First JCB Teleskid Units Bound for U.S. Marine Corps
The U.S. Marine Corps will soon have a significant tactical advantage with the JCB 3TS-8T Teleskids. With deliveries beginning this year under a $39 million contract, the Marines will operate one of the most versatile compact machines in the industry — enabling them to lift higher, reach further and dig deeper than ever before. Whether deployed in combat zones or rebuilding infrastructure, the Teleskid delivers mission-critical flexibility.
“It’s fantastic that the Marines have made the switch and chosen the unique benefits of the JCB telescopic compact track loader over conventional skid steer designs, and that they have the confidence to deploy this machine on missions throughout the world,” says Fox-Marrs. “We are honored to again have the opportunity to support the U.S. military with JCB equipment, and we look forward to furthering our long-standing relationship.”
The first units are now rolling off the production line at JCB’s North American headquarters in Savannah, Georgia. From there, they’ll ship to Marine Corps bases around the world — delivering power, precision and performance where it’s needed most.
What Makes the Teleskid Different
The JCB Teleskid is the world’s only skid steer and compact track loader with a telescopic boom — delivering capabilities no conventional machine can match:
- Vertical reach of 13 ft, 3 in.
- Rated operating capacity up to 3,695 lbs
- Travel speeds up to 7.8 mph
- Side-door entry for enhanced safety and access
These features make the Teleskid uniquely suited to a wide range of Marine Corps operations — and just as valuable on civilian jobsites that demand performance, reach and reliability.
From the Battlefield to the Jobsite
Unlike custom military prototypes, the machines selected by the Marines are nearly identical to the Teleskids sold to U.S. contractors and equipment operators every day. They’re American-built, field-proven and immediately available.
“This machine is designed, engineered and manufactured by our talented team in Savannah, Georgia, who also produce the commercial Teleskid that we sell globally. The military and commercial versions of the JCB Teleskid are almost identical.” Fox-Marrs said.
A Legacy of Service
JCB’s support for the U.S. military spans both the battlefield and the homefront. In addition to the Teleskid, JCB has supplied equipment such as the High Mobility Engineer Excavator (HMEE) and the Light Capability Rough Terrain Forklift (LCRTF) for military operations worldwide.
At home, JCB is equally committed to supporting veterans. Through its partnership with VetsAid, JCB has pledged $1 million in contributions to veteran-focused charities. Inside the company, 10 percent of employees at the Savannah facility are veterans, and JCB plans to grow that number with the opening of its new $500 million factory in San Antonio, Texas. The company also operates the JCB Veterans Club, offering support, mentorship and community to team members who have served.
“This is a great achievement for JCB and a testament to the dedication and skill of our team,” says Viengkeo Johnson, senior manager, government & defense for JCB North America. “A special thanks to the entire JCB team for their hard work, commitment and perseverance. Together, we will be delivering a world-class product that will make a difference to those who help protect our nation.”
“We are immensely proud to provide yet another product to the U.S. military, which has been a valued customer for over three decades,” added Chris Giorgianni, vice president of product for JCB North America. “This contract demonstrates the quality and versatility of our machines, which are designed to meet the most demanding and challenging environments, whether it’s supporting the military mission or allowing our commercial customer to just get the job done. We are honored to support the Marine Corps and all branches of the U.S. military in their vital work of protecting and serving our country and its allies.”
This article was provided by JCB.
