Our Story

Joseph Cyril Bamford began the business that bears his initials using surplus World War II parts and scrap metals. The JCB all-steel tipping trailer was made with wheels and tyres from a Grumman Hellcat fighter aircraft and hubs from a small howitzer.

In a little less than three years since JCB started, Joseph Bamford launches the Major Loader. Engineered for versatility, it is Europe's first industrial front-end loader.

Attaching a prototype excavator with hydraulic rams to the back of a front-loader, Mr Bamford invents the world's first backhoe loader, the MK 1 Excavator. The revolutionary design brings hydraulic power to construction and shapes the industry's future.

In 1963 the JCB 3C backhoe, an acknowledged design classic, was launched.

The JCB 7 crawler excavator was manufactured under licence from Warner Swasey and powered by a Ford engine, while JCB made the undercarriage and excavator assemblies.

JCB launched a tracked loading shovel, the 110, the first of its type to feature a hydrostatic transmission and twin tiller loader controls. The machine was the first to be awarded with a Design Council Award in 1972.

The JCB 520 telescopic handler was launched in a blaze of publicity, created out of some blue-sky thinking by JCB's production team. It was a pioneering concept and proved to be very successful, leading to the modern range of JCB Loadalls - still one of JCB's most successful product lines.

Product innovation continued to be the lifeblood of the company and in 1985 the 3CX Sitemaster backhoe loader was launched and went on to be JCB's biggest-ever selling backhoe. It's also the year JCB celebrated the production of its 100,000th backhoe.

The famous JCB GT was powered by a Chevrolet V8 and capable of reaching 160kph (100mph). It wowed the crowds at the British Grand Prix in the year 1988.

JCB launches the Fastrac 125 and 145 high-speed, full draught tractors with all-round suspension - a world's first, 'specifically developed for the farmer, with input from the farmer'. Breaking with more than 40 years of traditional tractor design to completely revolutionise the agricultural industry.

Once again, JCB transforms the industry. This time by designing the JCB 165 Robot, the world's safest skid steer loader. Thanks to its patented single powerboom loader design and side entry cab, the 165 Robot, and our existing skid steer range today, has easier, safer access and greater visibility.

In 2004 employees gathered at World HQ for a commemorative photo to mark the production of the 500,000th machine. It had taken just short of 60 years to reach that milestone. The next half million machines would be produced in the next nine years.

JCB unveils its new fuel-cost cutting ECO backhoe loader. The first two machines off the production line were in union jack colours rather than the JCB yellow to celebrate the company's 65th anniversary.

The Story of JCB contains many of JCB's landmark achievements including breaking the world land speed record for a diesel-engine-powered car in 2006, and 1962's 3C backhoe loader, which took digging technology to new heights.

Lord Bamford envisioned the JCB Hydradig 110W as an innovative solution to five key challenges in construction. Beginning from scratch, JCB engineers designed the Hydradig to be first for visibility, stability, manoeuvrability, mobility and serviceability. With innovation at its heart, the JCB Hydradig 110W is the first true wheeled excavator, ready to transform the industry.

JCB unveils its first ever electric mini excavator - the JCB 19C-1E - the first in a range of zero emission products. The mini digger was developed in response to customer demands for a zero emissions machine which could work indoors, underground and close to people in urban areas. Once fully charged, it is ready to put in a full normal working day on the building site.

The JCB WFT storms into the Guinness World Records book as the world's fastest tractor with a top speed of 153.771mph (247.470kph). Fastrac Two - designed and built by a team of young engineers in Staffordshire, secured the latest title at Elvington Airfield in York with motorbike racer and lorry mechanic, Guy Martin at the wheel.

In March 2020, JCB marked production of the 750,000th backhoe loader. With lots of new and innovative features, it sets new industry standards for ease of use, comfort and efficiency. With a striking new design and a whole host of new features, the world's best selling backhoe just got even better.

JCB has developed the construction industry's first ever hydrogen powered excavator as it continues to lead the sector on zero and low carbon technologies. The 20-tonne 220X excavator powered by a hydrogen fuel cell has been undergoing rigorous testing at JCB's quarry proving grounds for more than 12 months.

JCB, the world’s number one backhoe loader manufacturer, has launched a new 55kW 3CX backhoe loader with EU Stage V compliant engine. The machine delivers improved operator comfort and ease of use, increased productivity and performance, combined with reduced total cost of ownership.

Join the leaders in electric innovation as we work towards a more sustainable future. JCB’s pioneering range of machines are 100% electric with zero emissions, zero compromise on performance and a lot less noise. No other construction equipment manufacturer has more expertise in building electric machines, today.

JCB launched the PotholePro - a machine that can repair a pothole in less than eight minutes and at half the cost of current solutions. The unique 3 in 1 solution specifically designed to sort out any pothole repair, efficiently, economically and permanently, allowing you to cut, crop, clean with one machine.

JCB's first Hydrogen Engine prototype debuted in one of its infamous Backhoe Loaders, sporting a new green and white livery. The event was attended by the press and some famouse faces, including Jeremy Clarkson.

JCB’s emergence as a leader in zero-emission hydrogen technology comes as governments around the world unveil strategies to develop the infrastructure needed to support the use of hydrogen to drive down CO2 emissions.

The super-efficient hydrogen engine won one of the oldest and most prestigious awards in British automotive engineering honouring technical achievement.

A team of 36 apprentices have combined their engineering skills to build a unique machine which is set to raise thousands of pounds for charity. The group has made a cutting-edge JCB 525-60E electric Loadall from scratch which will be auctioned off in aid of the company’s Platinum Jubilee NSPCC Appeal.

JCB has now launched its new Fastrac 4000 and 8000 Series tractors, with all-new electronic infrastructures for high performance and unprecedented operator choice.

JCB's double-award winning electric mini excavator marked another significant milestone in its short history with the production of the 1,000th machine. The world's first volume-produced all-electric mini excavator only went into full production in 2019.

The 50th JCB hydrogen combustion engine came off the production line as part of the development process.

JCB launches two articulated boom aerial work platforms to their range, with a choice of full battery electric and diesel/electric hybrid drivelines. The A45E is fully electric, offering zero emissions with zero compromise on performance. The A45EH is a diesel/electric hybrid version, ideal for working in more remote locations where an external power supply is not readily available.

JCB expanded their electric equipment line-up with the launch of a compact 403E. The first full electric wheel loader delivers best-in-class performance and full working day use. The machine boasts the largest standard battery pack in its class, with productivity matching our popular 403 diesel model.

JCB unveils the all-new 370X tracked excavator, a powerhouse designed for the toughest projects. With exceptional safety features, a comfortable operator cabin, and innovative JCB UX software, this 35-40 tonne machine sets a new standard in efficiency and reliability, ensuring reduced ownership costs and maximised productivity on any job site.

JCB kicks off construction of their groundbreaking $500 million factory in San Antonio, Texas, marking the company's largest investment ever. This 720,000 sq. ft facility will create 1,500 jobs over the next five years and is set to begin production in 2026, focusing on Loadall telescopic handlers and aerial access equipment.

JCB unveiled their hydrogen-powered G60RS H generator, showcasing a zero-carbon solution that matches diesel in power and efficiency. This cutting-edge generator, paired with JCB's three-phase Powerpack, creates on-site microgrids, reducing fuel consumption and enabling long periods of silent operation, revolutionising the future of clean, efficient construction sites.

JCB celebrates 20 years of engine excellence, growing from three engines a day to nearly 300. With over 400 employees, JCB Power Systems leads in diesel and hydrogen technology, setting world records and expanding globally. With a £100 million investment, JCB continues to pioneer hydrogen engines, driving the future of clean energy.

JCB marks a major milestone with the production of its one millionth engine. Since starting in 2004, JCB Power Systems has grown to produce 500 engines a day, becoming an industry leader in innovating diesel and hydrogen technology. This achievement highlights JCB's commitment to innovation and sustainable excellence.

JCB celebrates the production of its one millionth Backhoe Loader, a journey that began in 1953. From humble beginnings, JCB now produces around 500 Backhoes daily, making it a global leader. The milestone was marked with a special event featuring a cavalcade of historic models and a commemorative 4CX decorated by artist Hatch.

His Majesty the King visits JCB's World Headquarters for its 80th anniversary, witnessing the future of hydrogen-powered machinery and celebrating the production of the one millionth backhoe loader. The event culminated in the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, marking an exhilarating start to JCB's milestone year.

Historic day for JCB as hydrogen diggers get the green light to hit UK roads, following the Government’s monumental decision to allow hydrogen-powered construction and agricultural machinery on public highways. To mark the occasion, a hydrogen-powered JCB digger was driven around London, stopping at the Department for Transport to meet Minister Lilian Greenwood, who signed the legislation.