JCB wins $205m US Marine Corps TRAM contract for 535 militarised 437HT wheel loaders
JCB has landed a $205 million contract to deliver 535 militarised 437HT wheel loaders to the United States Marine Corps (USMC), supporting the Tractor, Rubber Tired, Articulated-Steering Multi-Purpose (TRAM) vehicle programme. The award was secured through a competitive tender and marks the third consecutive USMC competition won by JCB, following a $45 million order for […] JCB wins $205m US Marine Corps TRAM contract for 535 militarised 437HT wheel loaders published on The HeavyQuip Magazine.
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JCB has landed a $205 million contract to deliver 535 militarised 437HT wheel loaders to the United States Marine Corps (USMC), supporting the Tractor, Rubber Tired, Articulated-Steering Multi-Purpose (TRAM) vehicle programme. The award was secured through a competitive tender and marks the third consecutive USMC competition won by JCB, following a $45 million order for militarised 4CX backhoe loaders and a $39 million deal for militarised Teleskid compact tracked loaders.
Based on JCB’s commercial 437 platform, the 437HT wheel loader is adapted into a militarised configuration intended for demanding material-handling work in harsh environments. The machine is positioned to deliver solid lift performance, fast loading cycles and dependable operation in difficult conditions, which aligns with typical military requirements for engineering and logistics support. On the commercial 437, JCB highlights the CommandPlus cab for long shifts, ROPS/FOPS protection, and service-friendly access points designed to simplify maintenance and reduce downtime
“Winning this competitive contract is testament to the reliability, robustness and suitability of the JCB 437HT platform. This machine represents the best of JCB engineering – proven in commercial applications and purpose-built to support the unique demands of military operations.”
Said Chris Giorgianni, vice president of Government & Defense at JCB North America.
The latest U.S. Marine Corps award adds to JCB’s established presence in military engineering and logistics equipment. The company’s defence portfolio spans purpose-built platforms such as the High Mobility Engineer Excavator (HMEE) and the Light Capability Rough Terrain Forklift (LCRTF), alongside militarised versions of commercial machines, including the 4CX backhoe loader and the JCB Teleskid.
A significant share of this production is carried out at JCB’s North American headquarters in Savannah, Georgia, tying the programme to local manufacturing capacity and jobs. Beyond manufacturing, JCB runs veteran hiring and career transition initiatives and supports organisations such as VetsAid. For the TRAM programme, test machines are scheduled for delivery later this year, with full production expected to start in 2027.
JCB wins $205m US Marine Corps TRAM contract for 535 militarised 437HT wheel loaders published on The HeavyQuip Magazine.
