by Richard Cosgrove | Wed 27 May 2026
JCB launches multiple machines at UK unveil
JCB has extended its X-Series crawler excavator range into new territory, with the launch of the 42-tonne 420X and the 52-tonne 520X models, the largest JCB model to date. The global plant giant has also returned to the articulated dump truck (ADT) market with a 12.5-tonne capacity hauler, launched four soil compactors, a Dual Drive 9-tonne site dumper and a 3CX backhoe loader aimed at entrepreneurial owner operators and smaller fleets.
As the company announced its ambition to capture the world land speed record for a hydrogen-powered vehicle, repeating the achievements of 20 years ago when JCB claimed the diesel record at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, the business also made its hydrogen-engined machinery commercially available for the first time. JCB launched the 3CX Hydrogen backhoe loader and the G60RS H generator set, along with a refuelling solution to make zero carbon hydrogen power on construction sites a reality.
The 520X is JCB’s heaviest crawler excavator and the company’s largest model, designed for arduous work in mass earthmoving, quarrying and other heavy duty applications. Powered by a 298kW (400hp) Cummins X12 diesel engine, compliant with EU Stage V emissions legislation, the machine has an operating weight of 52-57 tonnes, depending on specification.
Twin variable displacement hydraulic pumps deliver a dipper tearout force of up to 279kN, with bucket tearout of up to 318kN. The machine features larger diameter hydraulic cylinders, to deliver the additional power, along with twin slew motors, for maximum performance.
The machine is supplied in a standard Earthmoving Pro trim, while a Heavy-Duty Pro Pack is available as an option, adding side impact plates, heavy-duty belly plates, bucket ram guards and working light guards. The excavator has a 6.9m main boom, with a 6.5m mass excavation boom available for maximum productivity. Dippers range from 2.55-3m on the shorter boom to 3.3 or 3.9m for the longer arm.
Both models can be ordered with a fixed 2,740mm gauge undercarriage, or a mechanically-adjustable undercarriage that ranges from 2,890mm to 3,490mm on 600mm tracks. The slimmer track setting makes it easier to move the machine within Europe, opening to the wider setting for increased stability when digging and lifting. Customers can choose 600-900mm wide track pads and the machine is offered with a choice of a fixed 10.5-tonne counterweight and a hydraulically-removable 9.8-tonne rear weight.
The machine uses the proven JCB CommandPlus cab, providing space, comfort and excellent visibility for the operator. A 10” full colour monitor running the JCB UX user interface allows up to 25 operators to set user profiles with customised joystick functions and switch choices. High-definition cameras provide all-round vision and the machine benefits from 14 LED working lights.
The range-topping 520X is not the only newcomer in JCB’s heavy excavator line-up. The 420X is based on the successful 370X, taking operating weight to 42-tonnes and engine power to 240kW (321hp). The Earthmoving Pro Pack is standard, with the Heavy Duty Pro Pack offered as an option. Larger boom and arm cylinders deliver higher breakout forces and a larger undercarriage provides up to 11% more lifting capability over the side.
The 420X also benefits from 50-tonne class track motors, providing 21% more tractive effort than the 370X, while a 40mm larger slew ring helps to deliver additional stability and durability in repetitive swing cycles. With the 370X, 420X and 520X, JCB is focussed on the heavy earthmoving and quarrying business, offering a range of highly productive excavators in the 40-50 tonne class.
Following extensive testing and trials with customers across the UK, JCB is making its hydrogen engine technology available to the world. The company invested more than £100m on the development of its hydrogen engine technology, that has now been fully Type Approved for use in non-road mobile machinery across the EU.
The 3CX backhoe loader is a natural leader for the fuel source, providing customers with a zero-carbon solution that doesn’t rely on an electrical power supply or lengthy charging times. Indeed, other than sourcing of fuel, the 3CX Hydrogen should require hardly any change in operations for potential customers.
The machine delivers the same 55kW of power as its diesel counterpart, driving through the same transmission and hydraulic systems. Power output and torque are identical to the diesel alternative and the machine offers the same ease of service access. The only noticeable difference for the operator is the mounting of three hydrogen storage tanks, made of aluminium and wrapped in carbon fibre, that are located on the cab roof. Offering 350 bar of pressure, these tanks are more than sufficient for all-day working.
JCB has partnered with HYKIT, a brand new hydrogen equipment company, to develop an on-site refuelling solution. Mounted on a trailer, or in multiples on a larger truck, the refueller contains enough hydrogen for a week’s worth of backhoe loader use. Refuelling times are similar to a diesel machine.
To drive, the hydrogen machine is almost indistinguishable from its diesel stablemate. The machine develops just as much digging power and even makes a similar noise, yet provides a zero-carbon alternative to the diesel machine.
JCB has also created its first hydrogen-powered generator set. The G60RS H is built into the same enclosure as the standard diesel 60kVA rental set. It develops 58kVA with an output frequency of 50Hz or 60Hz.
The generator set doesn’t have a fuel tank on board, so would rely on being placed with a refueller rig, to allow extended operation. JCB also suggests pairing the generator with its 3-phase Powerpack. Together the generator and storage solution could easily provide electrical power for a small construction project, with the generator occasionally running to charge the Powerpack.
JCB has previewed a return to the ADT sector, with the 715 dump truck. This 9.3-tonne, two-axle machine, offers a 7.1m3 body capacity capable of handling up to a 12,750kg payload. Available with a selection of tyre types, to suit ground conditions, the 715 is powered by JCB’s 448 Stage V diesel engine, delivering 129kW (173hp) and 690Nm of torque. This drives through a JCB eight-speed auto powershift transmission with active torque lock to heavy-duty ZF axles. Maximum travel speed is 40kph.
The truck has a version of JCB’s CommandPlus ROPS/FOPS cab, offering excellent visibility, aided by a rear-view camera, LED lighting and wide-angle mirrors. The cab has a 7” touchscreen, running the JCB UX interface, as seen in the company’s excavators. Ground level service access, with lift-off mudguards, reduce downtime and the truck has a cooling pack mounted high behind the cab, with a reversible cooling fan to blow away dust and debris.
One site dumper that is ready for customers is the 9T Dual Drive. This 9-tonne site dumper uses technology similar to JCB’s Dual Drive backhoe loaders, with a swivelling operator seat that allows the driver to face the direction of travel at all times. This greatly improves safety on site and reduces effort for the operator.
The 9T Dual Drive cab is impact tested to withstand the forces from a 20-tonne class excavator, allowing the operator to remain in the cab during loading, further improving site safety. Follow-me-home working lights also make it easier to access and exit the cab in poor light conditions.
The site dumper is powered by JCB’s 55kW DieselMAX engine, driving through a hydrostatic transmission and two-speed transfer box. Maximum travel speed is 30kph.
Following the launch of the VM118D, Europe’s first 12-tonne single-drum soil compactor powered by a Stage V engine last year, JCB has unveiled the larger VM128D and VM138D. Weighing in at 12.1-tonnes and 13.2-tonnes respectively, the two larger models share much of their modular design with the 11.9-tonne VM118D. However, while the lighter model uses a 55kW JCB 430 diesel engine, the larger compactors are powered by JCB’s 448 diesel, delivering 97kW of power.
The soil compactors drive through a four-mode traction system, delivering work, travel, gradient and padfoot settings. All of the smooth drum machines can also be ordered with padfoot drums. The machines can also be ordered with JCB’s Intellicompaction system and come with Connected Compaction through JCB LiveLink. This helps the operator to assess compaction passes and provides site management with a record of passes and compaction achieved.
The soil compactors use a JCB ROPS/FOPS cab with flat glazing all round. The 7” JCB UX touchscreen seen in other JCB machines is present, providing real-time operating data and diagnostic capabilities.
In addition to the three larger models, JCB has launched two compact soil compactors, the VM58D and VM78D. With operating weights of 5.4-tonnes and 7.1-tonnes, these two models share almost their entire rear section, with a high degree of parts commonality. They are powered by 55kW JCB by Rehlko diesel engines, meeting Stage V emissions regulations with no requirement for exhaust fluids or SCR after-treatment.
Drive is provided by independent hydraulic wheel motors, with no rear axle. There are work and travel modes and the machines can climb a 60% gradient. They will initially be offered with smooth drums only, with padfoot drums to be added at a later date. Intellicompaction and Connected Compaction are available, along with a five-year LiveLink subscription.
With JCB’s 3CX Plus and 3CX Pro backhoe loaders now offering 81kW (109hp) engines and Dual Drive technology, the company has gone back to its roots to deliver a new JCB Sitemaster. Powered by the 55kW (74hp) diesel engine, the Sitemaster is intended as an entry-level machine for entrepreneurs keen to get into the plant business.
The machine has a single, well-equipped specification, with servo levers and a six-in-one front bucket as standard. It is also benefits from JCB’s Smooth Ride System of loader arm suspension, an extending dipper arm and a return-to-dig function. The 3CX Sitemaster is being offered at just £55,000, or £271 per week, through JCB Finance.
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