JCB builds 1 millionth loader

JCB is celebrating a historic milestone with the production of its one millionth backhoe loader. The first JCB backhoe rolled off the production line in Rocester, Staffordshire, UK in 1953. Called the Mark One, it brought the new wonder of 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 the manufacturer more than 20 years to complete its first 50,000 loaders. It took 59 years to reach the half million mark, and less than 13 years for the next half million culminating in this celebration.

JCB now manufactures backhoe loaders in the UK, India and Brazil. Despite the maturity of the versatile backhoe loader, it is still one of the biggest selling pieces of construction machinery, and it remains the world’s fourth most popular machine in the construction equipment sales league table.

Hundreds of backhoe loader 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. 100-year-old retired JCB employee Ken Harrison joined the celebrations, he started at 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 one millionth JCB backhoe to be produced was a 4CX model, which has been decorated in graffiti art by London-based artist and illustrator Dave Smith and presented to Lord Bamford at today’s celebrations.

Operator Efficiency

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.
• Updated Excavator End Design: Featuring a new outer box dipper, this design offers superior weight distribution. Operators benefit from improved stability and higher lift capacity when handling heavy materials at full reach.
• 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.