Backhoe loader JCB 3CX Super: specifications, owner's manual

The British company JCB is known all over the world for its caterpillar and wheeled construction equipment of high quality. A special place in the assortment of the company is occupied by backhoe loaders. One of the most famous models of this technique is the JCB 3CX Super. Transportation equipped with a proprietary diesel engine.

Unlike most manufacturers of construction equipment, JCB pays much attention to the design and ergonomics of its products. In this article, we will get acquainted with the JCB 3CX Super excavator-loader in more details. Help us in this manual for use and reviews of real operators.

A bit of history

JCB was one of the first manufacturers of backhoe loaders. The "firstborn" of the company, issued back in 1954, was named Major Loadall MK. It was an ordinary tractor with a Fordson engine, a rope loader and mounted excavator equipment. At the time, 550 units left the assembly line.

Since 1956, the release of a new model was established, which was named Hydra-Digger. It was characterized by a longer excavator equipment. Until 1960, such models were produced around 1800. At the same time, the development of its own chassis began, which led to the creation of the JCB4 model. It was the first backhoe loader, which was painted in a corporate yellow color and had a seat rotating 180 degrees. For three years of production, one and a half thousand copies were sold.

For the period from 1961 to 1967, about 7,000 JCB 3 models came off the assembly line, which differed by a moving carriage, supports and new excavating equipment. In 1963, some changes were made to the model. In particular, a swing-out side door, an elongated handle, and a new engine (Fordson or BLMC) were installed. And the index has added to the name "C".

The new generation, released in 1967 under the name JCB 3C II, became a real long-liver. It was produced before 1980. For thirteen years, about 40,000 copies were sold. This version differed in its curved arrow and sliding door. Later modifications received a semi-automatic transmission and a pneumatic boom.

The next centenarian was put into production in 1980. His name was JCB 3CX. The use of a double-jaw bucket enabled this version to dig pits with a depth of up to 5.53 meters. The last modifications were limited to four meters. The 3CX was produced for 11 years and sold around 74,000 copies worldwide. It is so reliable that to this day it serves faith and truth on construction sites.

In 1990, the backhoe loader JCB 2СХ appeared, which differs by the wheel formula 4 х 4 х 4. And 1991 was a turning point for the company. The 3CX model was completely redesigned: from the chassis to the design. At the same time, the company established the production of a powerful all-wheel drive model JCB 4CX, which had a coordinated turn of all wheels and the so-called "crab drive".

In 2002, the company made a bet on design. She introduced a servo drive into her flagship model, as well as the Powershift transmission. And 2005 was marked by the release of an updated model with a solid hood, new hydraulics, own engine and a number of other less significant changes. This is where the story of our hero today began.

Cabin

Like all of its counterparts, the JCB 3CX Super has a spacious rounded cockpit. Its characteristic feature is tinted glass and the absence of cross bars. This appearance became one of the symbols of the products of the British brand. The design of the cabin was very successful and convenient. However, there is a drawback - in favor of aesthetics, all the glass is pasted into the openings. Given the specifics of the operation of such equipment, the risk of damage to the glass is quite large. And its replacement is now a laborious and lengthy process. Excavating and loading arrows outwardly completely in harmony with the cab and undercarriage.

Hood

Backhoe loader JCB 3CX Super was the first model that boasts a smooth solid bonnet. Previously, the company used three-section hoods everywhere. The novelty not only gives the technique a more complete look, but it is also useful from a practical point of view. Now, with the hood cover raised, access to the engine compartment is not unlimited. Exceptions are unless the radiator and battery, for access to which you need to remove the grille.

Motor

As already mentioned, one of the main distinguishing features of the 3CX Super is the motor. It was designed specifically for this model. The engine JCB 3CX Super, according to the company, with virtually idle speed has a huge reserve of torque. In the design of cooling systems and motor power, many original solutions were adopted. So, we installed a filter-water separator. It catches the moisture that got into the fuel. The oil filter was equipped with a counterflow valve. It holds the oil in the casing when the engine is muffled. This solution not only makes the service more comfortable, but also makes it possible to run the engine on clean, filtered oil.

The air supply system received a self-cleaning filter. At the same time, the air intake was slightly to the side. This makes the incoming air more clean and cool. The convenience of maintenance of the motor is also taken care of - all service points are on the left side. So it's not necessary to walk around the excavator to get this or that element.

Interior

Inside the cabin everything is strictly, restrained and very comfortable. The predominant colors are black and gray. Together with the tinted glass, they give the interior some elegance. The layout of the interior has not changed since 1997. And this is not archaism at all, but time-tested convenience and ergonomics.

In the cockpit there are two workplaces. One of them is provided for the operator-loader. The steering column became a bit "slimmer". It has two shift paddles. The first manages the transmission, and the second - the lighting equipment. Under the steering wheel is the indicator panel. It is crowned with the JCB emblem. Unfolding the chair 180 degrees, we get to the workplace of the excavator.

Here everything is done according to the traditional scheme for passenger cars. On the right is the glove box, and to the left is the instrument panel of the JCB 3CX Super. The feedback of people who have worked on this technique show that the ventilation system deserves special attention. First, the diffusers are scattered all over the cabin, they cope with their task perfectly. And secondly, the operator has the opportunity to open the rear window.

Armchair

In this technique, special attention is paid to the comfort of the driver. After all, work on the backhoe loader is quite complicated and responsible. On the set of adjustments, the driver's seat is not inferior to modern passenger cars. Its height varies in three versions: all the chair, front and rear.

Thanks to the compressor, you can adjust the level of support separately on the lower back and on the top. For comfortable work in the cold season there is electric heating. It's comfortable for any person to sit comfortably in the JCB 3CX Super chair. From the driver's seat the visibility is excellent. The front wheels and the loader's arm are visible on the palm of your hand.

Control

In budget versions, the bucket and forklift are controlled using simple levers. On more expensive trim levels, it is assigned to three joysticks. One of them is responsible for the loader, and the other two are for the excavator. Joysticks take away some of the functions of the pedals. This opens the possibility for the driver to work by turning the seat to the side. In inexpensive versions, the control of the excavator rests on two levers. The right one is responsible for turning the bucket and lifting / lowering the boom, and the left one is responsible for the bucket movement and the turn of the boom.

Pedals in this case are only responsible for one function of the JCB 3CX Super - a telescope. How to adjust the telescopic boom extension? Quite simply. As the experts say, the pedals work clearly. And if you turn on the corresponding toggle switch, you can assign to them one more function - the shift of the excavator carriage. This is very useful, especially in urban environments.

The support of the supports also does not present any difficulties. It is carried out with the help of levers located near the dashboard. This is another highlight of this model. Another feature is the lack of a hammer and wiring for it. During simple movement, the boom is locked with a lock that can be unlocked with a special handle. It is located near the cup holder. The special toggle switch activates the bucket leveling system, which helps to protect its contents from spillage.

Transmission

It has already been mentioned that the 3CX Super is equipped with a semi-automatic Powershift transmission. Depending on the modification, it can be 4- or 6-band. Another difference between cheap versions and expensive ones is the absence of the "crab" function. But in all variations, the possibility of a consistent rotation of 4 wheels is available. It is also activated by means of a special toggle switch. It takes effect as soon as the wheels are leveled. This option greatly increases the maneuverability of the equipment, allowing you to work comfortably in tight conditions.

Drive unit

Backhoe loader 3CX Super has a full drive. In this case, the transition between the rear and full version is carried out both manually and automatically. In the latter mode, the all-wheel drive switches off when the 4th gear is engaged. This allows to increase the transmission resource and save fuel.

By the way, the fuel consumption rate for JCB 3CX Super, according to the manufacturer, is 9-15 l / h. It all depends on the type of work. When the vehicle speed decreases and 3rd gear is activated, the drive automatically changes to full speed. As the JCB 3CX Super manual shows, it is advisable to include a four-wheel drive when working with a forklift truck. In this case, the load on the front axle is greatly increased.

Maneuverability

The steering system is hydraulically modeled. Unplanned shutdown of the engine triggers an emergency steering system. The design provides for two of its modes: rotation of two and four wheels. The first option is used mainly when driving on simple roads, and the second is used when working in cramped conditions and handling cargo. The steering wheel rotates from the stop to the stop by 2.75 turns. The turning characteristics without braking the wheels: the diameter of the external wheels is 9.35 m, the edge of the bucket is 11.15.

At the same time, the turn with braking of the wheels is more compact. In this case, the diameter of the external wheels - 8 m, along the edge of the bucket - 9.5. JCB 3CX Super tires are standard for this brand and have dimensions of 16.9 x 24.

JCB 3CX Super: Specifications

A little more entertaining technical data:

1. The weight of the device is 7725 kg.
2. Engine power - 92 liters. from. (Or 68.6 kW).
3. Depth of digging - 4,37 m.
4. The bucket tear force is 6227 kgf.
5. The bucket capacity is 1 m ³ .
6. The maximum breaking force of the bucket is 3217 kgf, with the hinged bottom - 6324.
7. The pump feed rate is 154 l / min.
8. The angle of entry is 74 °.
9. The angle of the congress is 19 °.
10. The angle at the top of the obstacle between the wheels is 118 °.
11. The unloading height is 2.64 m.
12. Thickness of cut layer - 0,23 m

Brakes

The creators paid a lot of attention to the braking system. As a result, when you press the pedal you can get a sharp and unambiguous, but predictable response. The brakes are very reliable, but their sharpness is worth getting used to. When driving on plain streets, it is recommended to wear seat belts and use the "floating ride" mode. It eliminates the oscillations of the fork of the loader, which can loosen the whole apparatus on the hummocks.

Conclusion

In general, as the reviews show, the 3CX Super backhoe loader, even in cheap trim levels, deserves high praise. And the reasons for this are at least three: a comfortable cabin, excellent performance, bright appearance. JCB 3CX Super spare parts are quite expensive. However, this is quite normal, given their quality and the level of the manufacturer. In addition, in order to disable any node of this backhoe loader, you still have to try.