The JCB 3CX and 4CX backhoe loaders have undergone some changes designed to enhance both performance and operator experience. Among these changes is the implementation of JCB’s EASYCONTROL seat-mounted servo control system. According to Jim Blower, senior product manager at JCB’s North American Headquarters, the EASYCONTROL system gives operators back all of the feel and speed of a traditional manual controlled machine with all the comfort and low fatigue levels of servo controlled systems.

Seat mounted hydraulic over hydraulic servo controls allow a user to operate the backhoe in the standard rear facing position in addition to allowing the operator to dig at an angle, allowing him to look directly over his work site; a feature that is particularly useful for ditch work. This key feature, combined with the benefits of reduced operator fatigue, increased visibility, and excavator-like productivity, has been further enhanced with the new EASYCONTROL system, according to the manufacturer.

Speed is improved in the backhoe operation by changing the excavator valve to a full-flow valve block rather than a flow-sharing valve block.

“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 improves 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 valve-block 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 also is 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, according to the manufacturer.

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