Upkeep of the irrigation system is one of the primary responsibilities of farm foreman, Dane Speer, and his team. The potential for catastrophe if the irrigation system fails, particularly during a hot spell, is always front of mind. For this reason, the heavy equipment that Speer uses to maintain the system must not only deliver the power and productivity he demands, but it must be durable and easy to maintain in severe weather conditions.
Equally important is the availability and reliability of his equipment during the short and intense pecan harvest. If a machine goes down, and the pecans cannot be harvested at their seasonal peak, the quality—and profitability—of the crop can suffer dramatically.
While reliability and performance are high priorities when selecting equipment, machinery must also be maneuverable enough to navigate narrow tree rows, and able to operate a safe distance from tree trunks.
For several years, Speer operated a JCB 214S backhoe loader. As the farm grew, however, he needed to add to his fleet. After testing “the other guys,” he contacted ProCon JCB in Las Cruces, New Mexico, in June of 2016, to purchase a JCB 3CX COMPACT backhoe loader.
With the power of a full-size machine and a thirty-five percent smaller footprint—and four-wheel steering as standard—the 3CX COMPACT easily turns down each row and accesses every corner of the property. And the side-shift back-end allows operators to remain a safe distance from trees while reaching irrigation pipes. Speer and his team also take full advantage of the versatility enabled by the JCB 3CX COMPACT’s skid steer loader coupler, which accepts a range of attachments, including a bale spear, grapple bucket and auger.
After two years of intensive farm use, the JCB 3CX COMPACT backhoe loader continues to prove its worth everyday.