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Heavy equipment manufacturer JCB has made substantial improvements to two models from its rugged backhoe loader product line--the 3CX and 4CX. The third largest heavy equipment manufacturer in the world, JCB's North American headquarters are in Savannah, Georgia, with an extensive network of dealers located throughout the U.S. and Canada.

The JCB 3CX and 4CX backhoe loaders have undergone some noteworthy changes designed to enhance both performance and operator experience. Perhaps the most significant of these changes is the implementation of JCB's innovative EASYCONTROL seat-mounted servo control system. According to Jim Blower, senior product manager at JCB's North American Headquarters, the EASYCONTROL system improves backhoe speed by changing the machine's valve block from "flow-sharing" to "full-flow."

"A flow-sharing valve block limits the amount of oil available to each cylinder," Blower said. "Switching these machines to full-flow valve blocks allows them to distribute the maximum amount of oil available to any cylinder, making single service cycle time faster and giving the operator total control over the backhoe's speed."

The EASYCONTROL system also increases operator/joystick feedback by changing the hydraulic circuit in the backhoe from a "closed circuit" to an "open circuit." With an open hydraulic circuit, neutral circuit oil flows through the valves any time the engine is running and turning the pumps, making hydraulic power available on demand. Lever movement determines the amount of power available at the bucket tooth, allowing the operator to control how much force is applied to a given obstacle in the ground.

In addition to the implementation of the EASYCONTROL system, the JCB 3CX and 4CX backhoe loader models now also feature a stronger, more durable fuel tank. Now made from a highly resistant composite material, the fuel tank is less susceptible to rust, minimizing the risk of costly repairs required when rust enters a backhoe loader's fuel system. This composite material is also impact-resistant, enhancing the fuel tank's resistance to damage that can occur on the job site. A steel tank guard protects the underside of the tank by deflecting any foreign objects that may come into contact with it, and the steps to enter or exit the machine are mounted to the backhoe loader's frame--not to the fuel tank itself, further limiting the possibility of damage during day-to-day use.

Another improvement to the JCB 3CX and 4CX backhoe loaders is the removal of the Hydraulic Speed Control (HSC) switch from the machines' operator compartments. Now, the backhoe loader automatically dumps one of its hydraulic pumps directly to the tank when it senses no need for the pump to be engaged. "This intuitive enhancement not only removes that particular responsibility from the operator, it can also result in a fuel savings of 15 to 20 percent when the backhoe loader is driven at higher speeds," Blower added. "The exact fuel savings depends on road conditions and type of transmission being used--manual or automatic."