Cat 430 vs JCB 3CX

The Cat 430 is the heavier machine, at 8.19 t against 7.8 t, and the Cat 430 has more power (80 kW against 68.6 kW).

The Cat 430 is ahead on: more power, more torque, digs deeper, reaches further, more hydraulic flow, bigger fuel tank, faster, lower to transport. The JCB 3CX is ahead on: dumps higher, bigger bucket or body.

Below, every figure both makers publish sits side by side, with the Cat 430 and the JCB 3CX drawn to the same scale from their dimension drawings.

Cat · backhoe loader
Cat 430
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JCB · backhoe loader
JCB 3CX
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At a glance

Bold is the machine ahead on each figure, with its lead.

Figure	Cat 430	JCB 3CX
Operating weight	8,188 kg	7,800 kg
Gross powerHigher is better	88 kW+28%	68.6 kW
Max torqueHigher is better	486 Nm+19%	408 Nm
Max dig depthHigher is better	4.612 m+8%	4.29 m
Reach at ground level, from slew centreHigher is better	6.032 m+13%	5.33 m
Dump height with standard bucketHigher is better	2.758 m	2.91 m+6%
Shovel capacityHigher is better	0.96 m³	1.1 m³+15%
Pump flowHigher is better	187 L/min+25%	150 L/min
Fuel tankHigher is better	160 L+23%	130 L
Top speedHigher is better	41 km/h+3%	40 km/h
Cab roof heightLower is better	2.815 m+2%	2.88 m
Total travel length	7.304 m	5.96 m

All specifications

Every figure the makers publish. Search for one, or show only those that differ.

Differences only(94)

FigureCat 430 JCB 3CX

Dimensions

Overall length (loader on ground)7.273 mNot published

Total travel length7.304 m5.96 m

Total travel height3.845 mOverall transport height, standard stick3.61 m

Cab roof height2.815 mHeight to top of cab/canopy2.88 m

Height to top of exhaust stack2.72 mNot published

Rear axle centreline to front grille2.706 mNot published

Wheelbase2.2 m2.25 m

Overall width2.248 mNot published

Shovel width (GP shovel)2.262 m2.35 m

Height to loader hinge pin (transport)0.378 mNot published

Ground clearance (LH step)0.316 mNot published

Ground clearance (AWD guard)0.312 mNot published

Ground clearance (485 kg counterweight)0.289 mNot published

Front wheel tread gauge1.895 mNot published

Rear wheel tread gauge1.728 mNot published

Turning circle, outside front wheels8.205 mInner wheel not brakedNot published

Turning circle, outside widest loader bucket10.745 mInner wheel not brakedNot published

Slew centre to rear axle centreNot published1.32 m

Ground clearance (stabiliser foot)Not published0.31 m

Ground clearance (mainframe)Not published0.5 m

Slew ground clearanceNot published0.53 m

Stabilisers

Stabiliser spread, operating (centre)3.31 mNot published

Stabiliser spread, operating (outside)3.77 mNot published

Rear frame width2.322 m2.24 m

Backhoe performance

Max dig depth4.612 mSAE maximum, standard stick4.29 mfixed dipper

Max dig depth (E-stick extended)5.862 mSAE maximum, extendible stick extendedNot published

Digging depth, 2440 mm flat bottom4.262 mNot published

Digging depth, 610 mm flat bottom4.587 mNot published

Reach at ground level, from slew centre6.032 m5.33 m

Reach at ground level, from slew centre (E-stick extended)7.217 mNot published

Reach from rear axle centreline at ground line7.122 m6.67 m

Max load-over height4.027 mLoading height, standard stick3.57 m

Loading reach1.859 mNot published

Maximum operating height (backhoe)6.081 mNot published

Bucket tearout force72 kNNot published

Dipper tearout force45 kNNot published

Swing arc180°Not published

Bucket rotation205°203°

Loader performance

Shovel capacity0.96 m³GP bucket, SAE rated, pin-on1.1 m³GP shovel

Lift capacity to full height3,280 kg3,495 kg

Shovel breakout force50 kN6,219 kgf

Lift breakout force50 kNNot published

Tipping load at breakout point7,081 kgNot published

Dump height with standard bucket2.758 m2.91 m

Maximum hinge pin height3.488 mNot published

Dump angle at full height44°Not published

Dump reach at maximum angle0.807 mNot published

Maximum bucket rollback at ground level36°Not published

Loader digging depth0.07 mNot published

Grille to bucket cutting edge, carry position1.48 mNot published

Maximum operating height (loader)4.356 mNot published

Weight

Operating weight8,188 kg7,800 kg

Operating weight (maximum, ROPS capacity)11,000 kgNot published

Operating weight (minimum)7,525 kgNot published

Engine

Engine modelCat C3.6, electronic turbo, intercooled86 kW (115 hp) ratingJCB 444, turbocharged

EmissionsU.S. EPA Tier 4 Final / EU Stage VNot published

Displacement3.6 L4.4 L

Bore98 mmNot published

Stroke120 mmNot published

Gross power88 kW (118 hp)SAE J1995 at 2,200 rpm68.6 kW (92 hp)at 2,200 rpm

Gross power (ISO 14396)86 kW (115 hp)At 2,200 rpmNot published

Net power80 kW (107 hp)Not published

Max torque486 NmNet, SAE J1349; 41% torque rise at 1,400 rpm408 Nmat 1,200 rpm

CylindersNot published4

Transmission

TransmissionPower shift 4F/3R (standard); 6F/3R power shift optional, with or without LTCNot published

Top speed41 km/h40 km/h

TypeNot publishedJCB EasyShift

GearsNot published4 forward, 4 reverse

Hydraulics

Hydraulic systemClosed center; variable-flow axial piston pumpNot published

Pump flow187 L/minAt 2,200 rpm150 L/min

Max pressure250 bar250 bar

PumpNot publishedVariable-flow piston pump

Tyres

Front tyres340/80-1812.5x18-12PR

Rear tyres500/70-2416.9x28-12PR

Service capacities

Fuel tank160 L130 L

Engine oil, with filter9 L20 L

Cooling system18 LWith air conditioning20 L

Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF)19 LNot published

Hydraulic system, with tank95 L120 L

Hydraulic tank42 LNot published

Transmission, power shuttle (AWD)18 LNot published

Transmission, power shift (AWD)19 LNot published

Rear axle16 L20 L

Front axle (AWD)11 LNot published

Final drive, front (each)0.7 LNot published

Final drive, rear (each)1.7 LNot published

Gearbox, with filterNot published20 L

Front axleNot published20 L

Service intervals

Engine oil and filter500 hoursor 12 monthsNot published

Transmission oil1,000 hoursNot published

Axle oil1,000 hoursNot published

Hydraulic oil3,000 hoursWith Cat HYDO Advanced 10Not published

Coolant12,000 hoursCat ELC, or 72 monthsNot published

Backhoe

Side reach to machine centre lineNot published5.85 m

Max working heightNot published5.23 m

Sources: Cat 430 Backhoe Loader spec sheet AEHQ8245-03 (North America) · JCB 3CX

Drawn to scale

Side views measured off each maker's dimension drawing, front edges and ground lined up.

Cat 430JCB 3CXSame scale, front edges and ground lined up.

Cat 430 vs JCB 3CX: questions

Which is bigger, the Cat 430 or JCB 3CX?

By operating weight the Cat 430 is the biggest at 8.19 t, then the JCB 3CX at 7.8 t.

Which has more power, the Cat 430 or JCB 3CX?

The Cat 430: Cat 430 88 kW (118 hp), JCB 3CX 68.6 kW (92 hp) (gross power), a 28% difference.

Which digs deeper, the Cat 430 or JCB 3CX?

The Cat 430: Cat 430 4.612 m, JCB 3CX 4.29 m (max dig depth), a 8% difference.

Which reaches further, the Cat 430 or JCB 3CX?

The Cat 430: Cat 430 6.032 m, JCB 3CX 5.33 m (reach at ground level, from slew centre), a 13% difference.

Which has the bigger bucket, the Cat 430 or JCB 3CX?

The JCB 3CX: Cat 430 0.96 m³, JCB 3CX 1.1 m³ (shovel capacity), a 15% difference.

Which has the bigger fuel tank, the Cat 430 or JCB 3CX?

The Cat 430: Cat 430 160 L, JCB 3CX 130 L (fuel tank), a 23% difference.

Where do these figures come from?

Each model's own published spec sheet or brochure, linked under the table. Builds differ by market and year, so confirm the figures for a particular machine with its dealer.

Can I rent or buy these machines in the UAE?

Each model's page lists the ones for hire and for sale on EquipmentsFinder now, with typical prices in AED.