AN Aberdeen-based road surfacing specialist is reportedly benefiting from significant time savings after snapping up one of the first new JCB 3CX Pro DualDrive backhoe loaders in Scotland.
L B McRonald is utilising the machine for pavement and road surfacing projects along with tarring, kerbing, and concrete work. Supplied by Scot JCB, the model boasts DualDrive – JCB’s latest backhoe innovation which allows operators to drive and reposition the machine while facing the excavator, without having to turn the seat to the front-facing position.
Owner operator Derek McRonald said, “I’ve operated a JCB 3CX for 33 years on road surfacing and kerbing tasks. I bought this latest model specifically for the DualDrive feature as I recognised it could bring major benefits to my work.
“When you are laying kerbing, you typically string out a line of kerbs and then return along the that kerb track to concrete. With DualDrive I can reverse back and forth along the line without having to turn the seat around and remain looking at the work area throughout. This reduces the time spent on most of my jobs by 20-30%.
“The machine’s performance is perfect. There are lots of additional features on the new machine but it didn’t take me long to get up to speed with it. Visibility is excellent. Even in sunny and snowy conditions there’s no glare.”
The 3CX Pro model is equipped with features including a single loader lever to reduce operator effort, revised direction control, a return-to-grade function, and upgraded quick hitch with wider fork carriage.
L B McRonald is a family-run business which has been sub-contracted to road surfacing specialist Leiths Scotland for the last 30 years. The new JCB 3CX Pro with DualDrive joins a JCB 8065 midi-excavator and 56Z-2 compact excavator in the company’s fleet.
