I just looked into this and I think your right .
Seems strange though that they looked so similar and used the same engines and pumps etc . Could jcb of been building them themselves under licence?
Well even the so called Sumitomo machines I’m sure were built in Uttoxeter. They may have been virtually badge engineered Sumitomo machines though? But I’m sure I remember back in the day, they used to say that you could tell a Sumitomo built machine and a JCB built machine apart, due to the paint (cue the comments on JCB paint! Even though I think the machines in the 90’s were still painted using proper paints and processes), but it was the shade of yellow used, imported machines were clear to see apparently.
After the joint venture ended its no surprise JCB continued using quality components, is it? Using Kawasaki pumps, Izuzu engines, Toshiba slew motors, Rexroth hydraulic components etc etc, all good quality components that are also found on other brands machines of the same era and some still to this day.
My particular JS, might be an anomaly, but I can’t really fault it. It’s full of the above mentioned components, even the cylinders are Made in Japan, I’ve no idea if jCB were buying the cylinders from Sumitomo or a similar company, but I assume at this point JCBs own cylinder production line wasn’t in full swing? Who knows? But as far as I can see it’s a well put together machine with good components that drives very nicely. I won’t try and defend the paint, it’s shite and very disappointing. But it’s really the only criticism I have of it. If I found another one in the same condition I’d not hesitate to buy it if I wanted one.
Did they loose their way in the years after mine was built? Possibly? Have they taken a step forward with the X series machines? Yes in many ways. But in a lot of ways it’s not so much the quality of the lumps of metal in them, as it used to be, but the quality of the software knitting it all together!