JCB’s 3CX backhoe loader was recognized by The Guinness Book of World Records for completing a 26-day, 3,185-mile road trip across the United States. The fundraising journey beat the existing record for “The Longest Journey in an Excavator” by 600 miles.

With JCB veteran Neil Smith at the controls and support from a Backhoe Across America crew, the 3CX left Tybee Island, Ga., March 26, carrying a bucket of East Coast sand. It drove 119.5 hours averaging 27.5 miles per hour, arriving at Santa Monica, Calif., April 20, dropping the East Coast sand on the California beach.

“It has been an amazing journey,” Smith said. “The JCB backhoe performed brilliantly and it has been an incredible way to see the country.”

The new 3CX has an EcoRoad feature that resulted in 30-percent fuel savings on the trip, JCB said. The new backhoes feature an EcoDig system resulting in an average of 15-percent fuel savings while working in ground-engaging operations.

On the journey, the JCB crew made pit stops at JCB dealerships in eight cities to help raise awareness and funds for the American Red Cross Haiti Relief and Development Fund.

Daily video logs are available online at www.JCBforHaiti.com.