Head to head
JCB 3CX Compact vs JCB 6ST-2S5 Swivel
The JCB 3CX Compact is the bigger machine by 1,230kg.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Operating weight: the JCB 3CX Compact is the bigger machine by 1,230kg.
Specifications side by side
| JCB 3CX Compact | JCB 6ST-2S5 Swivel | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 6070 kg | 4,840kg |
| Dig depth | 5 m | - |
| Engine power | 55 kW | - |
| Travel Speed | 40 kph | - |
| Skip capacity | - | 3,191 litres (heaped) |
Sources: JCB 3CX Compact, JCB 6ST-2S5 Swivel. Figures vary by model year and options, so check with the supplier before you commit.
Buy or hire the 3CX Compact if...
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 1,230kg
Aimed at utility, highways and town-centre work where a full-size backhoe will not fit. Used for trenching, loading and breaking out on narrow roads, estates and tight sites.
Full 3CX Compact specifications →Buy or hire the 6ST-2S5 Swivel if...
Suits groundworkers who need to tip to the side or rear without turning the whole machine, useful in trenches or narrow access where reversing to line up a straight-tip skip is awkward. The 6 tonne capacity sits in the middle of JCB's swivel dumper range.
Listed by
- McGovern Plant Hire - Hounslow, Cranford
Common questions
What is the difference between the JCB 3CX Compact and the JCB 6ST-2S5 Swivel?
The JCB 3CX Compact is the bigger machine by 1,230kg. The JCB 3CX Compact is a compact backhoe loader about 2 m wide; the JCB 6ST-2S5 Swivel is a 6 tonne swivel-skip site dumper.
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