JCB rolls out the 3CX Compact

by Nick Drew | Thu 10 Sep 2015

JCB rolls out the 3CX Compact

Earlier this week an illustrious gathering of International journalists descended on the World Headquarters of UK construction machinery giant JCB for the latest product launch from the Staffordshire based company.

The big news came in a small package with the official launch of the new 3CX Compact a mini backhoe loader which has been designed to cope with the ever more congested sites that contractors are facing around the globe these days. JCB led the way in compact backhoe loader design when it introduced the 2CX, but now following consultation with customers the new 3CX Compact has been developed, the result is a machine that is perfect for road resurfacing and repair contractors, utilities, groundworkers and municipalities working in the confines of congested urban construction projects.

The key features of the 3CX Compact include: Compact dimensions - just 1.9m wide and 2.74m high, for maximum manoeuvrability Rapid travel - 40km/h hydrostatic transmission, 17% faster travel speed than the 2CX Total control - servo excavator levers and smooth hydraulics deliver 19% more flow Maximum manoeuvrability – 4WS provides a 5.8m turning circle, within a carriageway Highly versatile - a choice of 2CX and skid steer hitches plus an excavator quick-hitch JCB Chief Innovation and Growth Officer Tim Burnhope said: “With the 3CX Compact, JCB has condensed over 60 years of backhoe loader expertise and market leadership into a machine that delivers all of the versatility, productivity and ease of use of the market-leading 3CX, with even more manoeuvrable dimensions.

“Its small footprint and incredible all-round visibility is perfect for working in congested urban areas, it’s easy and intuitive to use, has great mobility and manoeuvrability and with servo controls, will suit operators of backhoes and excavators. “With the 3CX Compact we are delivering a real master of all trades, a machine that is suitable for operation in road maintenance, urban construction, utility work, or any task that requires maximum performance in a compact package.” The 3CX Compact combines the digging power and ease of use of a mini excavator, with the capabilities of a compact wheeled loading shovel. Yet it is far more than simply a digging and loading machine. Backhoe loader, mini excavator and skid steer loader attachment compatibility allows the 3CX Compact to work with the widest range of attachments and hand held tools, for maximum versatility and utilisation.

An impressive 19% increase in hydraulic flow, at 100 litres/min, in combination with standard excavator servo levers, gives the 3CX Compact outstanding controllability for operators familiar with both mini excavators and backhoe loaders. Up to 75 litres/min of bi-directional auxiliary flow allows a wide range of hydraulic attachments to be used, including augers, increasing the versatility and productivity of the backhoe. The 3CX Compact is available with two dipper lengths at the rear, in fixed or extending format. At the front end, the loader comes with a range of shovels that can be supplied with optional hard wearing toe plates for road stripping applications. A load over height of 2.98m and max forward reach at full height of 1.11m allows easy loading of road going trucks and other high-sided haulage solutions. The machine can also be ordered with a hydraulic quickhitch, for faster attachment change.

The six-in-one shovel makes the 3CX Compact the ideal machine for a host of jobs on site. Pallet forks and specialist attachments, such as sweeper collectors, add to the machine’s versatility. The 3CX Compact is powered by a low emission Tier 4 Final/Stage IIIB JCB Diesel by Kohler engine, delivering 74hp (55kW). This highly efficient engine meets both US and European emissions standards without the need for a costly diesel particulate filter (DPF) or any exhaust after-treatment or exhaust fluid.

The engine drives through a three-speed hydrostatic transmission to all four wheels, for maximum traction in difficult site conditions. The hydrostatic transmission offers a 40km/h top speed for travel between sites, 17% higher than the popular 2CX. The transmission also features a creep mode, allowing the operator to run at high engine rpm to power high-flow attachments such as road planers, with maximum travel speeds of just 3.5km/h The hydrostatic transmission eliminates the need for a gearshift lever or a clutch, ensuring maximum ease of use. Heavy-duty JCB axles with an optional limited slip differential reduce wheel slip in tough conditions. An intelligent braking system disengages the transmission to increase efficiency and reduce component wear. Riding on equal-sized wheels, the 3CX Compact has selectable two- and four-wheel steering. An exceptional turning circle of 5.8m braked to the outside of the wheels, 6.7m unbraked, makes the machine highly manoeuvrable and easy to operate in tight urban site conditions and capable of turning within a single carriageway.

Optional shovel and stabiliser street pads are available to prevent damage to the roadway. In combination with a hand-held hydraulic tool circuit and a host of high power attachments, such as breakers and patch planers, the 3CX Compact is the ideal machine for road maintenance. Parallel lift loader arms ensure maximum load retention and JCB’s smooth ride loader suspension system (SRS) is standard, improving comfort for the operator and limiting spill from the front shovel.

Excavator-style controls are standard in the 3CX Compact, reducing operator effort and increasing controllability. The comfortable operator’s cab provides plenty of storage capacity with easy to reach switchgear. The operator benefits from a fully adjustable suspension seat and the cab has a heater as standard, with air conditioning available as an option.

The bonnet line is commendably slim, providing maximum visibility for the operator. A laminated front screen, toughened glass and rear screen protection improves safety and flat glazing permits easy replacement. Two front and four rear halogen worklights deliver maximum worksite visibility, while optional LED lights with boom-mounted lights are available for all-round night operation visibility. Its often said that the best things in life come in small packages, this new compact machine from JCB certainly confirms that.

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