The JCB Backhoe Loader is the iconic 'yellow digger', variants of which have now been in production for over 60 years. This manual focuses on the classic 3C MkIII Backhoe Loader, which first appeared in 1977 - revered by enthusiasts, and the machine that took JCB from leading British manufacturer to a global player. The book is produced with the full cooperation of JCB, to coincide with the company's 70th anniversary, and makes use of the extensive JCB archive, featuring a wealth of photographs and behind-the-scenes detail. The yellow 'JCB' has become a generic term for plant machinery, and in particular the Backhoe Loader - distinguished by its shovel/bucket at the front and rear backhoe attachment. This manual tell the story of the Backhoe Loader - the bedrock of the JCB business - and provides fascinating insight into how the the 3C MkIII was built, developed and used, in addition to looking at how an example is maintained and operated today.