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Author: Serena Mcateer

JCB invests for the Future After Hydromax World Record

Posted on by Serena Mcateer

Fresh from setting a new world land speed record of 406.320mph powered by its pioneering hydrogen technology, JCB is accelerating investment in its future, with major commitments to British manufacturing and new production capacity in the United States.

The manufacturer is investing heavily in the transformation of its Staffordshire World HQ, while in the USA, JCB’s new factory in San Antonio, Texas – its largest in the world – opens next month, creating 1,500 jobs over the next five years.

As JCB invests for its next chapter, George Bamford is to become Joint Chairman of the family company alongside his father, Lord Bamford. It is the first change at the top of JCB in more than 50 years, during which the business has grown from its Staffordshire roots into one of Britain’s largest privately owned manufacturers, with 23 factories and more than 20,000 employees worldwide.

The announcement coincides with JCB reporting a resilient performance in 2025, despite mixed market conditions and geopolitical headwinds around the world. Sales turnover totalled £5.7 billion, profit before tax was £642 million and machine sales reached 113,498 units, while the business remained debt-free with no net borrowings. JCB also increased its global market share, despite flat demand in North America and a 12% market contraction in India.

At the heart of JCB’s investment in Britain is the £100 million transformation of its Staffordshire headquarters – JCB’s home since 1950, when Joseph Cyril Bamford moved production into a former cheese factory in Rocester. A £60 million fully automated powder paint plant and a comprehensively modernised shop floor are part of the transformation, helping to secure the future of more than 8,000 UK jobs.

In the USA, JCB’s new $1 billion factory in San Antonio, Texas – at one million square feet, JCB’s largest factory in the world – opens next month. It will build Loadall telescopic handlers and access equipment for North America, the world’s biggest construction equipment market.

Investment in factories is being matched by investment in innovation. Hydrogen-powered machines are now in production following JCB’s £100 million programme to develop hydrogen combustion technology, making it the first construction equipment company in the world to bring a fully approved hydrogen-fuelled combustion engine to market.

Last month, those engines powered JCB into the record books at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. The JCB Hydromax, driven by Wing Commander Andy Green OBE, recorded 406.320mph (653.909km/h) on the Salt Flats to become the fastest ever hydrogen-powered vehicle – more than doubling the previous hydrogen combustion record and beating JCB’s own Dieselmax diesel record, set 20 years earlier. JCB Hydromax was powered by two production-based hydrogen engines manufactured at JCB’s factory in Foston, Derbyshire, and went from idea to world record in just 18 months.

Meanwhile, the JCB Academy, a pioneering project championed by Anthony Bamford to address the UK’s engineering skills shortage, goes from strength to strength. This year 708 students applied for 314 places available this September, maintaining the Academy’s long-standing reputation for being heavily oversubscribed. Since opening in 2010, it has educated around 3,750 young people and boasts a 100% record of leavers progressing into employment or further education. This month a total of 116 new apprentices, undergraduates and graduates, selected from more than 6,300 applicants, also joined JCB.

“Last year JCB celebrated its 80th birthday and, as we look ahead, we are investing heavily in the future of the business – from the transformation of our Staffordshire headquarters and pioneering hydrogen technology, to our new factory in Texas. As part of that next chapter, I’m delighted that my son George will become Joint Chairman of JCB. We have never been a company that stands still, and these investments will ensure JCB is well placed to seize the opportunities ahead.”

Lord Bamford │ JCB Chairman

George Bamford said: “From the day my grandfather founded JCB in 1945, innovation and investment in Great Britain has been at the heart of everything we do. JCB Hydromax showed the world what British engineering can achieve. That same spirit is in every machine we build. While JCB has expanded globally over the years, our home has always been here, and the record investment we are making in our facilities and in new products is good news for Britain and good news for JCB.”

JCB CEO Graeme Macdonald said: “While 2025 was a more challenging year with mixed market conditions around the world, JCB delivered a robust performance overall. Machine sales were down by around 5%, but turnover remained broadly stable due to a more favourable market and product mix. Despite nil market growth in North America and a 12% market contraction in India – both important markets for JCB – we increased our global market share during 2025, which is an encouraging result. The overall outlook for 2026 is for moderate growth, despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, and with new capacity coming on stream in Texas and Staffordshire we are well placed to take advantage of it.”

JCB LiveLink now standard on Mini Excavators and Site Dumpers

Posted on by Serena Mcateer

JCB has made its LiveLink telematics system standard on all mini excavators and site dumpers – giving customers instant access to connected machine data from the day their equipment is delivered.

The new move forms part of JCB Aftersales’ mission to deliver 100% connectivity across its machines and ensures customers benefit from improved visibility, uptime and support throughout the machine lifecycle. Integration with JCB’s mini excavator and site dumper models means JCB LiveLink is now available across the company’s entire construction and agricultural equipment ranges.

“Connectivity is now a fundamental part of modern equipment ownership. This is a significant milestone in JCB’s journey towards delivering a fully digitally enabled product portfolio. We are giving customers immediate access to the data and support they need to run their machines more profitably, safely and sustainably.”

Mario Martin Moser | JCB Group Managing Director – Global Aftersales

Specific benefits of JCB LiveLink on these product ranges include alerting and tracking in the event of theft, staying informed with real-time tracking, reducing downtime with early fault detection and reducing maintenance costs through proactive servicing.

Previously offered as an optional extra with a three-year subscription, JCB LiveLink will now be fitted as standard across both product ranges, with a five-year subscription included as part of the package.

JCB LiveLink is designed to help customers monitor and maintain their machines more effectively. Currently connecting more than 580,000 machines worldwide and supporting over 40,000 customers, JCB LiveLink is accessible through a web browser and mobile app and covers JCB and mixed fleets. The system provides information on machine location, utilisation, fuel consumption, maintenance requirements and security, helping customers maximise uptime, improve fuel efficiency and make more informed operational decisions.

The JCB LiveLink website – https://www.jcblivelink.com/ – has also been updated with a refreshed design and improved user interface and customers can visit for more information on the platform.

Compact JCB soil compactors provide connected compaction

Posted on by Serena Mcateer

JCB is launching two smaller single drum soil compactors, the VM58D and the VM78D. These models compete in the 4-8 tonne class and are offered with EU Stage V diesel engines, delivering low exhaust emissions, high efficiency and improved compaction performance.

Key features include:

  • 81-138kN of centrifugal force delivering superior compaction with fewer passes
  • High degree of component commonality with larger compactor models
  • Smooth drum initially, with padfoot drums to follow
  • 55kW high torque engine with dual traction modes
  • Canopy and air-conditioned ROPS/FOPS cabin packages available

Compact compaction

Sitting alongside the larger VM118D, VM128D and VM138D, the new VM58D and VM78D have operating weights of 5.4-tonnes and 7.1-tonnes respectively. Sharing almost the entire rear section, the compactors benefit from a high degree of component commonality. These small platform models are powered by a JCB by Rehlko diesel engine, delivering 55kW. These engines meet the EU Stage V emissions standard without any requirement for a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) or Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR).

The machines have direct independent hydraulic wheel drives, with no rear axle. These offer work and travel traction modes and the ability to climb up to 60% gradients. The lack of a rear axle also allows the engine to positioned lower in the machine, improving the centre of gravity and stability on the rough.

The VM58D has a 2,700kg front section and compacts with a frequency of 31Hz and an amplitude of 1.7mm, delivering 81kN of centrifugal force. The heavier VM78D offers two compaction frequencies of 29Hz and 36Hz for its 4,050kg front drum. Amplitudes of 1.8 and 0.8mm are available, delivering centrifugal forces of 138kN and 84kN.

Drum thickness is 22mm plus a 10mm reinforcing ring on the VM58D and 25mm with the 10mm ring on the VM78D, delivering a high vibrating mass and best-in-class durability in tough applications.

All five of the soil compactor models share the same new JCB operator stand and the smaller models can be ordered with a ROPS/FOPS canopy or air-conditioned cab. The cab package includes LED working lights front and rear, amber beacons integrated into the corners of the roof, flat glazing for easy replacement, air-conditioning and heating, a radio and a fabric covered seat.

Both machines can also be ordered with Connected Compaction, through JCB’s LiveLink telematic system. A five-year LiveLink subscription is included with the VM78D. JCB’s INTELLICOMPACTION measurement system is also available, providing state-of-the-art compaction readings to reduce passes and over compaction on site.

The two compact machines will initially be offered with smooth compaction drums, with a padfoot drum available later.

JCB previews new 480 and 490 wheeled loaders at Hillhead 2026

Posted on by Serena Mcateer

JCB is previewing its largest, most productive, wheeled loaders to date, at the Hillhead quarry show near Buxton. The 480 and the 490, both engineered to meet EU Stage V and Tier 4 Final emissions standards, will deliver payloads of 8,000kg and 9,000kg respectively.

By offering two payload variants, each with standard or long arms, JCB can tailor the machine to meet the exact requirements of a diverse range of customers and job sites across the market.

The 480 and 490 redefine JCB’s large wheeled loader models, offering power with economy, strength with control. Built for heavy-duty applications in quarrying, waste handling, ports and construction applications, they feature reduced fuel burn with increased productivity.

Key features include:

  • 250kW Stage V diesel engine delivering 1.695Nm of torque
  • Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) as standard delivering fuel efficient performance
  • Fully programmable electro-hydraulic controls for precise operation
  • JCB UX user experience with 10” touchscreen
  • Patented loader end available in standard and high-lift loader arm options

The JCB 480 and 490 deliver a new level of performance and productivity, thanks to a patented loader arm design that blends the high breakout performance of a traditional Z-bar linkage, with the precision and visibility of a tool carrier arm design.

Compact bucket link packaging, without the forward protruding Z-link, allows for the use of oversized low-density buckets. Wide angle, high-torque bucket rotation is maintained across the complete working height, providing excellent levels of material discharge when tipping off steep loading ramps.

Standard and high-lift loader arms are offered, with a pin height ranging from 4,445mm to 5,000mm at maximum lift. This makes it possible to load into high-sided trailers, hoppers and crushers with ease. The loader arms also feature sealed and lubricated pins and bushes, in heavy-duty castings, to ensure longevity on site.

The machines are powered by a Stage V/Tier 4 Final compliant Cummins X12 diesel engine, delivering 250kW (335hp). This is backed by up to 1,695Nm of torque, at just 1,400rpm, providing plenty of low-end tor que to assist with bucket loading. The power is delivered through a standard ZF Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), that offers adjustable rimpull for optimal traction in all ground conditions.

The operator will benefit from the new, intuitive ‘single pedal control’ transmission, which controls machine travel speed and torque. Meanwhile, the intelligent hydraulic boost function meets the constantly changing hydraulic demand from the loader’s front end by automatically adjusting engine output. This connected system ensures that the engine remains in its most productive and efficient operating zone, leaving the operator free to concentrate on the task at hand.

The transmission has four virtual gear modes and features hill-hold and automatic park brake settings for smoother start/stop operation. There is an integrated transmission brake, with automatic engine exhaust braking, to reduce axle brake wear.

In the cab, operators benefit from JCB’s Command Driving Position which comes with fully-programmable electro-hydraulic (EH) controls, mounted in the air suspension seat frame. The seat comes with heating and cooling functionality, along with electrically adjustable lumbar support and adjustable dampers, for all-day comfort. The EH controls allow for precise operation with minimal effort for the operator and the machines have adjustable smart detents to improve operator efficiency.

The cab features JCB’s UX user interface, with a 10” full colour touchscreen. This provides control of all machine functions, including optional systems such as auto-greasing, object detection and on-board weighing systems. The cab roof has flush-mounted beacons on each corner, to provide clear warnings to other machines and operators from all sides. The 480 and 490 also benefit from an object detection system, with auto-braking, to prevent accidental impact on site.

Hydrogen-powered JCB Hydromax sets 406.320 mph world land speed record

Posted on by Serena Mcateer

British engineering giant JCB has set a new world land speed record of 406.320 mph with its hydrogen-powered JCB Hydromax.

The car recorded the average speed 400.623 mph in its first run this morning across the Bonneville Salt Flats, and 412.135 mph on its second run, giving the average of 406.320 mph – the fastest a hydrogen internal combustion car has ever travelled.

Driven by Wing Commander Andy Green OBE, the twin engined, 32-foot car completed the two runs required under FIA rules – one in each direction within an hour – comfortably beating the previous FIA-officiated hydrogen internal combustion benchmark of 185.5 mph set by the BMW H2R in 2004. The record is subject to official ratification by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motorsport.

In doing so, JCB Hydromax surpassed the 350.092 mph world diesel land speed record set by JCB Dieselmax — also driven by Green, on the same salt, in August 2006. Twenty years on, JCB has beaten its own benchmark with an engine that produces no CO₂ at the tailpipe.

The speed also exceeds the 303 mph hydrogen fuel cell mark — making JCB Hydromax the fastest hydrogen-powered vehicle of any kind in history.

The record – set in the Category A, Group XIV – Class 7 FIA World Flying Record Start Land Speed Record – was set using two of JCB’s own production-based hydrogen digger engines, producing a combined 1,600 bhp and manufactured at the company’s engine factory in Foston, Derbyshire, UK. They are the same engines now powering JCB machines and equipment rolling off production lines in the UK as part of the company’s £100 million hydrogen programme.

JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford has led JCB’s hydrogen engine project and came up with the idea of a hydrogen world land speed record bid early last year. Lord Bamford said today: “Twenty years ago we came to Bonneville with JCB Dieselmax and showed what British engineering could do with diesel power. Today we have done it again — this time with engines powered by hydrogen. This record was set by production-based engines, the same engines powering JCB diggers right now. That is the point of JCB Hydromax: it shows hydrogen works, and it works today at the highest level with zero emissions.”

Andy Green said: “Bonneville is the spiritual home of the world land speed record, and JCB Hydromax has just written itself into that history. The car was terrific — stable, strong and fast. Setting a world land speed record with hydrogen power, twenty years after Dieselmax, is a huge privilege. This record is a huge achievement by a world class team and superb technology.”

JCB Engineering Director Ryan Ballard, who is leading the project, said: “This record belongs to the engineering team which took a hydrogen digger engine and made it the fastest of its kind on earth. This has been an amazing challenge from the outset of the it being set in February last year. We came here fully prepared, and the car delivered.”
President of the FIA, H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, said: “This is a truly historic milestone for motorsport showcasing how innovation, performance, speed, and sustainability can go hand in hand.

“Motorsport has always been a catalyst for technological progress pushing the boundaries of what is possible. This new land speed record continues this tradition, showcasing the potential of hydrogen combustion for the future of sustainable mobility.

“For over 100 years, the FIA has proudly played a central role officiating land speed record attempts. I would like to thank our Member Club, the Automobile Competition Committee for the United States, for their support during this record attempt and offer my congratulations to Lord Bamford, Andy Green OBE, and to everyone involved in this remarkable achievement.”

Wing Commander Andy Green is the fastest man on earth at 763.035 mph, the only person to break the sound barrier on land,  and was the driver of JCB Dieselmax when it set the FIA world diesel land speed record of 350.092 mph at Bonneville in August 2006. That record still stands.

Last week the JCB Hydromax broke through the 368.347 mph barrier at the world’s leading land speed racing event. The run was completed as part of the Southern California Timing Association’s (SCTA) renowned Bonneville Speed Week, setting a new SCTA record in the Blown Gas Streamliner class (AA/BGS, 500+ cubic inches) of 368.347 mph, a major milestone in the car’s development programme.

The record comes ahead of the opening of JCB’s new $500 million factory in San Antonio, Texas, which will employ 1,500 people manufacturing machines for the US market. JCB has long pushed the limits of speed and in addition to the JCB Dieselmax success, the JCB Fastrac became the world’s fastest tractor at 135.191  mph in 2019, and in 2014 the JCB GT set the Backhoe Loader record at 72.58  mph.