Powered by innovation
One of the first new JCB 4CX Pro DualDrive backhoe loaders in Ireland is proving faster and safer on utilities and infrastructure work.
On the rugged work sites of Ireland’s west coast, where power infrastructure needs to battle demanding terrain, one machine is making a real difference. The latest addition to APH Plant Hire Ltd’s fleet – the brand-new JCB 4CX Pro DualDrive – is proving its worth in the fast-paced world of utilities and infrastructure projects.
As one of the first of its kind in Ireland, the versatile backhoe loader is already hard at work on key power supply installations for client Circet UK, tackling duct laying, pole planting, and road access construction with impressive speed and precision. But for APH Plant Hire, this is more than just a new addition - it’s the continuation of a long-standing commitment to JCB’s legendary backhoe loaders - a machine that has powered their success for nearly four decades.
Never looked back-hoe
In this, its 80th anniversary year, JCB has reached another extraordinary milestone by producing its one millionth backhoe loader. The machine which revolutionised the face of the construction industry and has proven its enduring popularity over the seven decades since its creation has been a stalwart of APH Plant Hire’s fleet since the very beginning.
Since its inception in 1953, the iconic JCB backhoe loader has cemented its position as one of the most versatile machines in construction, capable of handling a vast range of tasks. They are easy to use, have the capabilities for loading, roading and excavating and can master even more applications with the range of different attachments available.
“We bought our first JCB 3CX second-hand in 1986 and have bought new models since 1990. We have consistently bought JCB backhoe loaders over the years as they’re the best on the market. We always find them fault-free - we’ve never had an issue and the aftersales and service from ECI JCB is excellent. The 4CX Pro with DualDrive will be our seventh JCB backhoe loader. I mainly drive it myself – there is another operator that sometimes takes over, he’s very happy with the backhoe too, but I prefer to use it myself as it’s such a good machine.”
Eamonn Powell | APH Plant Hire Ltd Managing Director
Speed and versatility
The brand new JCB 4CX Pro boasts all of the state-of-the-art features of its predecessors but also benefits from DualDrive – JCB’s latest backhoe innovation which allows the operator to drive and reposition the machine while facing the excavator, without having to turn the seat to the front-facing position.
APH Plant Hire Ltd Managing Director Eamonn Powell said: “The new JCB is quick on the road at over 40kph and very manoeuvrable on site with the 4-wheel steer very helpful in tight spaces. We can use it for ducting, making a roadway, lifting poles into place with the pole grab or we can use the front bucket so it’s a very versatile machine and we’re really happy with it.
“We handle a lot of electrical transformers which can be lifted with the back actor. DualDrive give us the ability to drive the way we are facing, whereas traditionally reversing through and into sites was awkward and posed greater risk. It is also very helpful when operating in forestry giving greater visibility through trees. It means we can be faster, safer and more productive.”
The new 4CX Pro model boasts a number of further developments, including a single loader lever to reduce operator effort, revised direction control for quicker and easier use, a return-to-grade function for improved performance and upgraded quickhitch with wider fork carriage.
Got the power
With the vast majority of APH Plant Hire Ltd’s work involved with power line and electric transmission works, it’s safe to say the 4CX PRO is proving the perfect powerful performer.