This specialist work requires specialist equipment. This father and son team turned to the Backhoe Loader. The Glastonbury-based company runs a pair of JCB 4CXs the latest of which boasts the brand new DualDrive functionality.
Not only that, the JCB 4CX Pro with DualDrive has been adorned with stunning black livery which means as well as being specified with the latest top of the range features and developments, it also looks the part when working to prepare the Pilton site which houses the world-famous Glastonbury festival.
A great British icon
Since its inception in 1953, the JCB Backhoe Loader has been an icon of the construction industry and 2025 marks the production of JCB’s one millionth Backhoe Loader in what is the company’s 80th anniversary year.
The machine has consistently been lauded for its versatility on site as it can be equipped with specialist attachments such as pole-planting equipment. This makes it the perfect machine to install utility poles along narrow country lanes and agricultural land for R A Stacey Plant Hire’s customers.
It is this versatility that has ensured the company continues to invest in JCB since its first purchase 15 years ago. As Roger Stacey said: “In 2010 we bought our first JCB and we have been with JCB ever since, through our dealer Holt JCB. At the end of the day, we like to deal with people we know and we enjoy a good warranty on the product for peace of mind.”
Roger’s son, Max Stacey said: “I just love the fact that, with these JCB wheeled diggers, you can just gather up your work tools and head off down the road under your own steam. I don't have to worry about parking up any additional vehicles. I head straight into the field, do the job and head back again. It's no slouch either, as the six-speed auto-shift transmission with TorqueLock, can achieve over 40kph on the road, so not much slower than a truck.”
Twice as good
While the JCB Backhoe Loader has been a stalwart of the construction industry for over 70 years, the DualDrive function is the latest development to be added to this next generation of machines – and it is certainly proving to be popular with the father and Son team, Roger and Max.
The introduction of DualDrive takes the driving experience to a whole new level as it allows the operator to reposition the machine while facing the excavator, without having to turn the seat to the front-facing position.
As Roger Stacey said: “We had chosen a new 4CX Pro when I noted that they were launching the DualDrive system so we adapted our order. Operating the machine is so much easier. As an example, I was doing a bit of trenching work last week. I never had to spin the seat round once - it is just brilliant."