Special JCB backhoes start to roll
Limited-edition machine production under way to mark company’s 70th anniversary
JCB have commenced production of the first batch of colourful limited-edition machines to mark the company’s 70th anniversary.
The initial wave of ‘Platinum Edition’ 3CX backhoe loaders has rolled off the production lines at JCB’s World Headquarters at Rocester, Staffordshire, painted in a striking livery last seen more than 40 years ago on the JCB 3CIII model.
The special machines are now en route to customers as far afield as Australia, as well as the UK, France, Spain and Russia. A total of 70 of the distinctive limited-edition machines will be manufactured – one for every year that JCB has been in business.
JCB backhoe loader managing director Yvette Henshall-Bell said: ‘There has been a huge amount of interest in these special backhoes. They look absolutely stunning and we are delighted that customers from all over the world are ordering them.’
The machines come complete with red buckets, full white cab and red wheels instead of the customary black and yellow finish – a livery last seen on the 3CIII model in 1979.
The limited-edition 3CX backhoes – which have a top speed of 40km/h – are fitted with air-conditioned cabs, a heated seat, a six-speed Autoshift transmission, and an in-cab coffee maker.
The machines’ new owners will also receive special commemorative packs which include a limited-edition scale model of the anniversary machine in the same livery as its full-size brother, a scale model of the original 3CIII backhoe, retro overalls and polo shirt, and a retro tool bag.
