JCB 3CX, 1999 Technical Specifications
| SideShift or CenterMount | SS |
| SAE dig depth (mm) | 4240 |
| Reach @ ground level (mm) | 5380 |
| Loading height (mm) | 3840 |
| Bucket width, min-max (mm) | 230-1100 |
| Bucket breakout (kgf) | 5700 |
| Dipper breakout (kgf) | 3010 |
| Slew System | Twin ram |
| Loader Bucket Capacity (m3) | 1 |
| Dump height (mm) | 2740 |
| Bucket width (mm) | 2235 |
| Bucket breakout (kgf) | 6010 |
| Engine Make & Model | Perkins 1004.4HR |
| Engine power (kW@rpm) | 53@2200 |
| Engine displacement (lit) | 4 |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Pump type | 2xGear |
| Pump flow (lit/min) | 123 |
| Relief valve pressure (bar) | 227 |
| Transmission type | P’shuttle |
| Drive | 2WD/4WD |
| Speeds, FR | 44 |
| Maximum speed (km/h) | 36 |
| Ride control (Std/Opt/NA) | — |
| Travel length (mm) | 5620 |
| Travel height (mm) | 3540 |
| Width (mm) | 2240 |
| Turn circle radius without brakes (mm) | 8100 |
| Operating weight (kg) | 8070 |
| Model | 3CX |
Introduction
The JCB 3CX is a versatile backhoe loader that boasts a range of features and specifications intended to make it ideal for various applications. With its SideShift or CenterMount options, it is easily maneuverable, while its SAE dig depth, reach at ground level, and loading height provide the operator with reliable performance.
In this analysis, we will examine the different features and specifications of the JCB 3CX, identifying both the advantages and disadvantages of each. We will also provide real-world examples to illustrate the practical applications of these features in different scenarios.
SideShift or CenterMount
The JCB 3CX comes with two options- SideShift or CenterMount. The SideShift option is designed for easy maneuverability, allowing the operator to shift the backhoe side-to-side easily. The CenterMount option, on the other hand, is ideal for applications that require stability, such as digging in tightly controlled spaces.
Advantages: The SideShift option is beneficial for applications that require agility. It enables the operator to move the backhoe from side-to-side, making it ideal for moving from one location to another quickly. The CenterMount option offers greater stability, allowing the operator to work in tight spaces without compromising on safety and security.
Disadvantages: While the SideShift option is easy to use, it can be challenging to maintain precision movement during use. The CenterMount option, on the other hand, may be less convenient for some applications that require fast and agile movement, making it less useful in such situations.
Real-world Example: A construction site that requires the JCB 3CX to work in a tight space would benefit from the CenterMount option due to its higher stability. On the other hand, a farming operation that requires the equipment to move around quickly might prefer the SideShift option to maintain agility and cover more ground.
SAE dig depth (mm)
The SAE dig depth of the JCB 3CX stands at 4240 mm, providing the operator with a considerable depth for digging.
Advantages: The SAE dig depth makes the JCB 3CX suitable for excavation projects that require deep digging. It also reduces the total amount of time required to complete a digging project, allowing the operator to work more effectively.
Disadvantages: The considerable depth provided by the SAE dig depth requires the operator to be more cautious to avoid accidents, and the equipment itself may require more maintenance due to the increased workload.
Real-world Example: A construction site that involves building foundations or installing drainage systems will benefit from the SAE dig depth of the JCB 3CX. It would be more effective in digging trenches or underground passageways in comparison to other excavators with lower SAE dig depths.
Reach @ ground level (mm)
The JCB 3CX has a reach of 5380mm at ground level, enabling the operator to work from a distance and avoid shifting the equipment frequently.
Advantages: The extendable reach of the JCB 3CX reduces the need for the operator to shift the backhoe frequently, meaning that work can be accomplished much faster. The longer reach also makes the JCB 3CX more versatile, enabling it to handle a more extensive range of tasks.
Disadvantages: While the long reach of the JCB 3CX increases its versatility, it also requires the operator to be more cautious and maintain a considerable distance from the backhoe, avoiding accidents that might occur due to the increased weight and length.
Real-world Example: A farming operation that requires the operator to reach over long distances to load items into the bucket of the backhoe loader would benefit from the JCB 3CX’s extended reach. Instead of additional trips to move the equipment, the backhoe can reach and load items from afar, reducing work time and increasing work capacity.
Loading height (mm)
With its loading height of 3840mm, the JCB 3CX is designed to minimize the need for the operator to lift heavy materials manually.
Advantages: The JCB 3CX’s loading height makes it an ideal choice for loading materials onto trucks, avoiding the need to lift heavy items repeatedly manually. It also reduces the risks of back strain and injuries related to frequent lifting.
Disadvantages: The equipment’s loading height limits its efficacy when loading heavy materials at ground level, and it is less effective at loading materials from ground level onto the backhoe loader bucket.
Real-world Example: A construction site that involves loading materials onto a truck frequently would benefit significantly from the JCB 3CX’s loading height. It would reduce the amount of manual lifting required, allowing the operator to work effectively without experiencing back strain.
Bucket width, min-max (mm)
The bucket width of the JCB 3CX ranges between 230-1100mm, making it capable of accommodating smaller and large quantities of materials.
Advantages: The adjustable bucket width makes the JCB 3CX suitable for different applications, enabling operators to work effectively with both large and small amounts of material without compromising on work efficiency.
Disadvantages: Constant adjustments of the bucket width may reduce work efficiency as it takes extra time to complete the adjustments. The larger buckets may require more power to lift and may cause the machine to be unstable, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Real-world Example: A gardening operation requires the JCB 3CX’s larger bucket for loading large amounts of debris, while a construction site that needs to move smaller amounts of material would benefit from the smaller buckets to achieve greater precision.
Bucket breakout (kgf)
The JCB 3CX’s bucket breakout force is 5700kgf, and the dipper breakout force stands at 3010kgf.
Advantages: The breakout forces of the JCB 3CX enable the operator to dig through tough materials such as rocks, clay, and roots without any hassles. These forces provide the necessary power required for digging trenches and foundation work effectively.
Disadvantages: The breakout forces can cause material loss during digging, resulting in reduced efficiency. Excessive force can cause breakages and damage to the equipment, impacting its durability.
Real-world Example: A construction site that requires the JCB 3CX to dig foundation trenches through rocky or thick soil would benefit from the machine’s higher breakout force.
Slew System
The JCB 3CX’s twin ram slew system is designed for enhanced stability.
Advantages: The twin ram slew system increases the overall stability of the backhoe loader, ensuring that the operator works smoothly and without any issues. The system is designed to minimize the chances of tipping, providing the operator with increased safety and security.
Disadvantages: The twin ram slew system can add to the overall equipment weight, resulting in reduced efficiency and subsequent increased fuel consumption.
Real-world Example: The twin ram slew system is beneficial for construction sites that involve working on slopes and steep inclines as it adds to the stability of the equipment. The system’s stability minimizes the risks of accidents and injuries to the operator and other workers on-site.
Loader Bucket Capacity (m3)
The JCB 3CX has a loader bucket capacity of 1m3, enabling the operator to lift and carry more material effectively.
Advantages: The increased loader bucket capacity of the JCB 3CX allows the operator to transport more material to the desired location in less time, ensuring that the work progresses smoothly without any undue delays.
Disadvantages: The increased bucket capacity can lead to instability during quick movements, reducing work efficiency and safety.
Real-world Example:
