JCB is targeting farmers and agricultural contractors with a £55,000 backhoe-loader designed to tackle groundworks without hiring specialist machinery.
The new 3CX Sitemaster combines an excavator and front loader for jobs including ditch clearance, drainage, water pipe installation and building work. JCB is offering a single specification, with finance available from £271 a week.
The machine uses JCB’s 3.0-litre, four-cylinder Stage V diesel engine. It produces 55kW, or 74hp, and 440Nm of torque. No diesel exhaust fluid is required, which JCB says should simplify servicing and reduce running costs.
Wider role
JCB sales managing director Tim Burnhope said: “JCB’s backhoe-loader range is already very well accepted around the world, which is the reason why we have remained the global market leader for this product for more than 30 years, and the launch of the new 3CX Sitemaster is another milestone.”
The agricultural specification includes a six-in-one shovel with integrated pallet forks. A JCB Quick Hitch can also be fitted, allowing operators to use familiar farm attachments including bale spikes and grabs.
At the rear, a sideshift excavator and telescopic dipper provide additional reach for jobs such as ditch cleaning. Extending the dipper increases side reach by one metre, from 5.57m to 6.57m.
The front loader has a maximum lift capacity of 3.65 tonnes and reaches 3.59m at the bucket pin. Return-to-dig technology is designed to speed up repetitive loading work.
Air conditioning, LED work lights and seat-mounted servo excavator controls are standard. JCB’s Smooth Ride System provides loader-arm suspension to improve load retention during travel.
A four-speed manual gearbox gives a maximum road speed of 40kph. LiveLink telematics provides security and maintenance monitoring.