3 minute read - 31st January 2025
JCB produces one-millionth backhoe loader
British manufacturing powerhouse JCB is celebrating the production of its one-millionth backhoe loader machine. The first JCB backhoe, called Mark One, rolled off the production line in Rocester, Staffordshire, in 1953. It brought hydraulic power to construction equipment for the first time.
In the first full year of production in 1954, just 35 of the machines were built, and it took more than 20 years for the first 50,000 to be made. It took 59 years for the first half million JCB backhoes to be manufactured – but less than 13 years for the next half million to be produced, culminating in today’s celebrations.
JCB now manufactures backhoe loaders in the UK, India, and Brazil, with the machines sold in 120 countries. Despite its maturity, the versatile backhoe loader is still one of the biggest-selling pieces of construction machinery and remains the world’s fourth most popular machine in the construction equipment sales league table.
British manufacturing powerhouse JCB is celebrating the production of its one-millionth backhoe loader machine / Picture: JCB
Never miss the latest manufacturing news by signing up to our newsletter here
Hundreds of backhoe loader employees lined the road outside JCB’s world headquarters, joining company chairman Anthony Bamford to watch a cavalcade of 16 backhoes from down the ages. These spanned a 1954 Mark One through to a 2025 3CX model. Also joining in the celebrations was retired JCB employee Ken Harrison, aged 100, who joined JCB as a welder in 1952 when only 29 people worked on the shop floor.
Lord Bamford said: “I am the only person in the business now who can remember the early days when we first started to make backhoes in what was a former cheese factory in Rocester. Looking back at that time, I could never have imagined that we would make one million of these diggers after such humble beginnings. Looking back is a fun thing to do, but it’s always been JCB’s way to look forward, and I’m looking forward to the production of the next one million backhoes.”
The first JCB backhoe rolled off the production line in Rocester, Staffordshire, in 1953 / Picture: JCB
JCB has always invested heavily in its backhoe loader range, and an early catalyst for growth was the £24m launch of the technologically advanced 3CX in 1980. Customers then went on to reap the fuel-saving benefits of JCB backhoes powered by the JCB Dieselmax, a development that saves up to 11% in fuel costs. Today’s 3CX Pro is the fastest backhoe loader in the world, capable of speeds up to 50kph, reducing travel time between sites.
In addition to backhoes, JCB also manufactures Loadall telescopic handlers, tracked and wheeled excavators, wheeled loading shovels, mini and micro excavators, skid steer loaders, track loaders, compaction equipment, rough terrain forklifts, and Fastrac tractors.
The one-millionth JCB backhoe to be produced was a 4CX model / Picture: JCB
The one millionth JCB backhoe to be produced was a 4CX model, which London-based artist and illustrator Dave Smith decorated with graffiti art and presented to Lord Bamford at today’s celebrations.
