EXECUTIVE REPORT
JCB believes the machine is ideal for roadside tasks.
Compact capability
JCB believes its new 3CX Compact combines the functionality of a mini excavator with the capability of a wheeled loader for site versatility. Alan Guthrie attended the machine’s launch.
The concept of a small version of JCB’s iconic 3CX backhoe loader is not exactly a new one, with the compact 6355kg 2CX and the diminutive 2800kg 1CX having been developed previously by the manufacturer. However, the new 3CX Compact is essentially designed as a smaller version of the 2CX for use in confined sites and urban environments, with more power and lifting capacity than the latter machine.
The machine offers a hydraulic flow of 100 litres/minute, a 19% increase over the 2CX, and it has standard excavator servo levers. Up to 75 litres/minute of bi-directional auxiliary flow allows a variety of hydraulic attachments to be operated, and there is a choice of two dipper lengths at the rear, in fixed or extending format. A quick- hitch is also available. The 3CX Compact provides a load over height of 2.98m and maximum forward reach at full height of 1.11m, facilitating the loading of high-sided vehicles and containers.
Power come from a Tier 4 Final 55kW engine developed in partnership with Kohler to achieve low emissions without the need for diesel particulate filters or exhaust after-treatments. The engine drives through a three-speed hydrostatic transmission to all four wheels, with a maximum top speed of 25mph, and a creep mode is available to allow the machine to run at high revs to power high-flow attachments. The operator can select two or four-wheel steering, and the 3CX Compact offers a turning circle of 5.8m braked to the outside of the wheels, enabling it to turn 180° within a standard single road carriageway.
The 3CX Compact’s narrow width facilitates work in confined spaces.
Speaking to EHN at the official launch at the JCB World Headquarters in Rocester, Yvette Henchall-Bell, MD for Backhoe Loader Global Business Growth, said that the company had taken the opportunity to significantly re-develop, re-brand and upgrade the 2CX, at the same time as tailoring it to meet the latest emissions regulations. She believes the 3CX Compact has potential in the hire industry, being able to appeal to diverse markets, from construction and ground works projects, to road repair and landscaping.
The new machine weighs in at 6070kg, is only 1.9m wide and measures 2.74m high, facilitating access to gardens, parks, low level buildings and basements, as well as being suitable for cramped locations such as roadsides. JCB claims that it offers the digging performance of a mini excavator with the capabilities of a compact wheeled loader, while also accepting backhoe loader, skid steer and mini attachments. Two front and rear halogen work lights are fitted, and optional LED lamps and boom-mounted lights are also available for all-round visibility. The machine also comes with LiveLink telematics tracking, designed to allow managers to monitor its performance and operating status remotely, together with service alerts.
Yvette Henshall-Bell believes that the versatility of the 3CX Compact will enable hirers to achieve good returns on investment. “It handles like a mini excavator but has the added flexibility of being able to accept many different
attachments, and it can be driven directly to a site rather than having to be
transported on a trailer. Many
contractors automatically
The machine has a top transport speed of 25mph.
ask for a certain size of mini excavator because that is what they have always used in the past, but, if hirers ask them about the nature of the jobs they are using the machine for, they might find that the flexibility of the 3CX Compact meets their needs better.”
01889 590312
www.jcb.com
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