Head to head
JCB 3CX vs Takeuchi TB216
The JCB 3CX is the bigger machine by 6,270kg and digs 1.85m (6ft) deeper.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Operating weight: the JCB 3CX is the bigger machine by 6,270kg.
- Dig depth: the JCB 3CX digs 1.85m (6ft) deeper.
Specifications side by side
| JCB 3CX | Takeuchi TB216 | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 8,135kg standard and Contractor, 8,435kg on 3CX Super | 1,865 / 1,770 kg (cab/canopy) |
| Dig depth | 4.24m with standard dipper, up to 5.46m with Extradig | 2,390 mm |
| Engine power | - | 11.5 kW at 2,400 rpm (Yanmar 3TNV70) |
| Extendable undercarriage width | - | 980 - 1,300 mm |
Sources: JCB 3CX, Takeuchi TB216. 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 6,270kg
- you want one that digs 1.85m (6ft) deeper
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 TB216 if...
The Takeuchi TB216 is a long-running fixture of the UK 1.5-2 tonne mini excavator hire class, used for groundworks, drainage and small demolition jobs. Its extendable undercarriage gives it the stability of a wider track base for digging while still narrowing for transport and access. It competes closely with the Kubota KX019-4 and similarly sized Bobcat and JCB machines for the same hire slots.
Full TB216 specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the JCB 3CX and the Takeuchi TB216?
The JCB 3CX is the bigger machine by 6,270kg and digs 1.85m (6ft) deeper. The JCB 3CX is a wheeled backhoe loader; the Takeuchi TB216 is a a 1.7-1.9 tonne conventional tail swing mini excavator.
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