the construction sector – in particular – becoming the grandaddy of the current ranges.

Since that time, the layout has been applied to larger and smaller models. The addition of a driven front axle to the wide range of models has added versatility and durability.

The JCB production facility at Rocester, in Staffordshire, is still the home for the production and the company headquarters, where the arrival of the one millionth JCB is expected very soon.

To celebrate this milestone, the company has committed to produce 70 Platinum 3CX models and four 4CX loaders for sale worldwide. The Platinum edition models will include servo excavator controls, Powerslide, air conditioning and bi-directional auxiliary flow hydraulics. These machines will carry limited edition Platinum decals and grille badges and Platinum-coloured wheels. In the cabin, there will be an embroidered graphic in the carpet and upgraded seat material with 70th anniversary branding. The steering wheel centre cap will feature the 70th logo and each machine will carry a commemorative plaque. Customers will also receive a special platinum gift pack with the backhoe loader.

Notwithstanding, the greatest accolade of all is that JCB has now become the generic term for a backhoe loader. Just as Hoover became the name for vacuum cleaners and how GPS has become the same for satellite navigation systems – a remarkable achievement in itself.