Classic JCB’s on parade

by Nick Drew | Fri 18 Sep 2015

Classic JCB’s on parade

JCB put on a fine display of classic backhoe loaders during the recent press event held at the company’s World Headquarters in Staffordshire.

The company will be marking its 70th anniversary on October 23rd – the date the late Joseph Cyril Bamford founded JCB in a tiny garage in Uttoxeter making trailers from wartime scrap. But its backhoe loaders which have made the company famous around the globe and as such it was wonderful to see this collection of restored machines lined up to celebrate this massive milestone for the British manufacturer. The first backhoe produced by JCB was this Mk 1 model which was launched in 1953. Based on a Fordson Major tractor unit a Mk 1 model could have been yours for just £1,833 GBP.

In 1960 the company launched the JCB 4 and two years later this was updated to the JCB 4C which featured longer reach front shovel arms, an all-new cab design and square mudguards. This fine restoration is owned by Andrew Craig & Sons from South Ayrshire.

In 1961 the year of this bloggers birth, JCB launched one of its most successful machines ever, the smaller JCB 3. This machine was built around the Fordson Super Major tractor unit, but also featured the famous JCB Hydrachassis, which consisted of a welded steel box section frame which included fuel and hydraulic tanks.

In 1977 the JCB 3CIII was launched and in 1978 the machine was fitted with the JCB Powertrain which was to become known as the “Build 5”. As mentioned last week I had the pleasure of operating one of these machines for Wimpey Plant in Southampton and it was delivered brand new to site straight from Watling JCB the dealers who had sold it to Wimpey.

1981 signalled the start of the 3CX era which was to go one to become the all-time best seller. The machine has been upgraded over the years but still remains as a focal point in the company’s range of products.

These machines were expected to remain on display during the duration of the 70^th anniversary celebrations at Rocester.

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