JCB Produces Its One Millionth Backhoe Loader, Marking a Historic Milestone
JCB has reached a major milestone with the production of its one millionth Backhoe Loader, a testament to the machine’s enduring global demand.
The journey began in 1953 when JCB introduced the Mark One Backhoe, pioneering the use of hydraulic power in construction equipment. In its first full production year (1954), only 35 units were manufactured. It took over two decades to reach 50,000 units and 59 years to produce the first half-million. However, the next 500,000 machines were built in under 13 years, reflecting the Backhoe Loader’s rising popularity.
JCB now manufactures Backhoe Loaders in the UK, India, and Brazil. The machine remains one of the most versatile in the industry and ranks as the 4th most popular construction equipment worldwide.
Today hundreds of Backhoe Boader employees lined the road outside JCB’s World HQ, joining company Chairman Anthony Bamford to watch a cavalcade of 16 Backhoes from down the ages. These spanned a 1954 Mark I through to a 2025 3CX model. Also joining in the celebrations today 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. Ken, one of the last known survivors of the production team that built the first JCB backhoes, retired 36 years later in 1988.
“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,” Lord Bamford, JCB Chairman said.
North American audiences were able to share in this production milestone during the ARA Show in Las Vegas. JCB displayed a new 3CX Pro model with special One Millionth livery in booth 3931, highlighting updates to the backhoe line including:
Enhanced Roading Capabilities: With a six-speed auto-shift transmission and a top speed of almost 30 mph, these machines deliver improved fuel efficiency and reduced travel time, crucial for utility repairs and emergency responses.
Updated Excavator End Design: Featuring a new outer box dipper, this design offers superior weight distribution, making it the optimal solution for thumb mounting. Operators benefit from improved stability and higher lift capacity when handling heavy materials at full reach, ensuring exceptional performance for tasks like material handling and demolition.
Upgraded Cab: The redesigned cab features a 7-inch display, Bluetooth connectivity, ergonomic joystick controls and improved visibility through larger mirrors and LED work lights. This ensures that operators stay comfortable and focused throughout their shifts.
