Capital Equipment News July 2017

shovel, sweepers, forks, 6-in-1 buckets, to name a few, are also available for the backhoe, enabling it to do the job of a wheel loader, tracked loader and telehandler.” Major improvements – JCB While the nitty-gritties have remained the same: a single machine that can do both loading and excavation, the backhoe loader has advanced in many ways over the years, in terms of innovative features, comfort and power, to mention a few. “JCB invented the backhoe loader in 1952 and we simply haven’t stood still,” says Boyers. “We are forever redesigning the backhoe to cater for the ever- changing working habits of our customers, making the machine more efficient, productive and comfortable for the operator.” JCB’s most significant change to its backhoe range was at the heart of the machine, following the introduction of the JCB EcoMAX engine. “We manufacture the engine in-house, which enables us to match performance across our whole JCB-built drivetrain. This makes our backhoe loader range ultra-efficient, ensuring that every drop of fuel is used to get the best out of each component,” says Boyers. Away from the engine, JCB is constantly looking at how the OEM can improve productivity and ease of operation. “For example, our power slide option allows

loaders for nearly 40 years. Over that time, the OEM has incorporated a number of innovative features to provide greater performance and lower operating costs. For example, Caterpillar was the first manufacturer to offer hydraulic displacement pumps on its backhoe range. “The system allows lower fuel burn by up to 15% versus a fixed gear pump system. Additional benefits come from reducing component wear as the machine doesn’t need to work as hard as the supply of hydraulic fluid is matched to the demand,” says Mulligan. Other developments by Caterpillar include rear locking differentials as standard, ride control, boosted brakes, as well as continuous flow, a great option for customers who operate work tools such as brooms or cold planers as the flow can be auto-set, allowing the operator to produce a consistent finish, while reducing fatigue. Caterpillar offers a comprehensive range of 11 backhoe models to answer the different needs of its customers across the globe. This range includes seven side-shift models. “Side-shift models are commonly used across Europe, Africa, Middle East, Russia, India and Australasia. Within the side-shift range, we offer two equal-size tyre models for customers who require additional performance, typically for loading

the operator to effortlessly reposition the excavator arm without ground damage,” says Boyers. “We also identified the need for the backhoe loader to operate on the road, that’s why we introduced innovations such as TorqueLock, a powershift transmission and power breaks to our range to enable site-to-site transit efficiency in fuel, safety and comfortability for the operator.” JCB claims to offer the largest line of backhoe loaders than any other manufacturer to cater for all levels of customers in the African market. “The 1CX is the world’s smallest backhoe loader based on a skid steer drive platform. The slightly bigger 2DX 4-wheel drive machine has been a great hit in agriculture and the military industries,” says Boyers. “We then have a range of 3CX’s, including an Eco variant which is fitted with our EcoMAX engine, as well as 3CX Sitemaster, a top of the range machine which comes with an extendable dipper and 6-in-1 shovel. Our 3DX model provides the industry with a more entry-level option,” adds Boyers. The biggest machines in JCB’s stable, the 4CX and 5CX, have four equal size tyres providing greater traction in loading environments, which they are ideally suited for. Cat revolution Caterpillar has been manufacturing backhoe