Caterpillar vs Jcb

Caterpillar

428E Backhoe Loader vsJCB 3CX Backhoe Loader

Caterpillar Product Information

Feature ComparisonNovember 2005

For Dealer Sales PersonnelThis document supplements information in the Specalog. Marketing content will be availableonly on secured dealer extranets and by accessing the PDF in the Sales Library on FlashNet.

2 Feature Comparison Caterpillar 428E vs JCB 3CX Backhoe Loader

Summary

This document is designed to compare some of the features ofthe Caterpillar 428E versus the JCB 3CX Backhoe Loaders. It is intended as a tool to be used by the Dealer when sellingagainst JCB, highlighting the important Caterpillar designadvantages and how they provide a solution to the wants andneeds of the increasingly demanding backhoe loader customer.The document also highlights perceived deficiencies of the JCB 3CX.

Chassis 3 - 8 Side Rails Stabilizers Tool & Battery Storage Hydraulic Tank Electrical System Boom Transport Lock

Powertrain & Hydraulics 9 - 12 Engine Hydraulic System Front Axle 20" Tire Option Lift Arms & Bucket

Loader 13 - 15 Durability Visibility

Backhoe 16 - 19 Excavator Style Boom Extendible Stick Bucket Linkage Visibility

Operator Environment 20 - 23 Operator Station Personal Storage Controls & Operation Security

Serviceability 24 - 29 Daily Checks Engine Bay Front Axle & Drive Shafts Hydraulic Filter Cylinders Stabiliser Wearpads

Performance Comparison 30

Brief Specifications 31

Chassis

Slide-RailsAdvantage:The backhoe on the 428E side-shifts on a flat rail without the needfor running channels.

Conclusions:The channels which the 3CX slide frame travels in are prone tosignificant dirt ingress during trench work. This can result indifficulty when trying to side-shift the machine, with the operatorhaving to constantly clean the running channels. The Caterpillarmachine side-shifts without the need for such runners and istherefore free of these problems.

3Feature Comparison Caterpillar 428E vs JCB 3CX Backhoe Loader

3CX

428E

3CX


Chassis

Stabilisers Advantage:The 428E is designed with large stabilizer feet which can befitted with bolt-on reversible two piece street pads to preventdamage to asphalt surfaces. The stabiliser system also includesbuilt-in lock valves as standard.

The 428E stabiliser leg also includes a clean-out slot as astandard feature.

Conclusions:The larger stabiliser feet on the 428E provide lower groundpressure and more machine support. This is beneficial whenworking on soft ground, where the JCB foot will be more likelyto sink in.

The street pads protect road surfaces from damage when thestabilisers are deployed. Being two-piece and reversible, thepads can also be easily replaced or reversed to prolong their lifespan. The optional pads on the 3CX are manufactured from ansofter compound that wears down more easily. They are alsonon-reversible and require more frequent and costlyreplacements.

The lock valve system on the 428E is incorporated into thedesign and steel tubes are used throughout. The JCB system has bolt on additional valves, which are only fitted in territorieswhere they are required by law.

The clean-out slot in the stabiliser leg is now included on all E-series machines. This allows the operator to easily clean outdirt an debris which can accumulate up inside the inner leg. The JCB leg does not have this feature, which can lead to thetrapped material becoming packing in hard and causing damageto the stabiliser cylinders.

428E

3CX


Chassis

Tool & Battery StorageAdvantage:The 428E has a large combined tool storage and battery box. It iseasily accessible for the operator. A heavy duty two-battery optionis available.

Conclusions:The Caterpillar operator benefits from the reassurance that he hasstorage space all of his tools, chains, pins etc. A 3CX owner mayhave to leave some of those tools at home, or longer tools, such asa Backhoe Quick Coupler Release Bar, rolling around on the cabfloor.

Stowage space on the JCB is limited by the close proximity of thehydraulic tank, which also limits how wide the lid can be opened,restricting access to an already small toolbox.

The battery on the JCB is located in the front of the machine,behind the grill. This makes replacing the battery an awkward job,especially if the lift arms are down. On the Caterpillar machine,the batteries can always be easily access as they are located in thecombined pannier mounted tool and battery storage box.

3CX

428E

428E

3CX 3CX


Chassis

Hydraulic Tank Advantage:The Hydraulic Tank in the 428E is mounted up inside theloader tower. The tank on the JCB is a pannier tank mounted on the LHS of the machine chassis

Conclusions:The Caterpillar design has the hydraulic tank out of harms way.It also provides a positive head of oil for the hydraulic pump.The tank on the JCB is more vulnerable. The sight gauge isexposed and could be damage by the operator when getting inand out of the cab, or by debris trapped between the sight gaugeand the tool box lid.. The lines into the tank are exposedunderneath and could be damaged on site. Also, the steps in thehydraulic and fuel tanks are rigidly mounted and could damagethe tanks, if impacted on the jobsite. By contrast, the E-seriessteps are designed to bend and not damage the tanks, if impacted on site.

3CX

428E


Advantage:Electrical harnesses on the 428E are fully braided for durabilityand use connectors sealed against dust and water ingress. Allelectrical circuits are colour coded for easy trouble shooting andall fuses are located neatly in one area. A 120 amp alternator isfitted to the 428E as standard.

Conclusions:Harnesses on the JCB are either protected by plastic ribbedconduit or not at all. This design is not as durable as the braidedharnesses on the 428E and does not offer the same level ofprotection against damage on the jobsite. JCB harnesses use the same colour wire for all circuits. The circuit number is printed in the wire. This makes electricaltroubleshooting more difficult.The JCB has two alternator options: a 75 amp alternator is fitted asstandard and an optional 85 map alternator is available when aTurbocharged engine is fitted. This larger alternator is still smallerthan the 120 amp fitted to the 428E and may not provide sufficientcharging when working in winter with all the lights and heater etc.turned on.

Chassis

Electrical System

3CX

428E


Chassis

Boom Transport Lock Advantage:The 428E has a boom transport lock system which can beoperated at any point in the backhoe swing range.

Conclusions:The boom lock system on the 428E be engaged and dis-engaged at any swing angle.

The system on the JCB can only be activated when the backhoe is directly in line with the machine axis. This prevents the operator from safely locking the boom up,unless in a predetermined position.

3CX

3CX

3CX


Powertain & Hydraulics

EngineAdvantage:The 428E is available with a choice of engine: a 67 kW (Net)engine is fitted as standard, while a 73 kW (Net) engine isavailable as an option.

Conclusions:The choice of engine option on the 428E allows the customer tospecify the machine to more exacting requirements. The 3CX alsohas two engine options. The first is a Naturally Aspirated 59.8 kW(Net), while a 64.5 kW (Net) Turbocharged engine is available asan option.

Comparing the Standard and Optional engine selections on the two machines shows that the 428E has more power in both cases.This will make the 428E more productive on the jobsite andprovide better hill climbing ability when roading, providing fastertravelling between jobsites.



Hydraulic System Advantage:The hydraulic system on the 428E utilises a load sensing closedcentre system. Hydraulic power is provided by a load sensing,variable displacement, axial piston pump. The valves are flowsharing, which makes operating multiple functions much easier.

Conclusions:The Caterpillar system reacts to the demand that is required by the implements, adjusting the flow and pressure providedaccordingly. This leads to full hydraulic power at any givenengine speed, allowing delicate operations where precisemodulation yet powerful forces are required. The flow sharingvalves ensure that all services receive the oil they require andresults in very smooth modulation of multiple functions,without any one function stalling out.

The load sensing system on the 428E ensures that hydraulic oil is not constantly circulating through the hydraulic lines andfilters. This greatly reduces parasitic loads on the engine andleads to reduced fuel consumption, improved hydraulic filterperformance and longer hydraulic oil life.

The JCB 3CX uses an open centre hydraulic system suppliedby a twin section gear pump. In this system, oil is constantlyflowing though the lines and filters. This has the effect ofplacing parasitic losses on the engine and creating excess heatand noise. This will lead to increased fuel consumption, shorterfilter service life and faster breakdown of the hydraulic oil,reducing the interval between oil changes. This also meansmore wear and tear on the engine and hydraulic pump andhigher demands placed on the cooling system.

Greater hydraulic efficiency is achieved on the 428E bydelivering the required flow and pressure on demand. This also leads to more controllability, a clear advantage when excavating in tight areas or close to services.



Front AxleAdvantage:The front axle differential on the 428E is mounted centrally. On the 3CX, the differential is offset to the right.

Conclusions:The offset and angled position of the 3CX front driveshaft can leadto excessive vibration and limited driveshaft component life.Mounting the differential centrally removes this risk. The JCBfront driveshaft is also unprotected, compared to the 428E whichbenefits from an optional, durable transmission guard.

The front axle on the 428E is also sealed and lubricated for life,unlike the axle on the JCB.

3CX

428E

428E



20" Tyre Option Advantage:The 428E is available with 20 front tyres which allow betterflotation on soft sites.

Conclusions:The JCB is also available with 20 front tyres. However, thesetyres restrict the turning circle of the machine, leading toreduced manoeuvrability. The turning circle is reduced by asmuch as 30%. On the 428E, there is no loss of turning circlewith 20 front tyres, allowing the operator to retain maximummanoeuvrability.

3CX428E


Loader

Lift Arms & BucketAdvantage:The 428E is fitted with a Parallel Lift Loader as standard.Maximum bucket capacity is 1.03 m3.

Conclusions:The 3CX has a parallel lift loader, which offers the sameperformance benefits as on the 428E. However, the 428Edesign is more productive, with larger pins and cylinders,providing increased performance and durability.

The JCB bucket design uses thinner plates for the side platesthan the Caterpillar design. Thicker side plates result in greaterwear resistance, providing a much more durable bucket withlonger service life.

12.4mm

10.4mm

50.75mm

39.87mm

3CX

428E

428E

3CX


Loader

Durability Advantage:The Caterpillar bucket features thicker bucket mounting plates,and XT3 hoses rather than the JCBs metallic tubes used for theMP bucket cylinder lines.

Conclusions:Thicker plates contribute to a greater resistance to bending whenloading the bucket or lifting uneven weights. This contributes to a more robust, hard wearing bucket.

The XT3 hoses and bolt on tubes throughout, improveserviceability. Using hoses on the rear of the loader bucketreduces the risk of leaks due to impact damage from overspill.3CX

428E

428E

428E

3CX

3CX


Loader

Advantage:The 428E offers the operator good visibility to the loaderbucket. Four adjustable front work lights are available.

Conclusions:The narrow hood on the 428E is clear of obstructions. This,along with the divergent lift arms, a large area front windscreenand a narrow front console, results in a clear line of sight to thebucket for the operator.

On the JCB, visibility is reduced by the air inlet bowl on thehood and the tilt cylinder links. The arms are not diverging andthe windscreen is much smaller than on the 428E. The operatormust move around in the seat more to see the bucket, leading tomore fatigue.

When working at night, the operator can adjust the position ofthe front worklights on the 428E to suit the jobsite. On the3CX, the worklights are fixed and cannot be adjusted.

Visibility

428E

428E

3CX

3CX


Backhoe

Advantage:The 428E utilises the proven Caterpillar excavator-style boom.Improvements with the E-series includes an excavator style noseand a combined cylinder mount pin for improved performance.

Conclusions:The excavator-style boom allows additional clearance whenreaching over obstacles and the ability to dig closer to themachine. The 3CX boom has a very deep and straight profile.This makes it more difficult to dig over obstacles than with the428E. This also makes excavating and dumping close to the truckvery difficult, as is common on road works.

Excavator-Style Boom

428E

3CX


Backhoe

Advantage:The E-stick on the 428E features an outer-sliding extension,with serrations for improved clamping incorporated into thedesign.

Conclusions:The outer sliding extension keeps the wear pads and runningsurfaces clean and away from the material being excavated. On the JCB, any material being clamped in the bucket isclamped against the sliding rails of the extension. This canresult in damage to the running surfaces and material beingdragging back into the wearpads. Both conditions will result inan increased wear rate on the pads and reduced service life.

The serrations on the 428E E-stick also allows the operator toclamp material without the risk of damage to the stick or theneed for a thumb.

Extendible Stick

428E

3CX


Backhoe

Advantage:The 428E has a high rotation linkage which has 205 of bucketrotation with a single pin position. The JCB has only 201 ofbucket rotation, with two pin positions.

Conclusions:The high rotation linkage on the 428E allows easy bucketclamping, longer flat bottom trenches, and deeper vertical trenchend walls. This is not achievable on the 3CX, which only has201 of rotation. This results in less machine repositioning withthe 428E and no need to adjust the linkage for speed or powerwhen moving from job to job.

Bucket Linkage

428E 3CX


Backhoe

Advantage:The 428E boasts superior visibility to the backhoe bucketthrough large, fully opening windows. Four adjustable rearworklights are available for working at night.

Conclusions:The 428E boom is of a narrow fabricated design which is255mm wide. By comparison, the boom on the 3CX is 412 mmin width. This narrow design ensures great visibility to thebucket throughout the operating range.

Visibility is further aided through the use of large windows,both at the rear and on the sides of the cab. Tall side windowsallow the operator to see the area immediately adjacent to themachine. Visibility in this area is hampered on the JCB due toshorter side windows and wide rear fenders.

At the rear on the JCB, visibility is also obscured by the screenwiper motor unit, when the window is closed.

On the 428E, two of the rear worklights are positioned on theside of the cab. This allows the operator to see clearly thoughtthe full swing range, when working at night. The lights on the3CX do not have as much side adjustment, restricting theoperators visibility in the dark.

Visibility

428E

428E

428E3CX

3CX

3CX

3CX

428E


Cab & Operator Environment

Advantage:The 428E has a large spacious cab, with wide opening doors andwindows. This, along with an Air Suspension Seat as standard andexcellent ventilation makes the Caterpillar cab a comfortablework environment.

Conclusions:The Caterpillar machine offers the operator a considerably morespacious cab than the JCB. The cab on the 3CX can give theoperator a feeling of being squeezed in.

Ventilation is excellent: all side windows can be opened, unlikethe JCB which uses a flimsy catch to hold the whole door ajar toprovide fresh air for the operator.

The standard air suspension seat can accommodate all operatorscomfortably, without the need for manual adjustment like the3CX. Also, there is not much room in the JCB cab when spinningthe seat to the backhoe working position.

The one-piece rear window on the JCB limits operator headroom,especially when wearing a helmet. The single pane of glass canalso prove to be cumbersome to move. The two section windowon the 428E offers rain protection and ventilation options andmuch more headroom for the operator.

Operator Station

428E

3CX

428E



Advantage:The E-series cab provides ample space for the operator to storepersonal possessions whilst at work.

Conclusions:The 428E cab offers the operator lockable compartments, as wellas a flask holder and a number of areas for storing loose items.The 3CX only offers a single compartment, which cannot belocked and a flask holder that cannot be used when stowing abeacon in the cab.

Personal Storage

428E 428E

3CX 3CX



Advantage:The machine controls and switches in the 428E cab are laid out inlogical and ergonomic locations, allowing precise modulation.Every switch and lever falls easily to hand and is clearly labelled.

Conclusions:The control layout in the Caterpillar cab results in a machine thatis easy to drive. The gauges on the RH panel cover vital machinesystems and provide more information on machine health than onthe JCB. All the switches on the RH panel are logically placedand well spaced. Compare this to the JCB RH console: theswitches are all squeezed together, are not in a logical order andthe panel does not have any spare switch locations for customerand dealer options

The backhoe controls have been located such that the operator can easily set-up for backhoe work. On the JCB, the operatormust reach over the back of the seat to operate the stabilisers. This is made more difficult by the headrest on the seat. The boomlock control on the JCB is also awkward to operate and usuallyquite stiff.

The radio position on the JCB is a reliability concern. Beingupward facing, it is prone to dust ingress, which may cause apremature failure. By comparison, the radio in the 428E cab ispositioned neatly in the headliner.

Controls & Operation

3CX



Advantage:The 428E has an optional built-in vandal guard and optionalMachine Security System (MSS). The MSS system iscompliant to UK PTAG requirements and can provide areduction in insurance premiums.

Conclusions:The vandal guard in the 428E cab is incorporated into thedesign of the console. On the JCB, there is a separate cover,rendering it an easier task for the vandal to remove. It mustalso be completely removed by the operator and stowed in thecab by the operators feet when not in use.

Both the 428E and the 3CX are available with MSS. However,the system on the 428E can be operated without removing thekey: there is a separate key fob to deactivate the system. On theJCB, the deactivation chip is part if the key, meaning theoperator must remove the key every time the machine needs tobe started. At best, this is an annoyance. At worst, this will leadto premature failure of the ignition switch.

Security

3CX 3CX

3CX

428E

428E


Serviceability

Advantage:All fluid levels and fill points are easy to access underneath thehood on the 428E. All daily fluid servicing is on the left hand sideof the machine, and all filters are mounted vertically to avoidspills and contamination.

Conclusions:The fully opening hood on the 428E provides excellent access tothe engine bay. All fluid check and fill points are easily accessibleand colour coded, to help the operator identify the correct system.

Some check and fill-points on the JCB are difficult to reach and some require the engine side-panels to be removed. The transmission oil check and fill point is through a smalldiameter tube (22 mm). This makes it difficult and slow to fill thetransmission oil. The screen wash reservoir of the JCB is alsodifficult to access and fill without spillage. The engine side-panelof the 3CX must be removed in order to service the air filter. Thisis not the case with the 428E, which also includes an air filterservice indicator as standard.

Daily Checks

428E

428E

3CX

3CX

3CX


Serviceability

Advantage:The 428E has an accessible, clear engine bay and is equippedwith a standard fine mesh fan guard.

Conclusions:The 428E operator can be assured that Caterpillar have safety inmind. The engine bay on the JCB appears cluttered and has anunguarded fan which poses a significant safety risk. The air pre-cleaner on the JCB also blows dust into the engine bay, whereasthe Caterpillar system has Automatic Dust Ejection and channelsit out through the exhaust.

On the 428E, the fuel and water separator filters have beencombined. This has lead to a 40% reduction in filter costs, as thereis now only one filter to replace. On the JCB, there are two filtersand the water separator does not drain directly onto the floor,which can contribute to a dirty engine bay.

Engine Bay

428E

3CX


Serviceability

Advantage:The 428E has sealed bearings and grease free king pins on thefront axle. The machine also has sealed for life driveshaftbearings.

Conclusions:The front axle and driveshaft on the Caterpillar BHL aremaintenance free. The cuts down on the time the operator needs to spend on daily greasing.

The 3CX front axle requires regular greasing; at the main pivotpin, the driveshaft, the axle universal joints and the axle king pins.This means the operator must crawl under the machine regularly,all year round, to perform this maintenance. A dirty job, whereverthe machine is located.

Front Axle & Drive Shafts

428E

3CX

3CX

428E


Serviceability

Advantage:The Caterpillar 428E utilises a cartridge-type hydraulic filter.

Conclusions:Changing the hydraulic filter on the 428E is a simple and cleanprocess.

By comparison, the filter on the JCB is immersed inside thehydraulic tank. It is accessed through a panel in the top of thetank, requiring the removal of 6 bolts. This open access panelcarries a high risk of contamination of the hydraulic system bymaterial falling in through the opening, during service.

Hydraulic Filter

3CX

428E


Serviceability

Advantage:The 428E hydraulic system uses Caterpillar XT3 hoses and steeltubes, which are completely serviceable. All connections use o-ring face seals.

Conclusions:The cylinders on the JCB use welded tubes. These are difficult toreplace, should they become damaged. Some of the tubes are invulnerable positions, such as on the the bucket cylinder. Ifdamaged, the old tube must be cut off and a new tube welded onin its place. Compare this to the 428E, where the tubes can beeasily replaced, with minimal tools.

Cylinders

3CX

428E

3CX


Serviceability

Advantage:The 428E stabiliser leg wearpads have positive screwadjustment that takes the operator only minutes to complete.

Conclusions:The adjustment system on the 428E used a standard bolt andlocknut. Free play can be adjusted out in minutes, providing astable machine for backhoe operations.

The JCB system uses screw in plastic pucks. These can workloose, swell and seize up or strip on the thread if not adjustedregularly. They are also adjusted using non-standard size tools.Mounted on the outside of the leg, the adjusting pads canbecome damaged on site. By contrast, the adjustment on the428E leg is on the opposite side and therefore better protected.

Stabiliser Wearpads

428E

3CX


Performance

Backhoe PerformanceThe 3CX has 9% more bucket breakout force when using thePower pin position, but 5% less breakout force when using theSpeed pin position. The Power pin position also reduces thebucket operating angle to around 160.

The 428E has 7.5% more stick breakout force than the 3CX.

The 3CX can dig a 610mm wide flat bottom trench (to SAEstandards) 38mm deeper than the 428E.

Loader PerformanceThe 428E has 12% higher loader breakout force than the 3CX.

The 428E has 7% higher loader lift capacity than the 3CX.

Performance Comparison


Caterpillar 428E JCB 3CX

GeneralNet Power Std:67kW, Opt 73kW NA:59.8, Turbo:64.5 kW

HydraulicsPump Type Axial piston Twin gear pumpMax Flow 125 l/min Main Pump: NA:73 l/min,

Turbo: 79 l/minSecond Pump: NA: 51 l/min,Turbo: 57 l/min

System Pressure 227 bar 227 bar

BackhoeBreakout (Bucket) 51.1kN 48.4 kN (Speed)

55.9 kN (Power)Breakout (Stick) 31.8kN (Ret) 29.5 kN (Ret)Max Dig Depth (SAE 2ft) 4172mm (Ret) 4210 mm (Ret)

Loader (MP Bucket w/forks) (6-in-1 shovel)Breakout 54.3kN 47.6 kNMax Dump Height 2668mm 2720 mmHinge Pin Height 3340mm 3450 mmLift Cap to Max Height 3142kg 2930 kgType Parallel Lift Parallel Lift

Brief Specifications

Caterpillar 428E vs JCB 3CX Backhoe Loader

HEKB3334 (11/2005)

www.CAT.com 2005 Caterpillar

The information contained herein is intended for circulation only to Caterpillar and dealer employees whose duties require knowledge of suchreports and is intended exclusively for their information and training. It may contain unverified analysis and facts observed by various Caterpillaror dealer employees. However, effort has been made to provide reliable results regarding any information comparing Caterpillar built andcompetitive machines. Effort has been made to use the latest available spec sheet and other material in the full understanding that these aresubject to change without notice. Any reproduction of this release without the foregoing explanation is prohibited.

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