JCB Hosts Special Event to Commemorate the Sale of its 1 Millionth Backhoe Loader
JCB recently celebrated the sale of its commemorative one-millionth backhoe loader. The company hosted a special event at its North American headquarters in Savannah to mark the special occasion.
At the event, Jason Koon of CSD Inc. took possession of the milestone machine — a 4CX model which had been proudly displayed in the company’s lobby. JCB leadership, including chairman Lord Bamford, were on hand for its send-off.
“I am the only person in our business now who can remember the early days when we first started to make backhoes in the early 1950s,” JCB Chairman Lord Bamford said. “Looking back at that time, I could never have imagined that JCB would go on to make one million of these diggers. Looking back is a fun thing to do of course, 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, making sure they continue to add value to our customers’ businesses all over the world.”
From the press release:
The one-millionth unit — one of two specially outfitted machines to roll off the line at JCB’s world headquarters in the UK — represents more than seven decades of engineering leadership and continued commitment to one of the world’s most versatile machines. JCB introduced the first backhoe loader in 1953, and it remains a staple of jobsites across the globe. Today, it is the fourth most popular piece of construction equipment in the world.
“I’ve spent my life in the operator’s seat and laid over 2,000 miles of pipe in my time,” said Jason Koon, CEO and owner of CSD Inc. “JCB backhoes have been there with me every step of the way. From my early days working with my family’s business to now leading several companies in the utility and construction sectors, I’ve run nearly every JCB model out there. The Sitemaster release was a game changer for me, and to now take delivery of the one-millionth backhoe is not only an honor, it’s personal. There’s no machine I trust more.”
JCB’s Backhoe History
JCB’s sale of its one-millionth model celebrates the company’s past, present and future in the backhoe market. In 1964, JCB sold its first backhoe — a 4C model — in North America. Ever since, the company has sold more than 225,000 JCB machines across the continent. JCB said the evolution of the backhoe continues today with its 3CX and 4CX models. These backhoes showcase advancements that prioritize operator comfort, efficiency and performance.
Pam Kleineke is managing editor of Compact Equipment.
