The patented TorqueLock system eliminates torque convertor slippage on JCB backhoes and significantly increases the on-road efficiency of the digger by reducing fuel consumption and exhaust emissions by up to 25%.

It also enables JCB backhoes to be driven at higher speeds uphill, eliminating the need for transporters.   The Queen’s Award is the 26th to be won by the JCB Group since the first one was granted in 1969 – a record for a UK company.

JCB Chairman Sir Anthony Bamford said: “JCB’s success over the past 65 years has been built on developing machines that are innovative and which enable our customers all over the world to do their job more productively and at less cost.

“JCB TorqueLock is just one innovation among many that we’ve produced with our customers’ needs in mind and I’m delighted for the whole team at JCB that its development has been recognised with a Queen’s Award.”