VIDEO: JCB sets backhoe speed record

JCB has beaten the world record for the fastest backhoe loader in the world. Its JCB GT- originally designed to perform high-speed wheelies at racing events – clocked a speed of 72.58 mph (116.82km/h) in Australia, which has been confirmed by Guinness World Records as a new record.

Managing director of JCB Pacific Fab Carrettin said, “The JCB GT has always been regarded as the fastest backhoe around and now it’s official. It’s fantastic to have achieved this record and underlines the world-class engineering, power and performance our customers demand from the JCB backhoe.”

JCB Demonstration Driver Matthew Lucas - nicknamed ‘The Dig’ during the attempt - was the man who steered the JCB GT to its world record title. He said, “It was great to be involved in such an exciting project and a real honour to be behind the wheel when we achieved the record.”

The JCB GT first made its debut in 1988, was made of fibreglass and aluminium and powered by a V8 Chevvy engine. Normally based at JCB’s world headquarters in Staffordshire, UK, the latest JCB GT has a loader and excavator end made out of aluminium. It was shipped to Australia to perform at car events, including the Deni Ute Muster in Deniliquin, NSW and the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 in Bathurst, NSW.