Head to head
JCB 3CX vs JCB STH-2S5 Swivel
The JCB 3CX is the bigger machine by 5,745kg.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Operating weight: the JCB 3CX is the bigger machine by 5,745kg.
Specifications side by side
| JCB 3CX | JCB STH-2S5 Swivel | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 8,135kg standard and Contractor, 8,435kg on 3CX Super | 2,390kg |
| Dig depth | 4.24m with standard dipper, up to 5.46m with Extradig | - |
| Skip capacity | - | 1,615 litres (heaped) |
| Engine power | - | 18.9kW |
Sources: JCB 3CX, JCB STH-2S5 Swivel. Figures vary by model year and options, so check with the supplier before you commit.
Buy or hire the 3CX if...
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 5,745kg
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.
Full 3CX 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 and the JCB STH-2S5 Swivel?
The JCB 3CX is the bigger machine by 5,745kg. The JCB 3CX is a wheeled backhoe loader; the JCB STH-2S5 Swivel is a 3 tonne swivel-skip site dumper.
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