Head to head
Bobcat E55z vs JCB 3CX
The JCB 3CX is the bigger machine by 2,864kg.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Operating weight: the JCB 3CX is the bigger machine by 2,864kg.
Specifications side by side
| Bobcat E55z | JCB 3CX | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 5271kg | 8,135kg standard and Contractor, 8,435kg on 3CX Super |
| Dig depth | 3434mm | 4.24m with standard dipper, up to 5.46m with Extradig |
| Engine power | 36.4kW | - |
| Breakout force | 30.99kN | - |
Sources: Bobcat E55z, JCB 3CX. Figures vary by model year and options, so check with the supplier before you commit.
Buy or hire the E55z if...
A midi excavator for groundworks, utilities and landscaping contractors. At 5.3 tonnes it arrives on a lorry rather than behind a car. It digs to 3434mm. Zero tail swing means the back of the machine stays inside the tracks when it slews, so it can work tight against a wall or in one lane of a road.
Listed by
Buy or hire the 3CX if...
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 2,864kg
The machine most people picture when they think of a building site, and still the default where one machine has to both dig and load. Groundworkers and utilities contractors buy it precisely to avoid putting two machines on a small site.
Listed by
- TPH Plant Hire - Gravesend, Northfleet
- Red Plant Sales Ltd - Colchester, Frating
Common questions
What is the difference between the Bobcat E55z and the JCB 3CX?
The JCB 3CX is the bigger machine by 2,864kg. The Bobcat E55z is a midi excavator, zero tail swing, 3 to 6 tonnes; the JCB 3CX is a wheeled backhoe loader.
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