JCB Loadall Completes 40 Years in Production

JCB Loadall Celebrates 40 Years of Innovation in Materials Handling
October 20 marked a major milestone in the history of one of JCB’s most iconic machines—the JCB Loadall, as it completed 40 years in production. First launched on October 20, 1977, the Loadall transformed lifting and loading operations, replacing manual labour and basic tractor-mounted loaders across construction sites and farms alike.

A Revolution in Material Handling
From its debut, the Loadall offered a mechanised solution for tasks that were traditionally labour-intensive. In agriculture, it quickly proved to be a game-changer—stacking bales, loading muck, and shovelling grain with speed and efficiency. Over the decades, the machine has become a vital tool on both construction sites and farms.

Over 220,000 Loadalls sold to date

£7 billion in total sales, including £4.5 billion from exports

Production at Peak Performance
At JCB’s World Headquarters in Rocester, Staffordshire, daily production levels are now the highest ever, with a 25% increase expected by year-end compared to 2016. A new Loadall rolls off the production line every six minutes, with more than 1,200 employees driving this success.

Fascinating Loadall Production Facts
34 base models and 1,000+ configurations

14.5 million metres of welding wire used annually

35 production stages, with each unit taking 8 hours to assemble

35,000+ tonnes of steel consumed each year

Recent £1 million investment in laser and plasma cutting technology

A 650-tonne steel press forms the boom box sections

45 minutes to fabricate two sides of the heavy-duty chassis

70% of chassis welds are completed by robots; skilled operators handle the rest

2 hours to prepare and paint boom, chassis, and stabilisers

73,000 litres of primer and 50,000 litres of gloss paint used annually

A Proud Legacy of Engineering Excellence
The JCB Loadall continues to embody British engineering innovation and resilience, maintaining its status as a market leader for four decades. With global demand stronger than ever, and production capabilities expanding, the Loadall’s legacy is set to thrive well into the future.