JCB recently held a media event at its headquarters in Savannah, Ga., where the big news was the company’s unveiling of a new 100C-1 compact excavator — its largest to date.

And it was a quick seller: just one day later on March 6, at a nearby JCB of Georgia event, the first 100C-1 brought to the United States was sold to Ohio Rental of Mt. Vernon, Ohio.

The JCB 100C-1 is built on the frame of its 86C-1, introduced last year at ConExpo, but boasts a more powerful Tier IV Final 75 hp. engine, built by Kohler. Fuel combustion in the JCB Diesel by Kohler engine is so clean that the unit doesn’t require a diesel particulate filter (DPF). This reduces servicing, increases uptime and improves fuel efficiency.

The operating weight of the 100C-1 is 21,458 lbs. and features a maximum digging depth of 15 ft. and a 10 percent longer boom than the 86C-1.

Key features include:

• Increased productivity compared to a conventional A-frame excavator;

• 30-degree tilting cab for excellent service access;

• 500-hour greasing intervals;

• Spacious operator cab;

• Excellent all-around visibility; and

•100 percent steel bodywork for superior durability.

The U.K.-based company hopes the soon-to-be-unveiled 100C-1 will continue its recent winning streak in North America.

JCB North America President and CEO Arjun Mirdha said that while North America, the world’s second largest market, has been on quite a roller coaster ride over the past decade, it has bounced back strongly for JCB with 188,000 units in 2014, calling it a “great comeback story.”

Last year marked JCB’s fifth consecutive year of sales growth in North America. “The good part is that we are just getting started,” Mirdha said. “In fact, JCB North America sales have grown by 193 percent over the past four years, substantially outpacing the market. This outstanding performance means that North America is now JCB’s third largest market for machine sales worldwide, after India and the United Kingdom.”

Mirdha added that to keep pace with the company’s strong sales growth, it has substantially increased the number of field sales and service support staff.

“We have invested over $60 million to design and manufacture the world’s safest and most productive skid steers and compact track loader range consisting of 18 models right here in Savannah, Georgia,” he said. “To support future sales growth, we have been expanding our high quality dealer network. We now have 97 dealers operating out of over 300 locations with plans to expand to over 500 outlets by 2018 though three distinct distribution channels: construction, agriculture and utility. Already we have 30 dealer prospects in the pipeline.”

Mirdha was proud to mention that 2015 marks JCB’s 70th year in business, globally, and its 45th year since it opened its first facility in North America, and the company’s 15th year of manufacturing JCBs in Savannah, Ga., and the manufacturer appears poised to establish an even larger presence in North America. “JCB will be the brand to watch in North America in 2015 and beyond,” Mirdha said.

Today's top stories

Blalock Crews Build TDOT's $67M Newport Bypass

New Bridges Part of Iowa's $114M Madison Avenue Project

Eagle Bridge Co. Works On Final Leg of U.S. 35 Upgrade

SAKAI Achieves Record Sales, Production

Takeuchi Recognizes Top Dealers at 2024 Dealer Summit

Equip Expo's Summer Giveaway Offers a Chance for Lifetime Trade Show Registration, Gift Card, Hotel Stay

Tennessee's Pugmill Systems LLC Expands Its Product Offerings to Include Concrete Plants

ASCENDUM Machinery Opens New Savannah, Ga., Facility