What a JCB 4TS 400T Track Loader Is

The JCB 4TS 400T is a compact track loader — a small, tracked machine designed to move materials and dig in tight spaces where a full-size excavator would not fit. It weighs about 4 tons, moves on rubber tracks instead of wheels, and has a bucket or other attachment on the front that the operator controls from a cab. The machine is built to work in landscaping, construction cleanup, small demolition jobs, and anywhere you need to move soil, gravel, or debris without a larger vehicle.

Track loaders are different from wheeled loaders because the tracks grip uneven ground better and spread the machine's weight over a wider area, so they do less damage to finished surfaces like driveways or lawns. The 4TS 400T is one of the smaller models in JCB's lineup, which makes it popular for residential jobs and confined work sites.

Key Takeaways

  • The JCB 4TS 400T is a 4-ton tracked loader used for moving materials and digging in spaces too small for larger equipment.
  • It runs on rubber tracks that grip soft ground better than wheels and cause less surface damage.
  • The machine is powered by a diesel engine and operated from an enclosed cab with hydraulic controls.
  • Common uses include landscaping, site cleanup, small demolition, and material handling on residential and light commercial projects.
  • Operating one requires training and often a license depending on your location and the job site rules.

How the Engine and Hydraulic System Work

The 4TS 400T runs on a diesel engine that powers a hydraulic pump. That pump pressurizes fluid that flows through hoses to hydraulic motors and cylinders throughout the machine. The operator controls where that fluid goes by moving levers in the cab, which opens and closes valves. When you move a lever forward, you are opening a valve that sends pressurized fluid to a cylinder, which extends and lifts the bucket. When you release the lever, the valve closes and the fluid drains back to the tank.

The same hydraulic system powers the tracks. Two separate hydraulic motors — one for each track — let the operator steer by speeding up one track and slowing the other. This is called skid steering, and it lets the machine turn in a tight circle. The engine idles when you are not using the hydraulic system, which saves fuel and reduces wear.

The Bucket and Attachment System

The standard attachment is a bucket that scoops and carries material. The bucket is bolted to a quick-coupler — a mechanical connection that lets you swap buckets or other tools in minutes without tools. A JCB dealer or equipment rental company can supply different bucket sizes, a grapple for handling debris, a forks attachment for moving pallets, or a breaker for breaking concrete.

The bucket's capacity on the 4TS 400T is typically around 0.3 cubic yards, which is small enough to handle fine material but large enough to move a reasonable load in one scoop. The hydraulic arms that lift the bucket can reach about 8 feet high, which is enough for most landscaping and cleanup work but not for loading tall trucks.

Operating Controls and the Cab

The operator sits in an enclosed cab with a heater and air conditioning. Two joysticks or lever handles control the machine — one for the bucket and one for the tracks. Some models use a single joystick that you push forward to move forward, pull back to reverse, and twist to turn. Others use two separate levers, one for each track, which gives finer control but takes more practice.

The cab has a backup camera on newer models, which helps when you are working in tight spaces or cannot see behind the machine. The engine start button, throttle control, and hydraulic flow adjustment are all within arm's reach. Most operators learn the controls in a few hours of hands-on practice, though smooth operation — especially digging without jerking the bucket — takes longer.

Fuel Consumption and Operating Costs

The diesel engine on a 4TS 400T typically burns 1 to 2 gallons of fuel per hour under normal working conditions, depending on how hard you are pushing the hydraulic system. Idle time uses much less fuel. A full tank holds roughly 20 gallons, so you can expect 10 to 20 hours of work per tank. Fuel costs vary by region and current diesel prices, but budget for fuel as one of the largest operating expenses after the rental or purchase price.

Maintenance costs include regular oil and filter changes, track tension adjustments, and occasional hydraulic hose replacement. If you are renting, the rental company handles maintenance. If you own one, budget for a service every 500 to 1,000 hours of operation, which typically costs between $500 and $1,500 depending on what needs repair.

Rental vs. Ownership

Most people rent a 4TS 400T rather than buy one. Rental rates vary by location and season but typically run $150 to $300 per day, $400 to $800 per week, or $1,200 to $2,500 per month. Rental companies handle delivery, pickup, and maintenance, which makes renting practical for a one-time job. If you need the machine for several months or use it regularly, buying used might make financial sense — used 4TS 400T models sell for $15,000 to $30,000 depending on age and condition.

Buying also means you own the machine and can use it whenever you want without rental fees. The tradeoff is that you pay for storage, insurance, maintenance, and repairs. For most homeowners and small contractors, renting for the specific job is cheaper and simpler.

Safety and Training Requirements

Operating a track loader is not inherently dangerous if you follow basic rules: keep bystanders away from the work area, never reach under a raised bucket, wear a seatbelt, and do not exceed the machine's rated load. Many job sites require the operator to have formal training or certification, especially on commercial projects. Some states or provinces have licensing requirements for heavy equipment operators, though they often do not explore to machines under a certain weight.

Before you operate one, ask the rental company or equipment owner whether they require training. Most will walk you through the controls and basic operation. If you are new to heavy equipment, watching a few online videos beforehand will make the in-person training easier to follow. The machine is forgiving for straightforward tasks like moving piles of dirt, but precision work like digging a clean trench takes practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a JCB 4TS 400T fit through a standard residential gate?

The machine is about 5 feet wide and 8 feet long, so it will fit through most residential gates and driveways. However, the delivery truck that brings it is much larger — typically 40 to 50 feet long — so you need a way to get the truck to your property. Some rental companies can deliver to a nearby street and you operate the loader there, or they can unload it at the edge of your driveway if there is space.

How much ground can one machine move in a day?

That depends on the material and the job. For loose soil or gravel, a skilled operator can move 50 to 100 cubic yards in an 8-hour day. For heavy clay or mixed debris, expect 20 to 40 cubic yards. The bucket holds only 0.3 cubic yards, so you are making many trips. For large excavation jobs, a bigger machine is faster and more cost-effective.

Do I need a commercial driver's license to operate one?

No. A commercial driver's license is for vehicles on public roads. A track loader is off-road equipment, so you do not need a CDL. However, some job sites or contractors require proof of training or a heavy equipment operator card. Check with the rental company or your employer before you start.

Can the 4TS 400T dig a basement or pond?

It can dig shallow holes and move material, but it is not designed for deep excavation. The bucket reach is limited and the machine is too light to handle the stress of digging more than a few feet deep. For basement or pond work, you need a full-size excavator. The 4TS 400T is better suited for grading, cleanup, and moving materials short distances.

What surfaces will the tracks damage?

Rubber tracks cause less damage than steel tracks or wheels, but they can still mark asphalt, concrete, and finished lawns if the ground is soft or wet. On dry, firm ground, the damage is usually minimal. On wet grass or fresh asphalt, you may see track marks or slight indentation. If surface protection matters, ask the rental company about protective mats or plan to operate on areas you do not mind marking.