JCB’s platinum icon

10 November 2023

JCB is celebrating 70 years of manufacturing its iconic backhoe loader by unveiling Platinum Editions of the 3CX and 4CX models.

Company founder Joseph Cyril Bamford CBE invented the backhoe concept and the first JCB model was manufactured in 1953 after he combined a lightweight backhoe with a Major Loadall tractor loader. It created, for the first time, a single machine which combined a front shovel and rear excavator arm.

While it took 20 years for JCB to build its 50,000 backhoes, under the leadership of its current Chairman Anthony Bamford, more than 900,000 have now been made. A total of 70 limited-edition 70th birthday 3CX PRO and 4CX PRO machines will be manufactured.

Lord Bamford said: “The backhoe loader is an incredibly versatile machine and thanks to continued innovation and evolution, it remains just as relevant today as the day it was first invented. The JCB backhoe loader remains one of the most popular pieces of construction equipment in the world and it has a very exciting future ahead of it.”

The Platinum Edition models will have servo excavator controls, Powerslide cutting capability, air conditioning and bi-directional auxiliary flow hydraulics. The machines will bear limited edition platinum decals and grille badge. 

Other special features will include platinum-coloured wheels, while the cab will have an embroidered graphic in the carpet and upgraded seat material with 70th anniversary branding. The steering wheel centre cap will also bear the celebration logo. 

In addition, each machine will come with a commemorative plaque and gift pack. 

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