JCB takes Backhoe market to next stage with 3CX Hydrogen

JCB, the world’s number one backhoe loader manufacturer, is once again driving the market forward, with the formal launch of the first production 3CX Hydrogen Backhoe Loader, a zero-emission solution for sustainability-focused construction businesses around the world. 

Key features include:

• JCB 55kW hydrogen engine delivers power and torque to match the diesel equivalent
• Can operate on 100% renewable zero carbon fuel, with rapid refilling on site
• £100m investment in hydrogen engine technology
• Full EU Engine Type-Approval for use in non-road mobile machinery
• JCB Finance to offer three-year operating lease and service contract

Innovative Energy

JCB has been working on hydrogen engine technology for over five years, investing more than £100 million in the development of the JCB Hydrogen engine and JCB Hydrogen equipment. The company has extensively trialled the technology with customers in working site conditions, across power generation, Loadall telescopic handlers and in the 3CX Backhoe Loader.

Customers working with the machines reported identical power and torque characteristics to their traditional diesel machines, with no requirement for operators to change their way of working or adapt to the new technology. JCB has developed a mobile refueller in cooperation with HYKIT that enables easy, rapid filling on site when required, with none of the lengthy charging times associated with battery electric machinery.

One of the national companies working with JCB on the machine trials commented: “The site here and the application that the backhoe is performing is typical of backhoe use. It’s been loading on to trucks, using pallet forks, grading, all typical applications. Our operator said that it feels the same as the diesel backhoe. He really couldn’t tell the difference.”

The 3CX Hydrogen is powered by a 55kW version of JCB’s hydrogen engine. The machine has three composite-wrapped hydrogen tanks, mounted on the cab roof, providing enough storge at 350 bar pressure for all-day operation. Other than the hydrogen storage tanks and fuel distribution lines, the machine will feel familiar to backhoe loader customers across the world. The hydrogen engine delivers the same power and torque as the diesel model and requires similar service and maintenance intervals, making it easy to adopt. 

With the availability of a purpose-built mobile refueller on site and a ready supply of hydrogen, through JCB’s partner Ryze Power in the UK, contractors will be able to add the 3CX Hydrogen to their operations with minimal adjustment.

JCB Chairman Lord Bamford, who has pioneered the project from the start, said: “The unique combustion properties of hydrogen enable the hydrogen engine to deliver the same power, the same torque, and the same efficiency that powers JCB machines today, but in a zero-carbon way. 

“Hydrogen combustion engines also offer other significant benefits. By leveraging diesel engine technology and components, they do not require rare earth elements and critically, combustion technology is already well proven on construction and agricultural equipment. It is a technology which is cost effective, robust, reliable and well known throughout not just the construction and agricultural industry, but the whole world.”

To make the transition to hydrogen seamless for customers, JCB will be working with its global finance partners, including JCB Finance in the UK. JCB Finance will be offering a three-year operating lease on the innovative machines. Globally, any commercial agreement will include machine insurance and a full-service contract, ensuring complete peace of mind for customers keen to deploy this clean, renewable fuel on sites across the world.

JCB is the world’s first construction equipment manufacturer to develop a fully approved combustion engine fuelled by hydrogen and the first to deliver that technology in a production backhoe loader. The company has built more than 150 hydrogen engines during the evaluation process, demonstrating the technology to His Majesty King Charles III during the monarch’s visit to JCB’s recent 80th birthday celebrations.