JCB has announced the 3CX Sitemaster backhoe loader, which it says offers a high-specification with a pricetag of just £55,000.
It’s powered by a JCB 74hp engine, with no DEF and comes equipped with 1cu m six-in-one shovel with integrated pallet forks. Power is put to the ground through a four-speed manual gearbox, with a maximum speed of 40kph.
Controls are seat-mounted servos, with a single-lever servo control for the loader.
As standard, it includes return-to-dig functionality, air conditioning and LED lighting, as well as a connection to LiveLink for security and maintenance monitoring.
JCB sales managing director Tim Burnhope said: “JCB’s backhoe-loader range is already very well accepted around the world, which is the reason why we have remained the global market leader for this product for more than 30 years, and the launch of the new 3CX Sitemaster is another milestone.”
For additional flexibility, it has both single and twin axuiliary hydraulic circuits to operate a wide range of tools, and can also be fitted with the Quick Hitch to use implements such as bale spikes and grabs.
The telescopic dipper arm adds another metre to the excavator’s side reach – up from 5.57m to 6.57m – while up front, the loader has 3.65 tonnes maximum lift capacity and a lift height of 3.59m to the bucket pin.