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21 May 2019

JCB CELEBRATES DOUBLE WHEELED LOADING SHOVEL MILESTONE

JCB is celebrating 50 years of wheeled loading shovel manufacture – with production hitting record highs.

Over those five decades, the company’s award-winning loader range has expanded beyond recognition, introducing many market-leading technologies and establishing JCB as a global leader in the loader business.

The company entered the wheeled loader market with the acquisition UK-based Chaseside Engineering, taking on its seven rigid axle machines. Relocation of production lines from Chaseside’s plant in Blackburn, Lancashire took several months and it was all systems go by the start of 1969, which marked the start of the first full year of shovel manufacturing at JCB’s expanding Rocester factory in Staffordshire. In that first year, the fledgling wheeled loader division would build just 298 machines, catering primarily for domestic customer demand.

As the 50th anniversary is marked, JCB now produces wheeled loaders in their thousands on production lines around the world, including the UK, India, Brazil and China. This year also marks the 20th anniversary of JCB opening a multi-million pound factory in Cheadle, Staffordshire dedicated to the production of wheeled loaders.

Over the past 50 years, JCB’s wheeled loader range has evolved into a major part of our product portfolio. Fifty years is a long time but our sights are firmly on the future and we are committed to bringing new levels of innovation to this range. The launch of the spacious CommandPlus cab on our wheeled loaders was a pivotal moment in this machine’s history and this innovation really did put operator comfort at the heart of the design.

Tim Burnhope|JCB Chief Innovation and Growth Officer

Tim Burnhope continued to say; “JCB now offers 25 different wheeled loader models and manufactures the product on three continents. With our innovative range we are very well placed to increase our sales in a sector which has grown rapidly around the world for three consecutive years.”

1970s
1980s
1994
2000s
2010s

1970s

1971

Launch of the 413 and 418 models

The first JCB-designed machines arrived in 1971, with the launch of the 413 and 418 models, replacing the former Chaseside models. These shovels 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.

1972

Design Council Award

JCB launched a tracked loading shovel, the 110, the first of its type to feature a hydrostatic transmission and twin tiller loader controls. The machine was the first to be awarded with a Design Council Award in 1972.

1973

The 423 and 428 were launched

In 1973 the 423 and 428 were launched, taking JCB into heavier wheeled loader territory. A year later the Design Council again recognised JCB, for the 418 design, the company’s second award in just two years for what was still a fairly young business unit.

1975

The 112 crawler loader made its debut

Following on from the 110's success, two new crawler loader models were launched - the 112 and 114.

1980s

1981

410 Wheeled Loader

The 410 wheeled loader is launched to develop a market for smaller customers such as builders merchants.

1981

Expansion into waste handling

By the early 1980s the division had expanded again, with the introduction of the 428 landfill compactor. JCB recognised that different industry sectors required individual machine specifications, a focus that has remained to this day, with JCB building specific models for construction, quarrying, agriculture and waste handling.

1982

Introduction of four-ram loader linkages

The 410, 420 and 430 models had arrived, again moving the sector forwards with the introduction of four-ram loader linkages. These parallel lift arms would prove essential for materials handling duties in particular. JCB still offers customers a choice between a four-arm lift package or the Z-bar linkage favoured by the quarry industry on many loader models.

1983

The 410 Farm Master

The first 410 Farm Master model would be launched just two years later in 1983, continuing a relationship with the farming community that has was established along with the company in 1945.

1984

410M-1B Developed

Another sector with which JCB has enjoyed a positive relationship is the military, the company developing the 410M-1B military wheeled loader in 1984. As well as being specifically designed and built to meet the needs of military operation, each machine was shipped with £1,000 of spare parts, to ensure continued operation in even the most remote areas.

1987

JCB entered the compact market

JCB continued to develop its growing range of wheeled loaders, moving into the compact market in 1987. The 406 was the first JCB compact loader and the first to have the cab mounted on the rear section of the articulating chassis. This model was soon joined by the 408 in 1989 and the 408 Farm Master in 1990.

1994

Launch of the 411, 412S and 416

Following the success of the compact models, JCB went on to redesign its heavier loaders, with the launch of the 411, 412S and 416. These new machines all featured a much-improved operator’s cab, mounted on the rear section of the chassis for the first time.

1997

The TM270 Telemaster joined the line-up

A new range-topping 456ZX model joined the line-up, alongside 410ZX and 411ZX hydrostatic compact models and two additional Telemasters - the TM200 and TM270.

2000s

2002

Range is well established

By the early 2000s, the company’s range of wheeled loaders and telescopic loaders was well established, with the addition of new 407, 408 and 409 hydrostatic loaders, the TM300 Telemaster and the 456HT loader.

2006

Queen's Award for Enterprise

In 2006, JCB Earthmovers was again given a Queen’s Award for Enterprise, in the International Trade Category, a feat that would be repeated in 2009. The company’s Dieselmax engine range, fitted to a number of the loaders, went on to power the firm’s Dieselmax streamliner to a world land-speed record for diesel cars in 2006, establishing JCB as a world-beating engine manufacturer.

2010s

2012

Largest Loader

This decade has also seen JCB’s wheeled loader line continue to expand, as the line-up has grown with both larger and smaller models. The largest loader, the 467, launched in 2012

2014

JCB CommandPlus Cab launched

2014 saw the dawn of a new era in cab design with the launch of the all new ‘JCB CommandPlus’ cab. The powerful JCB 457 was the first machine to show off the completely new cab, offering operators the ultimate in comfort. This totally new ROPS structure has A pillars that have been moved out to the same width as the rear of the cab, providing a larger interior with a panoramic front windscreen. The machine features JCB’s Command Driving Position, with revised pedals, a new adjustable steering column and seat-mounted hydraulic controls.

2017

Smallest Model

The company’s smallest model, the 403, arrived in 2017. The company has also spread its global footprint, as facilities in India commenced production of wheeled loaders in 2012. JCB started production of the 426 loader in Brazil in 2014. More recently, JCB commenced production of wheeled loaders in China in 2017.

2019

Introduction of stage v

The company is now readying its extensive range to meet the needs of tomorrow’s customers, with the introduction of Stage V emissions compliant powertrains. And with production at record levels, JCB Earthmovers shows little sign of slowing down.

1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s

1940s

1945

THE EARLY YEARS

Joseph Cyril Bamford began the business that bears his initials using surplus World War II parts and scrap metals. The JCB all-steel tipping trailer was made with wheels and tyres from a Grumman Hellcat fighter aircraft and hubs from a small howitzer.

1949

A MAJOR INNOVATION

In a little less than three years since JCB started, Joseph Bamford launches the Major Loader. Engineered for versatility, it is Europe's first industrial front-end loader.

1950s

1953

WORLD'S FIRST BACKHOE LOADER

Attaching a prototype excavator with hydraulic rams to the back of a front-loader, Mr Bamford invents the world's first backhoe loader, the MK 1 Excavator. The revolutionary design brings hydraulic power to construction and shapes the industry's future.

1960s

1963

3C BACKHOE LOADER LAUNCHES

In 1963 the JCB 3C backhoe, an acknowledged design classic, was launched.

1964

JCB'S FIRST CRAWLER EXCAVATOR

The JCB 7 crawler excavator was manufactured under licence from Warner Swasey and powered by a Ford engine, while JCB made the undercarriage and excavator assemblies.

1970s

1971

DESIGN COUNCIL AWARD

1977

REACHING FURTHER: THE TELESCOPIC HANDLER

The JCB 520 telescopic handler was launched in a blaze of publicity, created out of some blue-sky thinking by JCB's production team. It was a pioneering concept and proved to be very successful, leading to the modern range of JCB Loadalls - still one of JCB's most successful product lines.

1980s

1985

BACKHOE BESTSELLER

Product innovation continued to be the lifeblood of the company and in 1985 the 3CX Sitemaster backhoe loader was launched and went on to be JCB's biggest-ever selling backhoe. It's also the year JCB celebrated the production of its 100,000th backhoe.

1988

WORLD'S FASTEST BACKHOE LOADER

The famous JCB GT was powered by a Chevrolet V8 and capable of reaching 160kph (100mph). It wowed the crowds at the British Grand Prix in the year 1988.

1990s

1991

WORLD'S FIRST HIGH SPEED TRACTOR

JCB launches the Fastrac 125 and 145 high-speed, full draught tractors with all-round suspension - a world's first, 'specifically developed for the farmer, with input from the farmer'. Breaking with more than 40 years of traditional tractor design to completely revolutionise the agricultural industry.

1993

THE WORLD'S SAFEST SKID STEER

Once again, JCB transforms the industry. This time by designing the JCB 165 Robot, the world's safest skid steer loader. Thanks to its patented single powerboom loader design and side entry cab, the 165 Robot, and our existing skid steer range today, has easier, safer access and greater visibility.

2000s

2004

500,000TH MACHINE LANDMARK

In 2004 employees gathered at World HQ for a commemorative photo to mark the production of the 500,000th machine. It had taken just short of 60 years to reach that milestone. The next half million machines would be produced in the next nine years.

2010s

2010

THE NEW ECO BACKHOE LOADER

JCB unveils its new fuel-cost cutting ECO backhoe loader. The first two machines off the production line were in union jack colours rather than the JCB yellow to celebrate the company's 65th anniversary.

2011

THE STORY OF JCB

The Story of JCB contains many of JCB's landmark achievements including breaking the world land speed record for a diesel-engine-powered car in 2006, and 1962's 3C backhoe loader, which took digging technology to new heights.

2016

THE FIRST TRUE WHEELED EXCAVATOR

Lord Bamford envisioned the JCB Hydradig 110W as an innovative solution to five key challenges in construction. Beginning from scratch, JCB engineers designed the Hydradig to be first for visibility, stability, manoeuvrability, mobility and serviceability. With innovation at its heart, the JCB Hydradig 110W is the first true wheeled excavator, ready to transform the industry.

2018

AN ELECTRIC FIRST

JCB unveils its first ever electric mini excavator - the JCB 19C-1E - the first in a range of zero emission products. The mini digger was developed in response to customer demands for a zero emissions machine which could work indoors, underground and close to people in urban areas. Once fully charged, it is ready to put in a full normal working day on the building site.

2019

WORLD'S FASTEST TRACTOR

The JCB WFT storms into the Guinness World Records book as the world's fastest tractor with a top speed of 153.771mph (247.470kph). Fastrac Two - designed and built by a team of young engineers in Staffordshire, secured the latest title at Elvington Airfield in York with motorbike racer and lorry mechanic, Guy Martin at the wheel.

2020s

2020

750,000TH BACKHOE LOADER

In March 2020, JCB marked production of the 750,000th backhoe loader. With lots of new and innovative features, it sets new industry standards for ease of use, comfort and efficiency. With a striking new design and a whole host of new features, the world's best selling backhoe just got even better.

2020

FIRST HYDROGEN FUELLED EXCAVATOR

JCB has developed the construction industry's first ever hydrogen powered excavator as it continues to lead the sector on zero and low carbon technologies. The 20-tonne 220X excavator powered by a hydrogen fuel cell has been undergoing rigorous testing at JCB's quarry proving grounds for more than 12 months.

2020

JCB UPDATES MARKET LEADING 55KW 3CX BACKHOE LOADER

JCB, the world’s number one backhoe loader manufacturer, has launched a new 55kW 3CX backhoe loader with EU Stage V compliant engine. The machine delivers improved operator comfort and ease of use, increased productivity and performance, combined with reduced total cost of ownership.

2020

100% ELECTRIC. ZERO EMISSIONS.

Join the leaders in electric innovation as we work towards a more sustainable future. JCB’s pioneering range of machines are 100% electric with zero emissions, zero compromise on performance and a lot less noise. No other construction equipment manufacturer has more expertise in building electric machines, today.

2021

OLD MACHINE -The JCB PotholePro at work in Stoke-on-Trent

Launch of the Revolutionary Pothole Pro

JCB launched the PotholePro - a machine that can repair a pothole in less than eight minutes and at half the cost of current solutions. The unique 3 in 1 solution specifically designed to sort out any pothole repair, efficiently, economically and permanently, allowing you to cut, crop, clean with one machine.

2021

Jerermy Clarkson & Lord Bamford Hydrogen Backhoe Quarry

THE FIRST HYDROGEN BACKHOE DEBUTS

JCB's first Hydrogen Engine prototype debuted in one of its infamous Backhoe Loaders, sporting a new green and white livery. The event was attended by the press and some famouse faces, including Jeremy Clarkson.

2021

QEII Event Hydrogen Backhoe Lord Bamford and Boris Johnson

JCB INVESTED £100 MILLION INTO A PROJECT TO PRODUCE SUPER-EFFICIENT HYDROGEN ENGINES

JCB’s emergence as a leader in zero-emission hydrogen technology comes as governments around the world unveil strategies to develop the infrastructure needed to support the use of hydrogen to drive down CO2 emissions.

2021

JCB WAS PRESENTED WITH THE ROYAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB’S DEWAR TROPHY FOR THE COMPANY’S DEVELOPMENT OF A HYDROGEN FUEL MOTOR

The super-efficient hydrogen engine won one of the oldest and most prestigious awards in British automotive engineering honouring technical achievement.

2022

NSPCC Platinum Jubilee Apprentice 525-60E Project

APPRENTICE POWER DELIVERS ELECTRIFYING CHARITY RESULT

A team of 36 apprentices have combined their engineering skills to build a unique machine which is set to raise thousands of pounds for charity. The group has made a cutting-edge JCB 525-60E electric Loadall from scratch which will be auctioned off in aid of the company’s Platinum Jubilee NSPCC Appeal.

2022

Fastrac ‘iCON’ launch with new tech-focused controls

JCB has now launched its new Fastrac 4000 and 8000 Series tractors, with all-new electronic infrastructures for high performance and unprecedented operator choice.

2022

1,000TH ELECTRIC MINI EXCAVATOR

JCB's double-award winning electric mini excavator marked another significant milestone in its short history with the production of the 1,000th machine. The world's first volume-produced all-electric mini excavator only went into full production in 2019.

2023

FUELLING THE FUTURE THROUGH INNOVATION

The 50th JCB hydrogen combustion engine came off the production line as part of the development process.

2023

ELECTRIC AND HYBRID DRIVE ARTICULATED BOOMS LAUNCH

JCB launches two articulated boom aerial work platforms to their range, with a choice of full battery electric and diesel/electric hybrid drivelines. The A45E is fully electric, offering zero emissions with zero compromise on performance. The A45EH is a diesel/electric hybrid version, ideal for working in more remote locations where an external power supply is not readily available

2023

FIRST ELECTRIC LOADER LAUNCHED

JCB expanded their electric equipment line-up with the launch of a compact 403E. The first full electric wheel loader delivers best-in-class performance and full working day use. The machine boasts the largest standard battery pack in its class, with productivity matching our popular 403 diesel model.

See our Wheel Loaders