JCB has confirmed that the forthcoming Scottish Plant Operator Challenge, taking place on 27 July, will mark the debut of JCB's new 4CX DualDrive backhoe loader in Scotland.

Competitors, visitors and plant enthusiasts attending the Scottish Plant Operator Challenge will be able to test drive JCB’s newest innovation, DualDrive which allows the operator to reposition and drive the machine while facing the backacter without having to turn the seat to the front-facing position.

Georgina Williams, Backhoe Loader Training and Demonstration Manager from JCB said: "We're delighted to be debuting our new 4CX DualDrive backhoe loader at the Scottish Plant Operator Challenge. It is a showcase for the best talent in the Scottish plant industry and an event which attracts plant professionals from all over, keen to see and try out the newest innovations.

"We have studied how operators work and concluded that the single biggest ease of use and productivity improvement would be the ability to drive the machine in both directions while operating the excavator.


"This unique feature sets us further apart from the competition and reinforces our commitment to have the easiest and most comfortable backhoe to operate. We are looking forward to seeing the 4CX put to the test in Errol later this month."

Features of 4CX DualDrive backhoe loader

• Dual Drive: allows the operator to reposition the machine while facing the excavator, without having to turn the seat to the front-facing position. Particularly useful when ditch cleaning, grading, breaking or patch planning, as the operator can simply drive the machine along the job site while looking at the work area.

• Fantastic manoeuvrability: All wheel steer and crab steer as standard provides outstanding manoeuvrability around site when loading, excavating and using attachments.

6-in-1 loader control lever with Forward-Neutral-Reverse (FNR) switch: allows operators to control the loader and transmission with one hand and the steering with the other, without the need to use the column shift.

• 2D laser receiver mount on the front loader torsion box: allows the operator to set grade depth and to grade more accurately while reducing time taken and fuel used. A 2D laser can increase grading accuracy to within 10mm, offering the operator up to a 25% time saving over standard manual grade control.

To find out more how you can Do More for Less with a JCB Backhoe Loader, take a look at the following link; Do More For Less | JCB.com

Callum Mackintosh, Promoter of the Scottish Plant Operator Challenge, added: "We are absolutely thrilled that JCB has chosen the Scottish Plant Operator Challenge for the Scottish debut of this game changer of a machine which brings huge benefits for all operators on any job. This will be a unique opportunity to try out the 4CX DualDrive backhoe loader and I know there will be lots of plant operators desperate to have a go, myself included!"