JCB Celebrates One-Millionth Backhoe with Artistic 4CX Tribute

27 Feb 2025 CW Team

Hundreds of JCB employees gathered to witness the event, including 100-year-old retired JCB welder Ken Harrison, who was part of the original production team that built the very first JCB backhoe in 1953. The vibrant hand-drawn artwork on the 4CX pays tribute to JCB’s rich history, incorporating references to its evolution and global impact. Hatch’s inspiration came from a tour of the JCB museum, where he explored the company’s pioneering innovations.

JCB’s Backhoe Legacy: From Mark One to a Million The journey began in 1953 with the Mark One, the world’s first hydraulic backhoe, manufactured at JCB’s UK facility. Over the decades, JCB has expanded its production footprint, with backhoes now built in India and Brazil and sold across 120 countries.

The growth of JCB’s backhoe production has been remarkable. The first 500,000 units took 59 years to manufacture, but the company reached the one-million mark by producing the second half-million in just 13 years. In 1954, JCB built only 35 backhoes; it took two decades to surpass 50,000 units. Today, JCB is a global leader in construction equipment, with a diverse portfolio that includes telehandlers, tracked and wheeled excavators, mini excavators, skid steer loaders, compaction equipment, and tractors.

Next-Generation Backhoe Innovation JCB continues to push boundaries with the launch of its next-generation 3CX and 4CX backhoe loaders at the 2025 ARA Show. These models feature upgraded transmissions designed for improved road-traveling performance, reflecting JCB’s commitment to innovation and efficiency.

Market Outlook: Sustained Demand for Backhoe Loaders Despite the rise of compact excavators, backhoe loaders remain a staple in the global construction market due to their versatility and cost-effectiveness. With infrastructure investments on the rise, demand for robust, fuel-efficient backhoes continues to grow. JCB, with its legacy of engineering excellence and forward-thinking design, is well-positioned to maintain its leadership in this evolving market.

Seventy years after JCB revolutionized the construction industry with the launch of its first backhoe, the company has celebrated a historic milestone—producing its one-millionth unit. The special-edition 4CX, adorned with a striking graffiti-style design by London-based mural artist Hatch, was presented to JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford in a grand ceremony at the company’s headquarters in Rocester, Staffordshire. Hundreds of JCB employees gathered to witness the event, including 100-year-old retired JCB welder Ken Harrison, who was part of the original production team that built the very first JCB backhoe in 1953. The vibrant hand-drawn artwork on the 4CX pays tribute to JCB’s rich history, incorporating references to its evolution and global impact. Hatch’s inspiration came from a tour of the JCB museum, where he explored the company’s pioneering innovations. JCB’s Backhoe Legacy: From Mark One to a Million The journey began in 1953 with the Mark One, the world’s first hydraulic backhoe, manufactured at JCB’s UK facility. Over the decades, JCB has expanded its production footprint, with backhoes now built in India and Brazil and sold across 120 countries. The growth of JCB’s backhoe production has been remarkable. The first 500,000 units took 59 years to manufacture, but the company reached the one-million mark by producing the second half-million in just 13 years. In 1954, JCB built only 35 backhoes; it took two decades to surpass 50,000 units. Today, JCB is a global leader in construction equipment, with a diverse portfolio that includes telehandlers, tracked and wheeled excavators, mini excavators, skid steer loaders, compaction equipment, and tractors. Next-Generation Backhoe Innovation JCB continues to push boundaries with the launch of its next-generation 3CX and 4CX backhoe loaders at the 2025 ARA Show. These models feature upgraded transmissions designed for improved road-traveling performance, reflecting JCB’s commitment to innovation and efficiency. Market Outlook: Sustained Demand for Backhoe Loaders Despite the rise of compact excavators, backhoe loaders remain a staple in the global construction market due to their versatility and cost-effectiveness. With infrastructure investments on the rise, demand for robust, fuel-efficient backhoes continues to grow. JCB, with its legacy of engineering excellence and forward-thinking design, is well-positioned to maintain its leadership in this evolving market.

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