JCB hosted a special event at its North American headquarters in Savannah to mark the sale of its commemorative one-millionth backhoe loader. The machine, which had been on display in the lobby, was celebrated as it officially began its working life. Company leadership, including JCB Chairman Lord Bamford, were on hand for the send-off as Jason Koon of CSD, Inc. took possession of the 4CX model. The milestone occasion was part of a series of celebrations leading up to JCB’s 80th anniversary on October 23, 2025.
History of JCB backhoe loaders
The one-millionth unit — one of two specially outfitted machines to roll off the line at JCB’s world headquarters in the U.K. — represents more than seven decades of engineering leadership and continued commitment to versatile machines. JCB introduced the first backhoe loader in 1953, and it remains a staple of jobsites across the globe. Today, it is the fourth most popular piece of construction equipment in the world.
JCB sold its first backhoe in North America in 1964, a 4C model that laid the foundation for decades of growth and innovation. Since then, more than 225,000 JCB machines have been retailed across the continent. The evolution of the backhoe continues today with the latest 3CX and 4CX models, including the commemorative machine, which showcase advancements that prioritize operator comfort, efficiency and performance.
This legacy of innovation is deeply rooted in JCB’s longstanding commitment to North America. The company incorporated in Whitemarsh, Maryland, in 1970 and in 2000, moved its North American headquarters to Savannah, Georgia, where today’s celebration took place. The Savannah facility now employs more than 1,000 people in the region. Looking ahead, JCB will further expand its North American footprint with the opening of a new $500 million manufacturing facility in San Antonio, Texas, slated for summer 2026.
JCB continues to invest in the backhoe loader segment while honouring the machine that helped launch the company into global prominence. The sale of the one-millionth backhoe is not only a celebration of the past but also a signal of JCB’s ongoing commitment to contractors and the future of construction equipment. It also serves as a fitting tribute during the company’s 80th anniversary year, commemorating eight decades of progress, performance and partnership with customers worldwide.
Lord Bamford hands off a piece of history
“I am the only person in our business now who can remember the early days when we first started to make backhoes in the early 1950s,” JCB Chairman Lord Bamford said. “Looking back at that time, I could never have imagined that JCB would go on to make one million of these diggers. Looking back is a fun thing to do of course, but it’s always been JCB’s way to look forward, and I’m looking forward to the production of the next one million backhoes, making sure they continue to add value to our customers’ businesses all over the world.”
“I’ve spent my life in the operator’s seat and laid over 2,000 miles of pipe in my time,” said Jason Koon, CEO and owner of CSD, Inc. “JCB backhoes have been there with me every step of the way. From my early days working with my family’s business to now leading several companies in the utility and construction sectors, I’ve run nearly every JCB model out there. The Sitemaster release was a game changer for me, and to now take delivery of the one-millionth backhoe is not only an honour, it’s personal. There’s no machine I trust more.”
