JCB launches its largest tracked excavator with 52-tonne 520X

The 52-tonne 520X will be the first X-Series model to be sold globally and was showcased at last week’s Heavy Equipment Connect 2026 show in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, as the OEM launched a non-legislated emissions format in the Middle East.

The new machine is powered by a six-cylinder Cummins X12 diesel engine delivering 298kW and features the JCB CommandPlus cab with a new JCB UX user interface (including a 10-inch full colour touchscreen monitor and keyless start), as well as a heavy-duty undercarriage and dig-end structure, and high-pressure hydraulic circuit.

It can be configured with a standard 6.9-metre boom, or a 6.5-metre mass excavation boom.

A 2.55-metre or 3-metre heavy-duty dipper arm is available on the 6.5-metre mass excavation boom, while a 3-metre or 3.3-metre arm can be fitted to the 6.9-metre reach boom. Each is capable of handling buckets in the 2.8-3.4m3 range.

JCB’s machines featured prominently at Heavy Equipment Connect 2026 in Dammam, Saudi Arabia (Image: KHL Group)

Maximum digging reach is 11.8 metres with the reach boom and longer arm, with a maximum digging depth of 7.8 metres. Maximum dump height is 7.5 metres.

The engine drives twin variable displacement axial piston hydraulic pumps, producing a 404 litres/minute each of hydraulic flow.

Meanwhile, JCB also introduced its 205NXT Fuelmaster and 215NXT Fuelmaster tracked excavator models to its non-legislated excavator range, with claimed efficiency improvements of up to 14% in high-load applications in testing, when compared to the previous models.

The 20-tonne class excavators retain the Cummins 6BT diesel engine and feature IntelliFlow Hydraulics, designed to minimize hydraulic losses and maximise efficiency.

The engine control now features an auto-idle function, cutting engine rpm after four seconds of hydraulic inactivity to reduce fuel consumption.

The new machines also have an upgraded operator’s cab with automatic temperature control for hot and cold climates, additional soundproofing, and a brighter cab environment among other changes.