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JCB Model Numbers Explained

Understanding JCB model numbers helps you identify your machine and order the correct spare parts. JCB uses a mix of numeric codes, letter prefixes and suffixes across its product lines — here's how to decode them.

Backhoe Loaders — CX Series

JCB's backhoe loaders use a pattern of number + CX (digger / excavator):

  • 1CX — Compact backhoe (~3t), skid-steer-based platform
  • 2CX — Mid-size 2-wheel-drive backhoe (~5.9t)
  • 3CX — The iconic 4-wheel-drive backhoe (~8.1t). The world's best-selling backhoe loader.
  • 4CX — Full-size 4-wheel-steer backhoe (~8.7t)

Common suffix codes:

  • ECO — Tier-compliant emissions variant
  • Super — Enhanced cab and hydraulics package
  • Sitemaster — Standard contractor specification with extending dipper
  • Contractor — Base specification for plant hire

Compact and Midi Excavators — 8-Series

JCB mini, midi and compact excavators use a four-digit number where the middle digits indicate operating weight in 100kg:

  • 8018 — 1.8-tonne zero-tail-swing mini excavator
  • 8026 — 2.6-tonne conventional-tail mini
  • 8030 — 3.0-tonne ZTS (zero-tail-swing)
  • 8035 — 3.5-tonne ZTS
  • 8045 — 4.5-tonne compact
  • 8052 — 5.2-tonne compact
  • 8080 — 8.0-tonne midi excavator

Tracked Excavators — JS Series

JCB's full-size tracked excavators use JS (JCB Series) followed by operating weight in 100kg:

  • JS130 — 13-tonne class
  • JS160 — 16-tonne class
  • JS200 — 20-tonne class — the most common size
  • JS220 — 22-tonne class
  • JS290 — 29-tonne class
  • JS330 — 33-tonne class

Common suffixes:

  • LC — Long carriage (wider, more stable undercarriage)
  • NLC — Narrow-long carriage
  • HD — Heavy duty
  • SC — Short carriage

Loadall Telehandlers

JCB telehandlers (branded Loadall) use a three-number format: [max lift capacity] - [max lift height], both in tenths:

  • 531-70 — 3.1-tonne lift, 7.0m lift height
  • 533-105 — 3.3-tonne lift, 10.5m lift height
  • 535-95 — 3.5-tonne lift, 9.5m lift height
  • 536-60 — 3.6-tonne lift, 6.0m lift height
  • 540-170 — 4.0-tonne lift, 17.0m lift height
  • 541-70 — 4.1-tonne lift, 7.0m lift height

Common suffix codes:

  • Agri / Agri Pro / Agri Super — Agricultural specification with Q-Fit headstock, hydraulic trailer coupling
  • Eco / T3 / T4 / Stage V — Engine emissions tier
  • AS / TS / AM / TM — Transmission options (automatic / synchromesh, shuttle / manual)

Fastrac Tractors

The JCB Fastrac is unique: a full-suspension, 70 km/h farm tractor. Models are numbered by horsepower and generation:

Serial Numbers

Every JCB machine has a unique PIN (Product Identification Number), usually 17 digits (from 2000 onwards), stamped on the chassis and visible on the V5 document. The PIN is the authoritative way to order parts — two JCB 3CX machines from different production years can share the same model name but have very different parts.

To find your PIN:

  • Backhoe loaders — Right-hand side of the chassis, behind the rear wheel
  • Excavators — Right side of the undercarriage, near the idler wheel
  • Loadalls — Inside the cab door frame or on the chassis rail

Need Help?

If you're unsure of your JCB model or PIN, or can't decode a variant, contact us with photos of the data plate and we'll match it against JCB's parts catalogues.