JCB Heads to the Front of the Line

October 1, 2025

Matt Wolfe

JCB recently announced that it has secured a contract to provide 4CX backhoe loaders to the United States Marine Corps. According to JCB, the agreement includes not only machines but also attachments testing and hands-on operator training.

“The 4CX is the direct result of more than 70 years of continuous improvement,” said Chris Giorgianni, vice president of government and defense for JCB North America. “It’s built to perform in the most demanding environments, whether that’s military engineering missions or high-pressure construction jobsites.”

This is the second partnership in as many years between JCB and the U.S. Marine Corps. In 2024, JCB agreed to supply a militarized version of its Teleskid multi-terrain loaders to the USMC. “Our relationship with the military runs deep,” said Giorgianni. “Whether it’s delivering purpose-built machines or hiring the heroes who’ve operated them, we are proud to stand with the men and women who serve.”

Mission ready

According to JCB, the 4CX backhoe loader selected for this contract combines military-grade durability with advanced features tailored for tactical and jobsite applications. One such feature is the 4CX’s side-shift back end and Powerslide system, which enables precise side-shift movement of the boom.

Unlike traditional center-mount machines, this system reportedly expands the digging envelope by 10% and allows operators to work efficiently in tight areas or alongside walls and obstacles without needing to reposition the machine. This capability increases productivity and minimizes disruption in space-constrained environments. JCB claims that the side-shift configuration also allows for full outrigger deployment in confined areas.

When stowed, the compact layout reduces overall transport length by more than 4 ft. (1.21 m), a 21% space savings during transport. The shorter length when stowed also improves roadability and handling by optimizing weight distribution.

When equipped with equal-length boom and dipper arms, the 4CX delivers a maximum digging depth of over 14 ft. (4.26 m) and a swing reach of more than 17 ft. (5.18 m). An integrated lifting point in the tipping link further extends the machine’s versatility in material handling applications.

Drafted for deployment

As with any machine originally designed for civilian duty that is recruited for combat duty, the 4CXs that will be delivered to the USMC will have some key differences from those destined for less hostile jobsites.

SAE Media reached out to Tumara Rios, contracts and compliance manager, JCB North America, for more details on how the 4CXs destined for the front lines will differ from the civilian models and what steps JCB takes on, from an engineering perspective, to ensure combat readiness of their machines.

What unique needs do military applications present when working with clients like the U.S. Marine Corps?

“Military users operate in conditions that far exceed commercial jobsites. For the Marine Corps, that includes sand, mud, snow, salt air, humidity and desert heat. Equipment must remain reliable where maintenance support is limited and must be easy to deploy, transport, and repair.

Meeting these needs requires more than ruggedness. It takes strategic coordination between manufacturer and end user. JCB worked closely with USMC engineers to identify key priorities, including compact transport size, all-terrain mobility and the ability to operate in confined spaces.

The JCB 4CX stood out for its side-shift backhoe layout and Powerslide system, which allows operators to work alongside walls or obstacles without repositioning. The design also enables full outrigger deployment in tight areas for added stability.

The machine’s compact stowed profile reduces its overall transport length, which improves road handling and simplifies loading for aircraft, rail, or ship. With three steering modes and four equal-sized tires for better flotation, the 4CX is ready for everything from remote fieldwork to urban infrastructure tasks.

JCB’s militarized platforms are fielded globally, including with U.K. and Australian forces. For the USMC, the 4CX delivers proven commercial performance, adapted for mission-critical defence operations.”

What types of attachments are typically needed for military applications of this type of machine, and what will the testing regimen JCB is providing to the USMC entail?

“Attachments testing ensures the backhoe loader is more than a single-function tool. For the Marine Corps, the goal is a multi-role machine that can perform a wide range of engineering and support tasks with minimal setup and downtime.

Testing evaluates each attachment for performance, durability and ease of interchange in field conditions. That includes loader and backhoe tools, hydraulic-powered accessories and the hand tool circuit. Common military needs include pallet forks for material handling, reinforced buckets for trenching and excavation, and hydraulic breakers for demolition and obstacle reduction.

One key requirement is rapid tool changeover under pressure. Military operations often demand fast role switching without specialized equipment or extensive training. The 4CX’s design supports that flexibility through robust hydraulic infrastructure and simplified control integration.

The ability to consolidate multiple tasks into one platform reduces the number of machines deployed, cuts logistical overhead, and improves readiness in the field. Attachments testing is how JCB verifies that this single vehicle can confidently take on multiple missions and deliver under the demands of a tactical environment.”

Will these be militarized versions of the 4CX or will these simply be standard variations with specific attachments?

“The militarized variants of the 4CX, classified as Modified Off-The-Shelf (MOTS) platforms, will retain the core of JCB’s commercial 4CX backhoe loader, but are purpose-built to meet USMC requirements.

In addition to the side-shift backhoe arrangement, they will also be outfitted with military-grade components and mission-specific enhancements that go well beyond standard spec. These include upgraded tie-downs for air and sea transport, compatibility with NATO single-fuel standards and options for military radios or gear mounting.

Similar 4CX-based models are already in use with allied forces, including the UK Ministry of Defense and the Australian Defense Force. The MOTS approach gives the USMC a platform with commercial reliability and global service support, while still meeting the unique demands of military deployment.”

What other militarized vehicles has JCB provided over its history, and what are some of the engineering-specific challenges that militarizing off-highway vehicles present?

“JCB has a long track record in defense, supplying militarized equipment to U.S. and allied forces. Our defense lineup includes both purpose-built platforms and Modified Off-The-Shelf (MOTS) machines adapted from commercial models.

The High Mobility Engineer Excavator (HMEE) is JCB’s flagship military machine, designed from the ground up for the U.S. Army. It combines the digging performance of a backhoe with the speed and roadability of a truck, capable of convoy travel at up to 55 mph (88.5 kph). More than 1,500 units have been fielded worldwide.

Other platforms include:

The Light Capability Rough Terrain Forklift (LCRTF), based on JCB’s Loadall telehandler. As of May 2025, more than 1,000 LCRTFs have been delivered to the U.S. Army.
The Multi Terrain Loader (MTL), a militarized version of the 3TS-8T Teleskid compact track loader.
The new Backhoe Loader (BHL), based on the 4CX soon entering service with the USMC.
Militarizing off-highway equipment presents unique engineering challenges. Machines must meet strict transport requirements, including fit and weight limits for aircraft, ships and rail. They must withstand extreme climates, operate on NATO-standard fuel, and integrate with military gear, all while remaining easy to maintain in the field.

Unlike commercial buyers, military customers often expect a single platform to handle multiple tasks. That means designing for modularity, minimizing the logistics footprint and delivering long-term durability under battlefield conditions. JCB meets these demands by blending commercial innovation with defense-focused engineering, building machines that are mission-capable from day one.”