Advise on buying JCB 3CX

[V8Druid]

..... also need extra storage for my business (so need forks to unload pallets into barn).... so 3CX seemed the best option for everything. New missus wants a swimming pool too... but she needs to get a bit more "time served" before that's an option. Digger in the yard shows willing in the meantime.

wanna be a decent size barn to go handling pallets on JakieB forks ... hateful bloody things hanging from the front bucket .... front quick hitch and dedicated fork carriage'd make a massive difference to pallet handling, especially in tighter spaces, with a BHL
made a set of forks to go on the back end for mine, which were an easier proposition for fiddlier applications.

 

[JD450A]

made a set of forks to go on the back end for mine, which were an easier proposition for fiddlier applications.

He doesn't need to fill his acre with attachments like you Grah

@Al_1977 You might be better waiting a couple months, Machine prices are daft right now.

 

[V8Druid]

He doesn't need to fill his acre with attachments like you Grah

@Al_1977 You might be better waiting a couple months, Machine prices are daft right now.

why stop at an acre's worth Rory ... he's got 10 so go for broke .... you're only jealous ... and no the Cranab is still not for sale

 

[JD450A]

why stop at an acre's worth Rory ... he's got 10 so go for broke .... you're only jealous ... and no the Cranab is still not for sale

Don't want your Cranab.... got a better one off Moggy.

 

[Gunners]

I don't think you would loose any money with a machine of this age. The older kit is starting to go up in price as people realise the newer stuff maybe isn't as good (interestingly enough this same conversation is being had in another thread on here right now). If you buy a nice one, look after it, it may well make you some money when you come to sell it. And that doesn't include the money it can make you (or save) while you own it. The good thing about JCB's is everyone knows how to fix one, parts aren't crazy money and are readily available from specialist suppliers.
Whichever brand you choose, don't get hung up on paintwork - a painted machine might look great but could be a turd underneath. Always try before you buy, if you can work it for 20 mins even better - sometimes issues only appear when things are "warmed up". If you find any you like, post them up here, we will help you ask the right questions. People have even been to look at machines for others when they are a long way from home.
You will no doubt need to take a spanner or two to the old girl in her life with you, but they aren't beyond the wit of man to fix at this age.

 

[craig]

If you find any you like, post them up here, we will help you ask the right questions. People have even been to look at machines for others when they are a long way from home

Furthermore to what Ollie said, there a wide spectrum of people on here, you may find a former driver/owner of the machine or someone who knew it.

 

[V8Druid]

Don't want your Cranab.... got a better one off Moggy.

wondered why you'd stopped pestering me for it

 

[Al_1977]

wanna be a decent size barn to go handling pallets on JakieB forks ... hateful bloody things hanging from the front bucket .... front quick hitch and dedicated fork carriage'd make a massive difference to pallet handling, especially in tighter spaces, with a BHL
made a set of forks to go on the back end for mine, which were an easier proposition for fiddlier applications.

I guessed it wouldn't be ideal, but we're talking a few pallets here and there.... and the only truly decent barn is a reasonable size, or rather its got a good size door to bounce through..... but point noted if it is tricky.

He doesn't need to fill his acre with attachments like you Grah

@Al_1977 You might be better waiting a couple months, Machine prices are daft right now.

To be honest I've been looking since before first lockdown and prices seemed a bit all over the place anyways - possibly a location thing.

I don't think you would loose any money with a machine of this age. The older kit is starting to go up in price as people realise the newer stuff maybe isn't as good (interestingly enough this same conversation is being had in another thread on here right now). If you buy a nice one, look after it, it may well make you some money when you come to sell it. And that doesn't include the money it can make you (or save) while you own it. The good thing about JCB's is everyone knows how to fix one, parts aren't crazy money and are readily available from specialist suppliers.
Whichever brand you choose, don't get hung up on paintwork - a painted machine might look great but could be a turd underneath. Always try before you buy, if you can work it for 20 mins even better - sometimes issues only appear when things are "warmed up". If you find any you like, post them up here, we will help you ask the right questions. People have even been to look at machines for others when they are a long way from home.
You will no doubt need to take a spanner or two to the old girl in her life with you, but they aren't beyond the wit of man to fix at this age.

Furthermore to what Ollie said, there a wide spectrum of people on here, you may find a former driver/owner of the machine or someone who knew it.

I have to say what a thoroughly decent bunch you lot are.

Not a massive net forum user unless its something I can participate in.... and there is usually a couple of resident bell-ends that pounce on you when you're a newbie!

 

[Al_1977]

Wouldn't go wrong with this one IMHO, nice machines, about 2k overpriced mind.

I do think this New Holland is tidy (site won't let me repost with link)... could be a contender.

Would need another couple of buckets for the back end tho.... are they universal fit? (ie. will JCB buckets fit this also?).

 

[V8Druid]

I guessed it wouldn't be ideal, but we're talking a few pallets here and there.... and the only truly decent barn is a reasonable size, or rather its got a good size door to bounce through..... but point noted if it is tricky.



To be honest I've been looking since before first lockdown and prices seemed a bit all over the place anyways - possibly a location thing.





I have to say what a thoroughly decent bunch you lot are.

Not a massive net forum user unless its something I can participate in.... and there is usually a couple of resident bell-ends that pounce on you when you're a newbie!

you're in the right place for honest advice and sensible commentary here Boyo ....... unless you'm a spammer or a 'stealth' seller ... then we just "cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war " or as we know him - Rory ..... he usually sees off the hand crankers ..... and enjoys the sport

 

[V8Druid]

I do think this New Holland is tidy (site won't let me repost with link)... could be a contender.

Would need another couple of buckets for the back end tho.... are they universal fit? (ie. will JCB buckets fit this also?).

looks to be someone's pride and joy

 

[Gunners]

Not a massive net forum user unless its something I can participate in.... and there is usually a couple of resident bell-ends that pounce on you when you're a newbie!

Al, you're about to buy an old JCB/ some kind of backhoe. You will have plenty to participate with very shortly!
Many non JCB backhoes will run JCB buckets but you cant be too sure. You would have to google the dipper width and pin centers (or someone on here will know) Pin size is 45mm (or actually imperial if we are being specific) Think Druid discovered they are still imperial pins?? Its certainly some old size from the 60's

 

[V8Druid]

Al, you're about to buy an old JCB/ some kind of backhoe. You will have plenty to participate with very shortly!
Many non JCB backhoes will run JCB buckets but you cant be too sure. You would have to google the dipper width and pin centers (or someone on here will know) Pin size is 45mm (or actually imperial if we are being specific) Think Druid discovered they are still imperial pins?? Its certainly some old size from the 60's

ROTFLMAO

aye 1 3/4" .. but 45mil's close enough and without the spring bushes (shite idea they are) 2 1/16th" (52mm)....
from memory 165mm/6.5" dipper width and 13" pin ctrs (333mm) .... usually so much wear in an old Jakie that anything vaguely resembling those dim.s'll fit ...... need to be fairly close on the pin ctrs to get the geometry to work tidy though .... They are a great old tool .... be nice to have mine functional again, once i've sorted the mouse invasion issues out

 

[Al_1977]

Al, you're about to buy an old JCB/ some kind of backhoe. You will have plenty to participate with very shortly!

 

[T whiting]

ROTFLMAO

aye 1 3/4" .. but 45mil's close enough and without the spring bushes (shite idea they are) 2 1/16th" (52mm)....
from memory 165mm/6.5" dipper width and 13" pin ctrs (333mm) .... usually so much wear in an old Jakie that anything vaguely resembling those dim.s'll fit ...... need to be fairly close on the pin ctrs to get the geometry to work tidy though .... They are a great old tool .... be nice to have mine functional again, once i've sorted the mouse invasion issues out

It also depends on if it's a quick hitch or if a hammer job the best way to know if 3cx buckets would fit is to take a tape measure and see if the dimensions on the existing buckets match the dimensions druid has given

 

[Shovelhands]

Al, you're about to buy an old JCB/ some kind of backhoe. You will have plenty to participate with very shortly!
Many non JCB backhoes will run JCB buckets but you cant be too sure. You would have to google the dipper width and pin centers (or someone on here will know) Pin size is 45mm (or actually imperial if we are being specific) Think Druid discovered they are still imperial pins?? Its certainly some old size from the 60's

1 3/4” and they are still bloody doing it!

 

[JD450A]

I do think this New Holland is tidy (site won't let me repost with link)... could be a contender.

Would need another couple of buckets for the back end tho.... are they universal fit? (ie. will JCB buckets fit this also?).

From memory knock the inserts out of JCB 3cx buckets (think they are 55mm OD with a 45mm reducing bush) and they will fit the ford, fords are on 55mm from memory for some stupid reason unknown to man. (50mm is ample, although I could be wrong, could be 50mm) NH is just a newer ford. the 85 is a nice machine. same as a Fiat Kobelco.

I have to say what a thoroughly decent bunch you lot are.

Not a massive net forum user unless its something I can participate in.... and there is usually a couple of resident bell-ends that pounce on you when you're a newbie!

Hahaha, no. No pouncing.

Pisstaking yes, and abuse of salesmen here to take advantage without participating..... but absolutely no pouncing....

 

[Regy53]

I do think this New Holland is tidy (site won't let me repost with link)... could be a contender.

Would need another couple of buckets for the back end tho.... are they universal fit? (ie. will JCB buckets fit this also?).

Once you have 5 posts your fine

 

[craig]

13" pin ctrs (333mm)

I`ve got 13 1/2 inch, 343mm in my head?

 

[Gecko]

I`ve got 13 1/2 inch, 343mm in my head?

Yep - that's what I measure.

As above, the pins are 1-3/4", this works out to be 44.45mm.
If everything is new and tight (they won't be), 45mm pins will be too tight. Put a few years on it and they'll take some of the slop out - just be aware there is a difference and choose appropriately.