JCB 400 Series ‘The Professionals’ (Archive Footage)

For this #ThrowbackThursday feature we welcome yet another video from the extensive archives of JCB, this time with a look at their 400 Series wheeled loaders from the early 1970’s.

Following the acquisition of Chaseside and the badged machines that were originally offered, the very first fully JCB designed loading shovels were revealed in 1971, with the launch of the first two models the 413 and 418.

These shovels had a very modern look and featured a cab mounted on the front section of the articulating chassis, to provide the operator with an improved view of the working area. They were also equipped with an oscillating centre pivot, to ensure that all four wheels remained in contact with the ground, delivering maximum tractive effort.

Just a couple of years later JCB launched two larger models with the introduction of the 423 and 428, both of which launched JCB into heavier wheeled loader territory. These radical designs were rewarded in 1975 by winning a Design Council award for a second time in two years.

I personally love these old videos, and I know our members and followers do too from the vast number of messages I receive about them. I wish some of the other manufacturers would take a trip down memory lane too.

Let’s enjoy this classic from JCB.