JCB 3DX vs JCB 4CX

The JCB 4CX is the heavier machine, at 8.6 t against 7.52 t, and the JCB 4CX has more power (74.2 kW against 68.6 kW).

The JCB 3DX is ahead on: dumps higher, lower to transport. The JCB 4CX is ahead on: more power, more torque, digs deeper, bigger bucket or body, more digging or pushing force, more hydraulic flow, bigger fuel tank.

Below, every figure both makers publish sits side by side, with the JCB 3DX and the JCB 4CX drawn to the same scale from their dimension drawings.

JCB · backhoe loader
JCB 3DX
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JCB · backhoe loader
JCB 4CX
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At a glance

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

Figure	JCB 3DX	JCB 4CX
Operating weight	7,524 kg	8,600 kg
Gross powerHigher is better	68.6 kW	74.2 kW+8%
Max torqueHigher is better	408 Nm	440 Nm+8%
Max dig depthHigher is better	4.24 m	4.32 m+2%
Dump height with standard bucketHigher is better	2.74 m+2%	2.69 m
Shovel capacityHigher is better	1.1 m³	1.2 m³+9%
Shovel breakout forceHigher is better	6,010 kgf	6,227 kgf+4%
Pump flowHigher is better	123 L/min	165 L/min+34%
Fuel tankHigher is better	128 L	160 L+25%
Cab roof heightLower is better	2.87 m+5%	3.03 m
Total travel length	5.96 m	5.91 m

All specifications

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

Differences only(100)

FigureJCB 3DX JCB 4CX

Dimensions

Total travel length5.96 m5.91 m4CX

Wheelbase2.24 m2.22 m

Slew centre to rear axle centre1.32 m1.36 m

Ground clearance (stabiliser foot)0.36 m0.34 m

Slew ground clearance0.53 m0.5 m

Cab roof height2.87 m3.03 m

Total travel height3.61 m3.54 m

Shovel width (GP shovel)2.35 m2.33 mStandard shovel width, 4CX

Rear frame width2.24 m2.36 m

Steering wheel centre heightNot published1.88 m

Shovel width (option)Not published2.44 m

Approach angleNot published74°

Interference angle / ramp to ground planeNot published118°

Angle of departureNot published19°

Kerb-to-kerb turning circle (unbraked)Not published9.1 m

Loader clearance circle (unbraked)Not published10.7 m

Kerb-to-kerb turning circle (braked)Not published8 m

Loader clearance circle (braked)Not published9.5 m

Weight

Operating weight7,524 kg8,600 kg

Shipping weight7,314 kgNot published

Operating weight (brochure, fixed dipper)Not published8,178 kg

Operating weight (brochure, extended dipper)Not published8,578 kg

Engine

Engine modelJCB DIESELMAX 444, turbochargedJCB DieselMax 4.4, turbocharged and intercooled

Cylinders44

Displacement4.4 L4.4 L

Gross power68.6 kW (92 hp)at 2,200 rpm74.2 kW (100hp)ISO 14396 (SAE J1995 gross) at 2,200 rpm

Max torque408 Nmat 1,200 rpm440 Nm

EmissionsNot publishedStage II / Stage IIIB

Backhoe

Max dig depth4.24 m4.32 m

Reach at ground level, from slew centre5.4 m5.4 m

Reach from rear axle centreline at ground line6.72 m6.74 m

Side reach to machine centre line6.02 m6.02 m

Max working height5.97 mNot published

Max load-over height4.18 m3.84 mMaximum loadover height, standard dipper

Total kingpost travel1.06 m1.16 m

Bucket rotation185°201°

Bucket tearout force5,700 kgf6,324 kgfPower mode, standard dipper

Dipper tearout force3,010 kgf3,893 kgf

Loader

Shovel capacity1.1 m³GP shovel1.2 m³

Max payload1,850 kgNot published

Max lift height3.23 mNot published

Dump height with standard bucket2.74 m2.69 m

Load-over height3.23 mNot published

Pin height3.45 mNot published

Reach at ground1.4 mNot published

Dump angle at full height43°45°

Shovel breakout force6,010 kgf6,227 kgfLoader breakout - shovel, GP shovel

Lift breakout force5,300 kgf5,936 kgf

Transmission

TypeJCB Synchro Shuttle, torque converterNot published

Gears4 forward, 4 reverseNot published

Speed, gear 17.3 km/hNot published

Speed, gear 211.7 km/hNot published

Speed, gear 322 km/hNot published

Top speed, gear 440 km/hNot published

TransmissionNot publishedJCB Powershift 4F/4R with TorqueLock (standard, AWS 74.2 kW); 6-speed Autoshift optional

Top speedNot published40 km/h

Steer modesNot publishedFour-wheel steer, two-wheel steer, crab steer

Hydraulics

Pump2-section gear pumpNot published

Pump flow123 L/min165 L/min

Main relief valve228 barNot published

Gear pump flow, pumps 1 & 3Not published82 or 80 L/min at 1,700 rpm (territory specific)

Gear pump flow, pump 2Not published73 or 64 L/min at 1,700 rpm (territory specific)

Max pressureNot published251 barSystem relief pressure

Axles, brakes and tyres

Front axleJCB SD55, 4WD steer, 16° oscillationNot published

Rear axleJCB PD70, Max-Trac differential16 L

Service brakesOil-immersed multi-disc, rear axleNot published

Turning circle, outside widest loader bucket9.79 minner wheel brakedNot published

Front tyres12.5x18-12PRNot published

Rear tyres16.9x28-12PRNot published

Electrics12 V, 130 Ah battery, 90 A alternatorNot published

Service capacities

Fuel tank128 L160 L

Engine oil, with filter14 L15 L

Hydraulic system, with tank130 L117 L

Gearbox, with filter16 L16 L

Cooling system16.5 L18.5 L

Front drive axleNot published16 L

Service intervals

Engine oil and filter500 hoursNot published

Hydraulic filter500 hoursNot published

Transmission filter500 hoursNot published

Transmission oil1,000 hoursNot published

Axle oil1,000 hoursNot published

Hydraulic oil2,000 hoursNot published

Backhoe performance

Max dig depth (Extradig extended)Not published5.53 m

Digging depth, 610 mm flat bottomNot published4.29 m

Max dig depth with deep profile bucketNot published4.67 m

Reach at full height, to slew centreNot published2.82 m

SAE operating heightNot published5.45 m

SAE loadover heightNot published3.39 m

Max reach (extending dipper)Not published7.1 m

Bucket tearout force (speed mode)Not published5,431 kgf

Lift capacity of bucket pivot at full reachNot published2,046 kg

Loader performance

Max load-over height (loader)Not published3.21 m

Maximum hinge pin heightNot published3.46 m

Pin forward reachNot published0.41 m

Reach at ground (toe plate horizontal)Not published1.42 m

Maximum reach at full heightNot published1.21 m

Reach at full height, fully dumpedNot published0.82 m

Loader digging depthNot published0.14 m

Rollback at ground positionNot published45°

Rated operating capacityNot published4,638 kgGP shovel, ISO 14397:2007

Axles

Front axle static load ratingNot published25,000 kg

Front axle dynamic load ratingNot published12,500 kg

Rear axle static load ratingNot published25,000 kg

Rear axle dynamic load ratingNot published12,500 kg

Front axle oscillationNot published16°

Sources: JCB 3DX specification sheet 9999/5544B, issue 1 (06/13) · JCB 3CX/4CX Eco Backhoe Loader brochure 9999/5756 11/13 Issue 1 (T2/T3), Galadari (UAE dealer) download

Drawn to scale

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

JCB 3DXJCB 4CXSame scale, front edges and ground lined up.

JCB 3DX vs JCB 4CX: questions

Which is bigger, the JCB 3DX or JCB 4CX?

By operating weight the JCB 4CX is the biggest at 8.6 t, then the JCB 3DX at 7.52 t.

Which has more power, the JCB 3DX or JCB 4CX?

The JCB 4CX: JCB 3DX 68.6 kW (92 hp), JCB 4CX 74.2 kW (100hp) (gross power), a 8% difference.

Which digs deeper, the JCB 3DX or JCB 4CX?

The JCB 4CX: JCB 3DX 4.24 m, JCB 4CX 4.32 m (max dig depth), a 2% difference.

Which has the bigger bucket, the JCB 3DX or JCB 4CX?

The JCB 4CX: JCB 3DX 1.1 m³, JCB 4CX 1.2 m³ (shovel capacity), a 9% difference.

Which has the bigger fuel tank, the JCB 3DX or JCB 4CX?

The JCB 4CX: JCB 3DX 128 L, JCB 4CX 160 L (fuel tank), a 25% 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.