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JCB 3CX vs JCB 4CX

The JCB 4CX is the heavier machine, at 8.6 t against 7.8 t, and the JCB 4CX has more power (74.2 kW against 68.6 kW).

The JCB 3CX is ahead on: dumps higher, lower to transport. The JCB 4CX is ahead on: more power, more torque, digs deeper, reaches further, 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 3CX and the JCB 4CX drawn to the same scale from their dimension drawings.

  1. JCB · backhoe loader

    JCB 3CX

    Full specsPDF

  2. JCB · backhoe loader

    JCB 4CX

    Full specsPDF

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At a glance

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

FigureJCB 3CXJCB 4CX
Operating weight7,800 kg8,600 kg
Gross powerHigher is better68.6 kW74.2 kW+8%
Max torqueHigher is better408 Nm440 Nm+8%
Max dig depthHigher is better4.29 m4.32 m+1%
Reach at ground level, from slew centreHigher is better5.33 m5.4 m+1%
Dump height with standard bucketHigher is better2.91 m+8%2.69 m
Shovel capacityHigher is better1.1 m³1.2 m³+9%
Shovel breakout forceHigher is better6,219 kgf6,227 kgf
Pump flowHigher is better150 L/min165 L/min+10%
Fuel tankHigher is better130 L160 L+23%
Cab roof heightLower is better2.88 m+5%3.03 m
Total travel length5.96 m5.91 m

All specifications

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

Dimensions

Total travel length5.96 m5.91 m4CX
Wheelbase2.25 m2.22 m
Slew centre to rear axle centre1.32 m1.36 m
Ground clearance (stabiliser foot)0.31 m0.34 m
Ground clearance (mainframe)0.5 mNot published
Slew ground clearance0.53 m0.5 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
Cab roof height2.88 m3.03 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 weight7,800 kg8,600 kg
Operating weight (brochure, fixed dipper)Not published8,178 kg
Operating weight (brochure, extended dipper)Not published8,578 kg

Engine

Engine modelJCB 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 depth4.29 mfixed dipper4.32 m
Reach at ground level, from slew centre5.33 m5.4 m
Reach from rear axle centreline at ground line6.67 m6.74 m
Side reach to machine centre line5.85 m6.02 m
Max working height5.23 mNot published
Max load-over height3.57 m3.84 mMaximum loadover height, standard dipper
Bucket rotation203°201°

Loader

Shovel capacity1.1 m³GP shovel1.2 m³
Lift capacity to full height3,495 kgNot published
Dump height with standard bucket2.91 m2.69 m
Shovel breakout force6,219 kgf6,227 kgfLoader breakout - shovel, GP shovel

Transmission

TypeJCB EasyShiftNot published
Gears4 forward, 4 reverseNot published
Top speed40 km/h40 km/h
TransmissionNot publishedJCB Powershift 4F/4R with TorqueLock (standard, AWS 74.2 kW); 6-speed Autoshift optional
Steer modesNot publishedFour-wheel steer, two-wheel steer, crab steer

Hydraulics

PumpVariable-flow piston pumpNot published
Pump flow150 L/min165 L/min
Max pressure250 bar251 barSystem relief pressure
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)

Tyres

Front tyres12.5x18-12PRNot published
Rear tyres16.9x28-12PRNot published

Service capacities

Fuel tank130 L160 L
Engine oil, with filter20 L15 L
Hydraulic system, with tank120 L117 L
Cooling system20 L18.5 L
Gearbox, with filter20 L16 L
Rear axle20 L16 L
Front axle20 LNot published
Front drive axleNot published16 L

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
Total kingpost travelNot published1.16 m
Max reach (extending dipper)Not published7.1 m
Bucket tearout forceNot published6,324 kgfPower mode, standard dipper
Bucket tearout force (speed mode)Not published5,431 kgf
Dipper tearout forceNot published3,893 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°
Dump angle at full heightNot published45°
Lift breakout forceNot published5,936 kgf
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 3CX · 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.

0 m1 m2 m3 m4 m5 m
JCB 3CXJCB 4CXSame scale, front edges and ground lined up.

JCB 3CX vs JCB 4CX: questions

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

By operating weight the JCB 4CX is the biggest at 8.6 t, then the JCB 3CX at 7.8 t.

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

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

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

The JCB 4CX: JCB 3CX 4.29 m, JCB 4CX 4.32 m (max dig depth), a 1% difference.

Which reaches further, the JCB 3CX or JCB 4CX?

The JCB 4CX: JCB 3CX 5.33 m, JCB 4CX 5.4 m (reach at ground level, from slew centre), a 1% difference.

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

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

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

The JCB 4CX: JCB 3CX 130 L, JCB 4CX 160 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.

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