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shovel, sweepers, forks, 6-in-1 buckets,
to name a few, are also available for the
backhoe, enabling it to do the job of a wheel
loader, tracked loader and telehandler.”
Major improvements – JCB
While the nitty-gritties have remained the
same: a single machine that can do both
loading and excavation, the backhoe loader
has advanced in many ways over the years,
in terms of innovative features, comfort and
power, to mention a few. “JCB invented the
backhoe loader in 1952 and we simply haven’t
stood still,” says Boyers. “We are forever
redesigning the backhoe to cater for the ever-
changing working habits of our customers,
making the machine more efficient, productive
and comfortable for the operator.”
JCB’s most significant change to its
backhoe range was at the heart of the
machine, following the introduction of the
JCB EcoMAX engine. “We manufacture the
engine in-house, which enables us to match
performance across our whole JCB-built
drivetrain. This makes our backhoe loader
range ultra-efficient, ensuring that every
drop of fuel is used to get the best out of
each component,” says Boyers.
Away from the engine, JCB is constantly
looking at how the OEM can improve
productivity and ease of operation. “For
example, our power slide option allows
the operator to effortlessly reposition the
excavator arm without ground damage,”
says Boyers. “We also identified the need for
the backhoe loader to operate on the road,
that’s why we introduced innovations such
as TorqueLock, a powershift transmission
and power breaks to our range to enable
site-to-site transit efficiency in fuel, safety
and comfortability for the operator.”
JCB claims to offer the largest line of
backhoe loaders than any other manufacturer
to cater for all levels of customers in the
African market. “The 1CX is the world’s
smallest backhoe loader based on a skid
steer drive platform. The slightly bigger 2DX
4-wheel drive machine has been a great hit
in agriculture and the military industries,”
says Boyers.
“We then have a range of 3CX’s, including
an Eco variant which is fitted with our
EcoMAX engine, as well as 3CX Sitemaster,
a top of the range machine which comes with
an extendable dipper and 6-in-1 shovel. Our
3DX model provides the industry with a more
entry-level option,” adds Boyers. The biggest
machines in JCB’s stable, the 4CX and 5CX,
have four equal size tyres providing greater
traction in loading environments, which they
are ideally suited for.
Cat revolution
Caterpillar has been manufacturing backhoe
loaders for nearly 40 years. Over that time,
the OEM has incorporated a number of
innovative features to provide greater
performance and lower operating costs.
For example, Caterpillar was the first
manufacturer to offer hydraulic displacement
pumps on its backhoe range.
“The system allows lower fuel burn by up
to 15% versus a fixed gear pump system.
Additional benefits come from reducing
component wear as the machine doesn’t
need to work as hard as the supply of
hydraulic fluid is matched to the demand,”
says Mulligan.
Other developments by Caterpillar include
rear locking differentials as standard,
ride control, boosted brakes, as well as
continuous flow, a great option for customers
who operate work tools such as brooms or
cold planers as the flow can be auto-set,
allowing the operator to produce a consistent
finish, while reducing fatigue.
Caterpillar offers a comprehensive
range of 11 backhoe models to answer the
different needs of its customers across the
globe. This range includes seven side-shift
models. “Side-shift models are commonly
used across Europe, Africa, Middle East,
Russia, India and Australasia. Within the
side-shift range, we offer two equal-size
tyre models for customers who require
additional performance, typically for loading