JCB India launches industry’s first dual-fuel CNG backhoe loader

JCB India launched the industry’s first dual-fuel CNG backhoe loader in India. Called the JCB 3DX DFi, this new machine can operate on CNG and diesel simultaneously using the Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) technology.The machine was launched in New Delhi by Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. He has been a leading voice for the development of construction machinery that uses alternate fuels and an inspiration on CNG interventions in construction equipment vehicles.The utilisation of alternate fuels is a significant step-change in the construction equipment vehicle sector. Since the JCB 3DX DFi operates on a mixture of CNG and diesel, there is a substantial drop in particulate emission. This also leads to a reduction of proportionate CO2 emissions.CNG is also more economical and helps lower the operating costs to the end-customer. With the global concern on environment and sustainability, JCB is committed to supporting the cause through the launch of this dual-fuel CNG backhoe loader. The machine has been developed in India and has been tested in various operating conditions before its launch. It will be built at the company’s Ballabgarh factory.Speaking on the occasion, Deepak Shetty, CEO and Managing Director, JCB India, said, “Throughout our four decades of operations in India, we have continued to invest in innovation. It is one of the cornerstones of our operations. This dual-fuel machine can substitute diesel with CNG and has been developed to cater to the evolving needs of our customers. It will further contribute to the creation of infrastructure in the country and will also be exported to countries around the world.”This dual-fuel CNG backhoe loader is based on the same 3DX model which is well established in the Indian market. It offers flexible fuelling, which will help customers sustain in remote areas, where a CNG refilling point is unavailable.“JCB has been working on this project with the inputs of its customers, dealers and suppliers. These machines have been tested at actual customer sites across various geographies and terrains and feedback has been incorporated in the development of the product,” Shetty added.Source: Press Release