Head to head
JCB 3CX Compact vs JCB STH-2S5 Swivel
The JCB 3CX Compact has 36kW more power and is the bigger machine by 3,680kg.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Engine power: the JCB 3CX Compact has 36kW more power.
- Operating weight: the JCB 3CX Compact is the bigger machine by 3,680kg.
Specifications side by side
| JCB 3CX Compact | JCB STH-2S5 Swivel | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 6070 kg | 2,390kg |
| Engine power | 55 kW | 18.9kW |
| Dig depth | 5 m | - |
| Travel Speed | 40 kph | - |
| Skip capacity | - | 1,615 litres (heaped) |
Sources: JCB 3CX Compact, JCB STH-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 has 36kW more power
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 3,680kg
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 STH-2S5 Swivel if...
A compact swivel dumper for smaller groundworks and landscaping contractors who need to tip to the side without repositioning, popular on domestic extension and garden sites where access is tight.
Listed by
- McGovern Plant Hire - Hounslow, Cranford
Common questions
What is the difference between the JCB 3CX Compact and the JCB STH-2S5 Swivel?
The JCB 3CX Compact has 36kW more power and is the bigger machine by 3,680kg. The JCB 3CX Compact is a compact backhoe loader about 2 m wide; the JCB STH-2S5 Swivel is a 3 tonne swivel-skip site dumper.
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