JCB 4CXTRA, 1996: Features and Technical Specifications

JCB 4CXTRA, 1996 Technical Specifications

Introduction

The JCB 4CXTRA, released in 1996, is a versatile and powerful backhoe loader that has found widespread use in construction, mining, and agricultural industries. Its technical specifications indicate several features that could be advantageous for certain applications, while others may pose challenges. This article will provide a balanced analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of the JCB 4CXTRA features and specifications.

Advantages

1. SideShift or CenterMount: The JCB 4CXTRA offers a choice of two bucket mounting options, center mount, or side mount. The side shift feature allows the backhoe attachment to be offset from the centerline of the tractor, making it easier for the operator to maneuver in tight spaces. The center mount option provides a more centralized weight distribution, resulting in better stability and digging performance.

2. SAE dig depth (mm): The 5230mm SAE-rated dig depth of the JCB 4CXTRA is impressive and provides greater versatility for digging deep trenches, foundations, or utilities. This deep digging capacity reduces the need for additional equipment and saves time and money.

3. Loader Bucket Capacity (m3): With a bucket capacity of 1.2 cubic meters, the JCB 4CXTRA can handle large quantities of materials in a single scoop, reducing loading times and increasing productivity.

4. Engine Power and Displacement: The JCB 4CXTRA is powered by a Perkins 1004.4HRT engine, which offers 68 kW of power and a displacement of 4 liters. This powerful engine provides the necessary torque and horsepower for loading, digging, and carrying heavy loads.

5. Two-Wheel and Four-Wheel Drive: The full power-shift transmission system of the JCB 4CXTRA allows operators to switch between 2WD and 4WD modes to suit the terrain and tasks at hand. This flexibility adds versatility and makes the machine more efficient in different environments.

Disadvantages

1. Limited Ride Control: Unlike some other backhoe loaders, the JCB 4CXTRA does not offer a standard ride control feature to improve operator comfort while driving. This can lead to more operator fatigue, reduced productivity, and slower task completion.

2. Narrow Loading Height: The JCB 4CXTRA has a maximum loading height of 3990mm that restricts the machine’s ability to load into higher vehicles. This limitation can impact productivity and cause delays if additional equipment or manual labor is needed to load a high-sided vehicle fully.

3. Limited Bucket Width: The JCB 4CXTRA bucket width ranges from 305-1100mm, which may not be wide enough for certain applications. For instance, wider buckets are often more efficient when digging around foundations, laying pipelines, or moving large volumes of bulk materials.

4. Limited Pump Flow: The JCB 4CXTRA is powered by two hydraulic gear pumps that deliver 154 liters per minute of flow to the attachments. This flow rate may be insufficient in some high-performance settings, primarily when operating multiple attachments concurrently, and may cause delays.

5. Non-Standard Attachment System: JCB employs a non-standard attachment system to connect the backhoe and loader, which could pose challenges when replacing or upgrading attachments. This can add costs and reduce the versatility of the machine when working on multi-tasking applications.

Overall Assessment

The JCB 4CXTRA is a versatile, powerful, and efficient backhoe loader that is well-suited for various applications. Its features and specifications offer several advantages to operators, such as deep digging capacity, bucket capacity, and engine power. The limited ride control, narrow loading height, limited bucket width, limited pump flow, and non-standard attachment system pose challenges that can impact productivity and raise costs for some users. Therefore, the JCB 4CXTRA is suitable for operators who value versatility, power, and efficiency in their applications while recognizing the possible limitations.