JCB has signed a five-year, $45 million contract to provide its 4CX backhoe loaders to the United States Marine Corps. The agreement covers equipment delivery, attachments testing, and operator training, supporting a broad range of tactical and engineering missions.
This marks the second major contract between JCB and the U.S. Marine Corps in recent years, following a $39 million deal in 2024 for militarized Multi-Terrain Loaders. The new agreement further establishes JCB’s role in providing heavy equipment for defense applications.
Equipment Highlights
The JCB 4CX backhoe loader is engineered for versatility and performance in challenging environments. Its side-shift boom and Powerslide system allow precise lateral movement, expanding the machine’s digging range by 10% and enabling work in tight or obstructed spaces without repositioning. This configuration also allows full outrigger deployment in confined areas, ideal for urban infrastructure and military operations.
When not in use, the compact design reduces the machine’s transport length by over four feet — improving both space efficiency and road handling. Other key specs include:
- Three steering modes for greater maneuverability
- Four equal-sized tires for better traction on soft terrain
- Dig depth of over 14 feet and a swing reach exceeding 17 feet
- Integrated lifting point for added material handling functionality
Continued Military Collaboration
In addition to this latest agreement, JCB has a history of supporting U.S. military operations with both purpose-built and commercially adapted machines. These include the High Mobility Engineer Excavator (HMEE) and the Light Capability Rough Terrain Forklift (LCRTF), both deployed by the U.S. Army.
JCB also invests in workforce initiatives for veterans, including job training, hiring programs, and national partnerships supporting career transitions from military to construction and manufacturing industries.
The new contract reinforces JCB’s ongoing collaboration with defense organizations and its commitment to equipment reliability in both tactical and civilian applications.
