- Engine Power25 kW (33 hp)
- Operating Weight2350 kg
- Loader Bucket Capacity0.4 m³

MCM 388 TLB
Be the first to reviewThe MCM 388 TLB is a backhoe loader with 81 kW (109 hp) engine power and 8200 kg operating weight. It costs R 850 000 excl. VAT, with finance, nationwide delivery and a local warranty from MCM Group's four branches.
Price and details updated 2 November 2026
Delivery
Delivered anywhere in South Africa by our own transporter or a third party, with transport quoted by deck space and delivery address. A machine in stock is prepared for collection or delivery the same or next day once payment is confirmed, and is delivered in most cases within 4 to 8 business days. A machine not in stock needs 7 to 10 working days, or up to 3 months depending on the machine and shipping. Shipping & delivery policy
Need help choosing?
Talk to an MCM equipment specialist about specs, attachments, finance & nationwide delivery.
Already own one? Request a service
Key facts: MCM 388 TLB
- Brand
- MCM
- Best for
- Heavy construction, roadworks and plant hire
- Size
- Joint largest of our 12 TLBs by operating weight: 8200 kg
- Next size down
- ACE Phantom TLB: 8040 kg, from R 865 000 excl. VAT
- Price
- R 850 000 excl. VAT
- Buy from
- our branches in Cape Town, George, Bloemfontein and Midrand
MCM 388 or LGMA LG388? Both are 8200 kg backhoe loaders that lift 2500 kg; the MCM 388 has the stronger engine (81 kW against 75 kW), and the LGMA LG388 digs deeper (4.09 m against 3.97 m). See the LGMA LG388
Overview
The MCM 388 is an 8.2-ton backhoe loader with an 81 kW (109 hp) engine, 1.0 m³ loader bucket, 2 500 kg rated load and a 3.97 m digging depth.
The MCM 388 TLB is a rugged 8.2-tonne backhoe loader (tractor-loader-backhoe) built for construction, civil, municipal and farm work across South Africa. Combining a 1.0 m³ front loader with a 0.3 m³ backhoe that digs to 3.97 m, it loads, digs, trenches and backfills from a single machine — powered by a turbocharged 81 kW Yuchai diesel and full four-wheel drive.
MCM 388 TLB – Key Features
The MCM 388 pairs a Yuchai YC4A110Z-T23 turbo-diesel (81 kW, 4.837 L) with a torque-converter transmission (4 forward / 4 reverse) and a heavy-duty double-reduction driveline for strong traction and up to 39 km/h road speed. The front loader delivers 47 kN breakout force and a 2 500 kg lift capacity, while the side-shift backhoe swings 180° and digs to nearly 4 m with 31 kN dipper force. Air-over-oil caliper brakes, hydraulic (±39°) steering and a comfortable enclosed cab keep the operator safe and productive on demanding sites.
Specifications
| Operating weight | 8 200 kg |
| Transport dimensions (L×W×H) | 6 050 × 2 465 × 3 813 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 280 mm |
| Ground clearance | 300 mm |
| Loader bucket capacity | 1.0 m³ |
| Loader breakout force | 47 kN |
| Loader lift capacity | 2 500 kg |
| Bucket dumping height | 2 807 mm |
| Backhoe bucket capacity | 0.3 m³ |
| Max. digging depth | 3 967 mm |
| Backhoe swing angle | 180° |
| Max. pulling force | 76 kN |
| Max. travel speed | 39 km/h |
| Engine | Yuchai YC4A110Z-T23 turbo-diesel |
| Rated power | 81 kW @ 2 200 rpm |
| Displacement | 4.837 L |
| Transmission | Torque converter, 4 forward / 4 reverse |
| Steering | Hydraulic, ±39° (6 581 mm turning radius) |
| Hydraulic system pressure | 14 MPa |
| Brakes | Air-over-oil caliper |
| Tyres (front / rear) | 14-17.5 / 19.5L-24 |
Applications in South Africa
Building and civil contractors use the MCM 388 for trenching, foundations, backfilling and bulk loading on a single machine, while municipalities rely on it for water, sewer and road maintenance. Its 4×4 mobility, near-4 m dig depth and 1.0 m³ loader also make it a versatile all-rounder on farms, plant-hire fleets and remote sites.
Related Equipment
MCM Group offers a full range of backhoe loaders. Compare the LGMA LG388, the MCM 76X and the MCM 27X TLBs, or browse the full Backhoe Loaders (TLB) range to find the right machine for your project.
Ready to take the next step?
Get a personalised quote, finance options, and full after-sales support from MCM Group's nationwide branch network.
No reviews yet
Be the first to review this machine. Bought one from MCM? Share your experience to help other buyers.
MCM 388 TLB — Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the MCM 388 TLB cost?
+
The MCM 388 TLB starts from R 850 000 excl. VAT at MCM Group. The final price depends on configuration and any attachments — contact your nearest branch or request a quote for current pricing and available specials.
How big and powerful is the MCM 388 TLB?
+
The MCM 388 TLB has an operating weight of 8200 kg and an engine power of 81 kW (109 hp).
How deep can the MCM 388 TLB dig?
+
The MCM 388 TLB digs to a maximum depth of 3.97 m.
What bucket sizes and load does the MCM 388 TLB have?
+
The MCM 388 TLB has a 1.0 m³ front loader bucket, a 0.3 m³ backhoe bucket and a rated load of 2500 kg.
What is the MCM 388 TLB best for?
+
The MCM 388 TLB is best for heavy construction, roadworks and plant hire. Our TLB comparison puts all 12 TLBs side by side.
What is the MCM 388 TLB used for?
+
The MCM 388 TLB is a TLB used for loading, digging trenches and foundations, site clearing, material handling and general earthmoving on construction sites, farms and municipal works. It is built for South African conditions and backed by local parts and service support.
What is the difference between the MCM 388 TLB and the LGMA LG388 TLB?
+
On their spec sheets (the MCM 388 TLB first): engine power 81 kW (109 hp) against 75 kW (100 hp); maximum digging depth 3.97 m against 4.09 m. The other figures are the same. Prices excl. VAT: MCM 388 TLB R 850 000; LGMA LG388 TLB R 875 000. See the LGMA LG388 TLB.
Can I finance the MCM 388 TLB?
+
Yes. MCM Group submits your finance application to multiple banks and asset-finance houses simultaneously — including Nedbank, WesBank and Standard Bank. Approval typically takes 48 to 72 hours and we handle the paperwork end-to-end.
What warranty and support comes with the MCM 388 TLB?
+
The MCM 388 TLB includes a local warranty, with genuine parts and technical support available through MCM Group's National Parts Division and four branches (Cape Town, George, Bloemfontein, Midrand). Service and warranty are handled in-country — no waiting on overseas suppliers.
Does MCM Group deliver the MCM 388 TLB nationwide?
+
Yes. MCM Group delivers the MCM 388 TLB anywhere in South Africa from our four branches (Cape Town, George, Bloemfontein, Midrand), by our own transporter or a third party, with transport quoted by deck space and delivery address. A machine in stock is prepared for collection or delivery the same or next day once payment is confirmed, and is delivered in most cases within 4 to 8 business days. A machine not in stock needs 7 to 10 working days, or up to 3 months depending on the machine and shipping.
Where can I buy the MCM 388 TLB in South Africa?
+
Buy the MCM 388 TLB from MCM Group at any of our four branches — Cape Town, George, Bloemfontein, Midrand — or request a quote on this page for delivery anywhere in South Africa, starting from R 850 000 excl. VAT. Phone +27 81 885 0535 or email sales@mcmco.co.za.
Compare Backhoe Loaders (TLB) models
Key specifications and prices side by side to help you pick the right machine.
| Model | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Max Digging Depth | From* (excl. VAT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCM 388 TLBBest for: Heavy construction, roadworks and plant hire | 81 kW (109 hp) | 8200 kg | 3.97 m | R 850 000 |
| MCM 18X TLBBest for: Smallholdings, landscaping and tight urban sites | 25 kW (33 hp) | 2350 kg | 1.85 m | R 329 500 |
| MCM 76X TLBBest for: Civil works and heavy loading | 76 kW (102 hp) | 6800 kg | 3.62 m | R 725 000 |
| MCM 33X TLBBest for: Small farms, plumbing and residential building | 42 kW (56 hp) | 3800 kg | 2.64 m | From R 450 000 |
| MCM 58X TLBBest for: Contractors and municipal trenching | 58 kW (78 hp) | 5200 kg | 3.03 m | R 575 000 |
* Prices exclude VAT.
Backhoe Loaders (TLB) guides and articles
- TLB, Skidsteer, Mini Excavator: Which for Your Farm?
19 May 2026
Choosing between a TLB, a skidsteer and a mini excavator is a question of how a farm uses one machine, because each type is designed to suit a different mix of loading…
- Compact TLB vs Full-Size Backhoe South Africa
17 March 2026
The difference between a compact TLB and a full-size backhoe is that a compact TLB is designed for tight access and low running cost, while a full-size backhoe provides…
- TLB Fuel Consumption South Africa Explained
16 March 2026
TLB fuel consumption is the rate at which a backhoe loader burns diesel, and it is the figure that determines a large part of the machine running cost over a working…
- TLB Price South Africa | How Much Does a TLB Cost?
13 March 2026
A TLB, or tractor-loader-backhoe, is a single machine that combines a front loader and a rear backhoe, so it is designed to load, dig, trench and backfill from one…
More Backhoe Loaders (TLB)
- Engine Power76 kW (102 hp)
- Operating Weight6800 kg
- Loader Bucket Capacity1.0 m³
- Engine Power42 kW (56 hp)
- Operating Weight3800 kg
- Loader Bucket Capacity0.6 m³
- Engine Power58 kW (78 hp)
- Operating Weight5200 kg
- Loader Bucket Capacity0.65–0.8 m³









