Prototype machines

[newjcb123uk]

A couple of years earlier on a visit I spied a prototype JCB robot with a tubular lifting arm and saw a huge/massive JCB backhoe loader out the back - Hydrema size - that was amazing.

Reading that made me think of the 4CX artic that was shown as a prototype back in 1991, I think there is a photo in the JCB golden jubilee album book.
Interesting JCB evaluating a curved backhoe boom, imagine that!

Yes thats what I thought I was surprised - but I suppose JCB get their ideas from others as well as pioneer new creations. Mr JCB first got his backhoe idea from the Swiss and then developed it - I know that there is a fantastic new Backhoe Loader concept being put through it's paces by JCB - its been done before but never had a big name behind it - I don't want to sound a dick but have been sworn to secrecy as I don't want to offend a friend. Sell you the pictures for a fiver he he

[John Gaunt]

Great photographs, Lewis. It's good that such special machines have been preserved rather than being gas axed !

[IBH]

JCB 1CX Prototype with rubber tracks shown at Intermat 2000, but as yet not put into production. Ditchwitch build a similar machine in the US
http://www.ditchwitch.com/model.asp?modid=28

[John Gaunt]

Nice looking machine, wonder why it didn't make it into production, low demand or more expensive than wheeled version ?
Thanks for sharing.

[Jason_Hannaford]

Nice looking machine, wonder why it didn't make it into production, low demand or more expensive than wheeled version ?
Thanks for sharing.

I would have thought that the tracks would make parts of that machine a bit pointless. The rear jacks would not really be needed as the tracks would already be stable enough. plus I may be wrong but tracks would give it less ground clearance wouldn't it??? on the other hand would be quite monouverable spin it right round on the spot!!! i guess we wait and see what JCB do??!!??

[Robban_C]

The tracks destroys the ground more than wheels do when turning. You know what happens if you spin a tracked digger around on a lawn without lifting the undercarriage.