Loadall telehandlers are working to extend the Governador Plácido Castelo Stadium, which will host six games at the FIFA 2014 World Cup.

A fleet of JCB machines is hard at work in Fortaleza, Brazil, assisting in preparations for the 2014 World Cup.

Three backhoe loaders and JCB 535-125 and 540-170 Loadall telehandlers are working on a project to extend the Governador Plácido Castelo Stadium, which will host six games at the FIFA 2014 World Cup.

A company spokesman says JCB machines have played a big part in developing stadiums for many high-profile sporting events over the last few decades.

The Brazilian stadium is currently being expanded to host up to 67,000 fans by the time the tournament kicks off in June 2014. Two JCB users are helping achieve this goal by carrying out demolition and materials handling work on the project.

Using the backhoes, AMP Locações is responsible for the demolition of parts of the existing stadium. The JCB 3C and JCB 4CX backhoes have been equipped with hydraulic breakers to demolish the stadium's upper cover. The compact design of the JCB 1CX backhoe loader enable access to the confined spaces of the lower tier, stripping out seats in the stands.

MG Porto, which boasts a fleet of over 15 JCB machines, has bought the two JCB Loadall telescopic handlers for the refurbishment of the stadium. The JCB 535-125 model is handling the large volumes of palletised materials delivered to the site for the construction process. A 540-170 model has been fitted with a radio-controlled access platform to enable workers to reach the higher levels of the original stadium, where some of the existing access ways have already been demolished.

Both companies are customers of JCB dealer Equimáquinas, which is providing all machine backup, service and support on the site to ensure minimum downtime so that the strict project deadlines are met. According to FIFA, the construction of Castelo is currently running ahead of schedule.