A JCB 214 backhoe loader received a coveted award March 17, but it wasn’t for its design or versatility. Instead, it was for a St. Patrick’s Day parade entry in which the backhoe was topped with a leprechaun’s hat and covered with shamrocks.
JCB received the Thomas J. Beytagh trophy during the parade in Savannah, Ga. The backhoe was followed by a JCB 8017 mini excavator and a 170 Robot skid-steer loader also wearing green top hats and glittery shamrocks.
Dermot Ahern, Ireland’s minister for communications, marine and natural resources, said JCB equipment is a common sight at most St. Patrick Day Parades.
“I have been to St. Patrick’s Day parades all over the world, and one thing they all have in common is that there is always a JCB in the parade, everywhere I’ve been,” he said.
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade was televised and viewed by over 350,000 spectators along the parade route in Savannah’s historic district.
