The United States Marine Corps. have awarded JCB with a contract to supply 206 3TS-8T Teleskid telescopic compact track loaders.
JCB secured the bid for the Marine Corp’s Multi-Terrain Loader (MTL) Replacement program. The initial delivery order is for $19 million, and JCB projects first delivery to the Marine Corps prior to the end of the year. The total contract is worth $29 million.
“We are thrilled to win this contract from the Marine Corps for the JCB Teleskid, the world’s only skid steer and compact track loader with a telescopic boom,” said Richard Fox-Marrs, President & CEO of JCB North America.
“This machine is designed, engineered and manufactured by our talented team in Savannah, Georgia, who also produce the commercial Teleskid that we sell globally. The military and commercial versions of the JCB Teleskid are almost identical.”
The Teleskid features a telescoping boom with a hinge pin height of 4 metres, more than 60 cm higher than most conventional skid steers.
The loader has a rated operating capacity of up to 1,680 kg and a travel speed of 12.5 km per hour.
“This is a great achievement for JCB and a testament to the dedication and skill of our team,” said Viengkeo Johnson, Senior Manager – Government & Defense for JCB North America.
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“A special thanks to the entire JCB team for their hard work, commitment and perseverance. Together, we will be delivering a world-class product that will make a difference to those who help protect our nation.”
The Teleskid offers side-door entry which increases visibility and enhances safety by providing a quick and obstacle-free exit rather than forcing the operator to enter and exit over the front of the machine and attachment.
“It’s fantastic that the Marines have made the switch and chosen the unique benefits of the JCB telescopic compact track loader over conventional skid steer designs, and that they have the confidence to deploy this machine on missions throughout the world,” Fox-Marrs said.
“We are honoured to again have the opportunity to support the U.S. military with JCB equipment, and we look forward to furthering our long-standing relationship.”
The contract also includes a selection of attachments, allowing the Marine Corp. to complete a variety of mission requirements with the Teleskid.
“We are immensely proud to provide yet another product to the U.S. military, which has been a valued customer for over three decades,” said Chris Giorgianni, Vice President of Product for JCB North America.
“This contract demonstrates the quality and versatility of our machines, which are designed to meet the most demanding and challenging environments, whether it’s supporting the military mission or allowing our commercial customer to just get the job done. We are honoured to support the Marine Corps and all branches of the U.S. military in their vital work of protecting and serving our country and its allies.”
