JCB Launched Hydrogen Backhoe Loader

JCB is known in the earthmoving world as the leading manufacturer of backhoe loaders. Its engine division is establishing itself as a pioneer and champion in promoting the hydrogen internal combustion engine as a bridging solution for the energy transition in off-highway applications. The 3CX hydrogen backhoe loader is the logical conclusion reached by British engineering. The machine’s technical datasheet tells us the following: JCB 55kW hydrogen engine delivers power and torque to match the diesel equivalent. Can operate on 100% renewable zero carbon fuel, with rapid refilling on site. Full EU Engine Type-Approval for use in non-road mobile machinery. JCB Finance to offer three-year operating lease and service contract.

Summing up JCB’s journey with hydrogen

JCB has been working on hydrogen engine technology for over five years, investing more than £100 million in the development of the JCB Hydrogen engine and JCB Hydrogen equipment. The company has extensively trialled the technology with customers in working site conditions, across power generation, Loadall telescopic handlers and in the 3CX Backhoe Loader.

Customers working with the machines reported identical power and torque characteristics to their traditional diesel machines, with no requirement for operators to change their way of working or adapt to the new technology. JCB has developed a mobile refueller in cooperation with HYKIT that enables easy, rapid filling on site when required.

One of the national companies working with JCB on the machine trials commented: “The site here and the application that the backhoe is performing is typical of backhoe use. It’s been loading on to trucks, using pallet forks, grading, all typical applications. Our operator said that it feels the same as the diesel backhoe. He really couldn’t tell the difference.”

About the Hydrogen 3CX Machine

The 3CX Hydrogen is powered by a 55kW version of JCB’s hydrogen engine. The machine has three composite-wrapped hydrogen tanks, mounted on the cab roof, providing enough storage at 350 bar pressure for all-day operation. Other than the hydrogen storage tanks and fuel distribution lines, the machine will feel familiar to backhoe loader customers across the world. The hydrogen engine delivers the same power and torque as the diesel model and requires similar service and maintenance intervals, making it easy to adopt. 

With the availability of a purpose-built mobile refueller on site and a ready supply of hydrogen, through JCB’s partner Ryze Power in the UK, contractors will be able to add the 3CX Hydrogen to their operations with minimal adjustment.

JCB Chairman Lord Bamford, who has pioneered the project from the start, said: “The unique combustion properties of hydrogen enable the hydrogen engine to deliver the same power, the same torque, and the same efficiency that powers JCB machines today, but in a zero-carbon way. 

“Hydrogen combustion engines also offer other significant benefits. By leveraging diesel engine technology and components, they do not require rare earth elements and critically, combustion technology is already well proven on construction and agricultural equipment. It is a technology which is cost effective, robust, reliable and well known throughout not just the construction and agricultural industry, but the whole world.”

To make the transition to hydrogen seamless for customers, JCB will be working with its global finance partners, including JCB Finance in the UK. JCB Finance will be offering a three-year operating lease on the machines. Globally, any commercial agreement will include machine insurance and a full-service contract, ensuring complete peace of mind for customers keen to deploy this clean, renewable fuel on sites across the world.