19 May 2025
Currying Favour
For Currie Contractors, based in Cullen, North-East Scotland, the Backhoe Loader has been a cornerstone of their operations for nearly five decades.
This year marks an extraordinary milestone for JCB as the company celebrates its 80th anniversary and the production of its one millionth Backhoe Loader. This achievement highlights JCB’s enduring legacy and that of its flagship machine, which has revolutionised the construction and farming industries across the globe.
Since its inception in 1953, the iconic JCB Backhoe Loader has cemented its position as one of the most versatile machines in construction, capable of handling a vast range of tasks. They are easy to use, have the capabilities for loading, roading and excavating and can master even more applications with the range of different attachments available.
Their latest addition of the 4CX Pro DualDrive boasts even more high-specification features than its predecessors and is already currying favour with the Forestry, Plant Hire and Haulage company.
New and improved
The latest generation of JCB 4CX Backhoe Loaders boasts a number of key improvements which bring new levels of productivity and efficiency to a machine recognised for its versatility and position as one of the most popular machines in the construction industry.
The most notable of these improvements is the introduction of DualDrive as JCB takes the driving experience to a whole new level as it allows the operator to reposition the machine while facing the excavator, without having to turn the seat to the front-facing position.
This unique feature sets JCB apart from the competition and it is this commitment to innovation that has kept Currie Contractors running JCB Backhoe Loaders since 1976.
Currie Contractors Managing Director, James Currie said: “Backhoe Loaders remain very popular in this part of Scotland. There are many machines working with local authorities up here. They are very well suited to this work, since they have so many uses and are also so mobile to get around between different work areas."
“Even though we now run an increasing number of wheeled excavators, the appeal of the Backhoe Loader has never been lost. With improvements to the JCB machines, especially the latest 4CX Pro with DualDrive, I see a bright future for running a machine like this. I plan to expand its working versatility even further with the addition of other attachments."
No other machine can fill so many different working roles, which means a Backhoe Loader will attract work even at times when other types of plant will struggle, making it a sound investment.
James Currie | Currie Contractors Managing Director
The new 4CX Pro model boasts a number of other new developments, including single loader lever to reduce operator effort, revised direction control for quicker and easier use, return to grade function for improved performance and upgraded quickhitch with wider fork carriage.
Operator approved
When undertaking the most recent upgrades to the JCB 4CX Backhoe Loader the team at JCB looked at how to make life easier for the operator and to boost their comfort and control levels, as well as increase productivity on site.
One such experienced operator is Currie Contractor’s Operator, Gordon Durno who has worked for the company and operated Backhoe Loaders for 38 years so it’s safe to say when it comes to Backhoe Loaders there isn’t much he doesn’t know. And his thoughts on the latest JCB 4CX Backhoe Loader model speak for themselves.
As Gordon Durno said: “I have used a wide range of machines, including many different JCB Backhoe Loaders. The Backhoe Loader is a very underrated machine these days and it is good to see JCB improving it in so many different ways. This latest model makes using it even easier and safer."
“The DualDrive feature makes a big difference when driving on the site, since I can face the direction of travel and control steering regardless of which direction the machine is going. It gives much greater control and makes it much safer when manoeuvring in places where space is limited. It also makes a big difference in certain cases by being able to use the back actor on the move, for example placing blinding in trenches or over ducting."
“It doesn’t matter if I’m using the front bucket or the back actor, the machine is well up to everything expected of it. It has good traction, fast hydraulics to bring out the best in the loader and the working range and breakout force to make the Backhoes work well."
“The 4CX Pro cab is first class with everything to hand exactly where it should be, which proves it’s designed with the driver in mind.”
A million dreams
With valued customers like Currie Contractors who have championed the JCB Backhoe Loader for nearly fifty years, it is easy to see how this iconic machine has stood the test of time. And with this glowing endorsement, we can safely add them to the list of one million happy customers.