Where Tracked 360 Degree Excavators Started for JCB

We have a real soft spot for the archive videos from JCB here on the Digger Man Blog and this one on the JCB 7 which was released recently caught my eye.

Following a major development programme, late 1964 saw the preview of the JCB 7 at various trade shows, I don’t remember it personally as I was only 3 years old, but it was this machine that paved the way for the Staffordshire based manufacturers entry into the 360-degree excavator market.

The machine which became commercially available in early 1965, was largely based on the American designed Warner and Swasey Hopto model. Power also came from an American stable with the fitment of a Ford 590E six-cylinder diesel engine offering a power output of 96hp @2500rpm.

The machine competed in the popular 12-tonne sector and was designed to compete with the likes of Hymac who had a strong dominance in the UK market at the time. The machine also featured in an iconic image taken at the factory in Rocester with a number of JCB employees in traditional overalls stood around the machine.

Talking of overalls, in the video below the operators are more often than not seen wearing overalls, my late father always wore them, but they are rarely seen on sites these days. I also note another bygone from the past, the ‘donkey jacket’ and a complete lack of Hi-Viz clothing. Also scary to see is “Ya Man” down the trench with absolutely no shoring in sight!

The video appears to be a compilation of clips from various locations around the UK, enjoy!