When i was 16 year old i was driving a JCB 3CX in italy, quite different to this version showed here... however i think they was in same age. in the years '80-'90 JCB was very popular and most of backhoe was JCB. A mith.
Really great to see someone going from the very beginning of digger ownership and the many pitfalls that must be overcome and understood. I am looking for my first one and have learned a lot from watching y’all go through the process. Bravo!
I operated jcb’s for over 30 years they are a great back hoe, a little hint DONT get into a habit of travelling with the front bucket up in air, if you get a blowout or hydraulic failure you could roll it, keep it close to the ground for safety and visibility, just saying good luck
Friends, we want to give a big shout out to all the super knowledgeable folk on the "Vintage JCB Machines" group, who have shared so freely and helped when we had questions. Hopefully this video did your good advice justice and one or two people will find it interesting/ helpful. We love to hear your thoughts - leave us a comment. Peace n love, Bongo & Sam.😀👍
Loving watching this. I've been a digger driver for over 20yrs its great to watch someone learn the ropes. Its not easy but I can tell you are getting the hang of it.
Been operating heavy plant (Both Civil and Military Equipment) for 30 plus years. If that’s your first go at operating a backhoe and 4 in 1 bucket then I’d say you are probably a natural with eye hand coordination. The secret to smooth operation is not to over correct too much but rather use slow and fluid movements and gradually you will get to a point where you are thinking about what your doing next without being over conscious about what is happening now. One thing I will stress is judging by the state of the Hydraulic filter you would be advised to drop all the oil again soon and thus clean out any residual crap in the system. Grease regularly and replace any blocked or broken grease nipples as and when required. This will extend the life of bushes and pins greatly. Failure to do so will obviously have the opposite effect. If your land is extra boggy or wet you might want to look at acquiring something with the same size wheels front and rear (4CX or a Hydrema - Ex military) you might want also to look at MOD Plant sales for low hour older equipment that’s been serviced regularly.
@@FloweringElbowthere’s no way that was your first time operating the back actor, what usually happens when first using a back actor is a series of fast swings and the bucket not going in the direction you thought it would go. I reckon you had lots of practice before making the video.
sorry did the multiple comments.. but when I saw the wheel barrow.. I got the machines I have as I was was sick watching my dad slugging n lugging... videos means a lot to me.. very similar to myself 👌
Hey Ray, reading your comments made me grin, thanks. Good luck with it! I also have some gearbox maintenance to do - at the very least to change the filter and oil. Will get round to it soon, but first, need to fix the rear up and over door/window, which broke the other day when we were hauling concrete about in the front bucket....
Hey Peter. Cool, appreciate that. We were just using it today to shift some big ash logs. It's handy alright. Experimenting with running it on 50% filtered waste veg oil at the moment, will switch back to straight diesel for the winter though. Peace, Bongo,
I thoroughly enjoyed watching this - WOW! I think more than anything I'm impressed with your positive enthusiasm and willingness to jump in and learn as you go along. What a great attitude to life! 👍💪👏🌻💚
its fantastic keeping the old girl running and watching you learn along the way. As the saying goes an old digger is better than a new shovel. Keep up the good work
I'm in the process of renovating my house. Was thinking of getting a backhoe to do all the landscaping and moving around big stuff quickly. All my friends told me that I was mad. And I was. But will never go back. even after spending one year getting it up to "good" shape. Great job! Loved the video , brings back so many memories.
What an excellent video. I also own a 1980's backhoe in the U.S. and I think you hit all the important issues quite well. And by looking at the videos you seem to have mastered many of the subtle tricks to make it work well and stay safe. Keep it up, your videos are always a pleasure to watch.
Just found your JCB story & just subd👍 Enjoyed watching , I've had a few JCBs over the years, biggest bug bear was always constantly repairing punctures ( that's probably why I prefer a tracked 5 ton excavator)one JCB bonus is the stabilising legs make great tyre bead beaker tool . Here's a hard gained trick for you to stop and eliminate constant punctures = when repairing or replacing the inner tubes, buy a few big rolls of heavy duty Kevlar weave bitumen coated adhesive roofing repair tape ( Gorilla do a good one) and apply it to the full inside circumference of the tyre with a hand roller ,( warm the inside of the tyre to get a good bond) , your be amazed how this simple trick virtually eliminates punctures 👌also works brilliantly on quad bikes and off-road Tyres etc . Stay safe and good luck 👍
The most All round informative video I’ve watched ! Answered a stack of questions I’ve wanted to ask in one video ! Great to see a enthusiastic young person full of graft 👍🏻
Crikey, how have I not found you guys until now!!?! Thought i need an excavator, got it. Now need something to move round the earth. Told I should have a skidsteer, theres not many of them around. Looked at tractors with front loaders, few more of them around but none near. Then I figured I could use that backhoe as well as the ability to scoop with the loader. And then, I found you, encouraging me to go big and do more bad things lol. Great well produced video, thank you. This is digger p**n for me 👍
This is absolutely 100% beautiful upload... just the absolute giddiness of having a machine and @ the same time knowing nothing about them... I have a 3c mk2, just bought a site Master 3cx and a 3 ton forklift.... I live in the city 😂😂
Yes .... with great power comes great responsibility! Both fond and frustrating memories of operating Backhoes. After working with absolute dinosaurs this model was the first 'luxury' backhoe I used, so only real experience with JCB's is new one, in remote Australia our biggest issue was spares (not an issue in the UK). The fundemental principle when removing any stuck tight fixture is applying parralel force either from in front (puller) or behind (punch or hydraulic pressure - grease plug) Couple of suggestions.....(sorry if they sound condescending- not the intention) Walk around with your front bucket lower to ground = less inertia, load leverage (I know the footage was selected but common habit For newbies) Use bucket edges as reference lines to learn bucket orientation Practice 4 in 1 bucket grabs, back blading, and loose load scooping by moving a pile dirt/mulch When digging with your backhoe dont forget to draw the arm in horizontally, so many operators just cramp the bucket leaving a gnarly bed to the trench....Grrrrr Tyre pressures! Get some log claws for your backhoe....even welding some short serated cleats to your the inside edge of the lower backhoe arm will help grip logs with the back bucket Lift which your back bucket by the trailing cleat on the pitman arm (the eye you have that ratty bit of rope hanging from) not the teeth (and use a shackle). Nothing more annoying than one offset tooth when you are trying to finish a job off nice The ol' yellow shovels are great, sometimes it will feel like all you are doing is digging yourself a really big hole (pun intended) but treat them good, take it easy, and they will serve you well. I predict your next purchase will be.....high flow high pressure washer, diesel transfer pump Have fun
Good Morning Bunyip. Thanks so much for sharing your experience :) Yep, diesel transfer pump has come to pass - only a hand one my friend gave me - but works a treat. Talk to me about pressure washing. My dad has a cheap old electric one I can borrow. I worry I will blast more paint and grease off though.. What bits should I particularly be looking to hit? Thanks again, Bongo. Ps What tyre pressures do you suggest? I have been changing it up depending on the wetness and how heavy I expect to lift - but roughly 30 rear 60 front?
@@FloweringElbow front pressure sounds a little high, but I operate in the tropics, really comes down to the tyres you have fitted, mfrs recommended range, temp, ground/surface type and load ..... just make sure you dont operate too low .... easy to peel off the rim or expose too much sidewall to potential punctures. Pressure cleaners require judicious application, +1800psi min / 10 lpm would be where I would start (hot water/steam would also be benificial .... all depends on your supply water and power....but in general you make do with what you can get your hands on). Stay away from blasting directly on seals and hoses and other delicate parts.....a clean machine can really help id leaks, and potential problems, nicer to maintain, and also helps reduce spread of weeds (paint is the least of your worries). JCB Machine Group sounds like they will be able to point you in the right direction, just deal with the rust and the hoses when you can (hot high pressure hydraulic oil leaks are no fun and usually happen when you least need them). Carry a set of choker chains .... easier to drop logs, they can best handle the abuse Backhoes really are the best all round peice of heavy equipment, have fun, stay safe
Great video ! I have an 1989 3cx , we have a small holding with a mile long track up to it and are in the process of building a new house on the site, the digger has proved to be a fab old tool for about nine months of last year the engine was hardly cold and other than a few burst hyd hoses and a couple of punctures it never missed a beat. I would say for anyone doing a similar size project a decent 3cx is the machine to go for , relatively cheap to buy, straight forward and inexpensive to repair and more than capable of doing most jobs be it bigger or smaller .👍
aww man great video... I grew up around the grey cab 3cx site master my old chap owned, brought back so many memories, great stuff ma man, best machine ever built
Thanks for sharing this, I really enjoyed it. I've a 94 3cx, like you I was inexperienced but getting the hang of it. I haven't been as brave regarding the fixing of problems but learning a lot as I go... It is capable of doing so much in such a short time!
Front bucket is just wider than the axles, allowing uou scrape right alongside a wall. The top plate of the front bucket is parallel with the botom floor of tbe bucket. So you know whether the bucket is level.
lovely digger! I have the 1991 model they're a Brilliant machine. An old diggers better than a brand new shovel my dad always says. Thanks for the video, I enjoyed watching.
Good evening Aaron, you're very welcome. Would love to know what the newer (black cab is it?) models are like to drive... Thanks for watching. Peace, Bongo.
Excellent story! I grew up on a dairy farm in Canada and I know how easy it is to overlook just how important some of the most mundane equipment is. When I was on the farm we milked cow with single milking machines and carried the milk to the milk talk. My brother has taken over the farm now and they have a robot that milks the cows now. Crazy technology!
I have operated these on building and civil engineering sites. Not sure if you know this yet, but there is a way you can judge that the front shovel is level so you can shovel into gravel without digging into the ground so contaminating the gravel with soil which you don't want. That is the top of the shovel the flat bit about 4/5 inches wide that goes the full length of the shovel you can see from the cab, it is this bit of the shovel where you can determine the angle of the shovel blade. Because when this is flat from viewing it from the cab the shovel will be flat, then you know that when you shovel into gravel the shovel won't bite into the ground. Also if you quickly push the lever forward the whole shovel and booms will float on the ground reducing the risk of digging into the ground. This is also useful if grading the ground after filling a trench to help blend in the disturbed soil with the untouched surrounding soil. 🙂👍
Excellent to have a checklist for old equipment and yours is thorough, excellent advice. I've been looking for something like this and I will put your experience and recommendations to use. Thanks for sharing.
Brilliant! Thanks for sharing. Reminds me of a Marty T video, if you know his channel. Glad to see you humbling conquering difficult things in your beautiful environment. Hopeful there will be a next one soon! Cheers
What a good video l have owned a grey cab model for the past 15 years and think the world of it you give the layman a lot of good information.ps had the same problem removing the front steering ram .Please bring on some more of your 3cx videos all the best Derek in Cumbria
Watching you for first time so far doing a great job learning about the digger , I started as a kid so it’s pretty much an extension of my limbs , seen you on backhoe operators .... loads of guys on there very capable and a wealth of knowledge to help you out .... quite a few of us are scattered through out Wales and more than willing to help you out
I admire your enthusiasm. You did a good job of trying to understand these machines. I used to drive them for a living, so could appreciate what you were doing. If ever you need any advice on it, give me a shout.
I’ve got one of those, a 1986 3cx. Overall it’s a great digger - had it for about a decade. It’s very useful for scraping out the yard, loading up the muck spreader etc. And incredibly easy to drive - it’s quite incredible that the lever on the right hand side is so simple. As well as some mechanical problems, it is quite underpowered and unstable compared to modern back hoe diggers, and our tractors from the same era. With a full bucket of muck, it often only has enough power to drive up our quite steep yard in second gear - not a problem - but we could do with a bit more go. As for instability, living on a hill farm with lots of steep fields and tracks. There’s been a few times when I’ve been on two wheels. The 4wd was broken when we got it, and we didn’t fix it for a few years - so I often had to pull it out with the back actor.
Excellent video and I'm now subscribed! My wife and I recently bought 13 fairly wild acres and I long for some sort of tractor, excavator or backhoe. This was a very educational and entertaining video and I thank you!
Hey ! That's awesome, thanks for the very nice edit. I totally get the message. I bought myself a JCB 3C3 from 79 last year. As yourself i'm blessing the hydraulic power, so much stuff you can do with the pressure of your finger tip. Mine too needed some love as I paid it dirt cheap.You work well, I wish you the best. Cheers from Brittany !!
That machine right there is going to save your back and smaller machines in the long run. This mad house of a monster was definitely a good choice for you and my family. My dad got one 4 years ago now and it has definitely been our number 1 go to tool for landscaping and large heavy jobs. It may be a bit rusty and it’s tire may go flat every few weeks due to a slow tire leak but it has always gotten whatever job we needed to do DONE! The number 1 issue of mine though is the transmission or clutch. I’m getting them confused now but what happens is if the machine has been driving for too long, it gets harder to get moving from a standstill. It’s slipping. Some previous owner must have been trying to push something while in 3rd gear or something like that and has majorly damaged it. My dad has always joked that if someone steals it, they’re not getting far because of that.
Well done, very balanced and useful information. I had a lot of fun , many years ago, digging out spring water settlement pits and a slipway whilst on holiday in Scotland. With an earlier model than that one.
Good morning. Thanks for getting in touch. Your Scottish adventure sounds fun, we have some good friends that live there, we usually visit a few times a year for a little holiday. Still locked down here, but looking forward to going there again soon. Peace.
A few years back I bought my first (and so far only) skid-steer loader from a used-equipment dealer over the internet, and I'm still working through the "fixer-upper" stage. Replacing pins and bushings, welding new steel plates onto various bits, and [soon] swapping out ailing hydraulic components are all activities through which one can learn new skills and they also improve the function of old machines *enormously*.
Right on Reprapmlp! it takes time but it's cool to learn all that stuff - the machines combine a lot of different domains of knowledge - which makes them quite interesting :)
I've ramped up my welding from nothing - last weekend I graduated to buying welding rods in a 25lb box. And my only machine tool is a drill press (lathe and mill are On The List).
Great video. And I think you did quit good on the price. Here in the US I bought a 1986 Case 580SE for about $10k about 5 years ago. Condition was similar to yours. And yes, I love the machine for the reasons you mention, power and versatility.
Cost is always dependent on care that has been given to the machine, if you don't see dates on filters or grease around fitting most likely that machine was used till they don't want to do any Preventive maintenance on it/ looks like you got this beast at most needed time before it had no life left in it. nice work on getting it back up running.
We really enjoyed watching this video and it inspired me to think that I really need a digger but as we live in a small bungalow, I guess that's a no then.
Haha. It would be handy for helping out with neighbours gardening though... And come to think of it, it would only take up half the road parked out front.
Well said Phil Turner, bang on, don’t drive along with the front bucket up, it also helps with your forward vision, 😅 but they are absolutely brilliant machines, JCB. 🤙
Hi bud well done for buying your first machine and word to the wise if you change the backhoe bucket often look into buying a manual quick hitch for the backhoe
Good evening Jepson. Thanks, appreciate that. I have got bucket changes down to about 10 mins now - but always get covered in grease, and I think it's easy atm because there is sooo much slop in the pivot bushing - which I do intend to fix... So yeah, that would certainly be good!
Really enjoyed this. You took quite a leap with this project, but having a solid machine like that will be such an asset. I'm not ready for one yet--but luckily, my yard is flat!
Hey Pocket. Hope you are keeping well. Great to hear from you, and that the crazyness of this one didn't put you off :) haha, a flat yard, what a strange concept! Peace, Bongo.
Mate! I just purchased a 4cx 2010 4000h . For £20k for my land in Brazil, got that model because the 3cx have been known to crack ! Cant over stress that model. A long life all depends on the driver and regular maintenance. Still a great all round machine!
Hey ! nice old peace of history you did find. give you some tips when you use the front loader try to have the load closer to the ground these old machines are a bit tippy. look for a pin or a mark on the front loader it shows when the bucket is straight. help´s you in the start before you get the feel of it. and last but most imortant use chains when lifting it´s a lot of force coming loose if the rope snaps. done that my self good luck and feel free to ask backhoe´s have been my dream in 30 years now.
Hi Flowering Elbow. Any Chance you can take a picture of the position of the shuttle lever on the transmission. The service manual shows it pointing up. Mines points to the bucket. Wondering if yours does the same. Thanks! Great video and tractor.
Hi there. I can do this but we are about to get on a train to Slovenia. Won't be back for a while. If you remind me in about 3 weeks I will get your pic...
Awesome that you are getting a chance to travel! I was also wondering if you had to fix any transmission problems? I think I have a clutch pressure problem or a bad clutch. Thanks for the replay and safe traveled!!!
hello i buy a 4cx for fun and hobbie also . i have oter jcb 3d when i was young now i buy other , there is no work for it , but i dont want to sell it , is my favourite toy and i am very happy as you for have one of this machines
Very nicely done. Look's like I have a mixed bag of surprises and adventures to look forward to with my resent purchase. One thing I think is very useful is buying something that will have spear parts available. 👍 Good Luck.
@@FloweringElbow I'm in BG, still waiting on filters and will hopefully get started. There was no air filter to speak of so I haven't worked with it yet. :)
we just got our first digger, a '73 Massey MF 50B, this video was really helpful for us to see some of the variety of things we can do with a loader/backhoe in this size class, thanks for putting this video together!
Hey friend, thanks for watching. If you got something out of this and would like to show Sam and I some love, go here ko-fi.com/floweringelbow and buy us a coffee :) Your support lets us spend time doing videos like this :)
Very educational video. Good job, i watched carefully the whole video. I just bought a 3cx turbo sitemaster 1995could you please share the service manual?
I’m going to have a look at a 50 year old jcb Monday for £2k, apprehensive to say the least, I know nothing about them but your video is very informative, Thanks mate .
I’ve just found one advertised for a grand!! Very old and apparently only fault is one stabiliser leg doesn’t move. You’re probably have to pop down and fix it if I buy it mate.🤔.
Hello friend, congratulations on your decision and your work with the old JCB 3CX. I saw in the video that you have the workshop manual for this machine. I have bought an old Jcb too and I would like to know where you got the manual. Greetings and thank you.
These - unlike washing-machine motor control stuff - I do know inside out. :-) Hugely useful tool, even if semi-clapped out - they're very repairable - nothing much on them can't be sorted. I like your channel, Mr Elderberry - you strike me as a hugely bright chap - which is rare. You had me at chainsaw milling btw, as I do a lot of that too - usually freehand.
@@FloweringElbow Never mind the flattery - go answer my "Washing machine control thingy for Idiots" question on that vid you did & I'll be a subscriber for life. :-) I need to make one spin slower what for wood-related matters, but am far too thick to know how. That problem you may have the answer to. :-) Kindred spirits, blah blah.. feck off & cut some wood, etc etc. Yours, a fellow skinny, well muscled, overworked wood/machines/everything botherer. :-)
JCB has announced that their Stage V engined machines will all be compatible with Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuels.Will older JCB's run on Veg oil?
Hello from across the pond; Today 6/14/21 is the first time I watched your FloweringElbow channel, The 3 secrets of ROT PROOF POSTS and how to make them, June 29, 2020. This has nothing to do with this Dream Digger video but this is the most recent video that I can post my comment on it. I really enjoyed the ROT PROOF POSTS video, I was expecting a mixture of stuff to brush on it. However, it was a total surprise charring the post that is in the ground plus you packed rock around the post. The rocks helps the water and moisture to drain away from the posts. The method of installing posts for privacy fences is to concrete the pressure treated posted in the ground. FOLKS DO NOT Char Burn pressure treated posts due to the chemicals used in the Pressure Treating process. Sadly pressure treated does not with stand the test of time in the ground due to the pine wood used for posts and concrete poured around the post helps the rot process. The posts of choice for fence posts years ago when I helped to install fence posts was locust tree posts, stripping the bark, holes dug with a hand post hole digger and digging iron. Then pack the dirt around it. the post install was DONE, the locust post eventually rotted out. I really enjoyed your ROT PROOF POST video, making the posts was AMAZING and your wife Sam is one strong lady working with you on moving the posts. The metal cap was a great idea for the post. HOWEVER what do you use to treat the post that is exposed out of the ground to protect the post????? Thank you both for a very educational video on rot proofing posts that can be applied to any post being used and using the correct wood for the posts. Very well done...
Hi Tom, thank you for watching and your comment. In regards to protection of the out of the ground section: it has none in this case, other than the natural tannins in oak heartwood which will likely make that part of the post (not in contact with the ground) last longer than we do... No need for anything else ;)
@@FloweringElbow La pregunta es si sabes la referencia o tienes algún enlace de alguna tienda en dónde pueda conseguir el filtro principal de aceite hidráulico?
Veo. Conseguí un kit de filtro para el JCB. Era algo como esto de ebay: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/152903490660?hash=item2399c21c64:g:-JYAAOSwmuVagAO9 Era de VicaryPlantSparesukltd Creo que beben en el extranjero ... Espero que ayude ;)
@@FloweringElbow actually just stumbled upon your channel - great style of presenting the different projects. Thanks for making this content! And greetings to Wales
Hola amigo. No estoy seguro, probablemente sea poco probable, simplemente no hay tiempo suficiente para todos los proyectos que quiero hacer. Gracias por ver :)
When i was 16 year old i was driving a JCB 3CX in italy, quite different to this version showed here... however i think they was in same age.
in the years '80-'90 JCB was very popular and most of backhoe was JCB. A mith.
Really great to see someone going from the very beginning of digger ownership and the many pitfalls that must be overcome and understood. I am looking for my first one and have learned a lot from watching y’all go through the process. Bravo!
Thanks Jeff, hope it helped 👍
I operated jcb’s for over 30 years they are a great back hoe, a little hint DONT get into a habit of travelling with the front bucket up in air, if you get a blowout or hydraulic failure you could roll it, keep it close to the ground for safety and visibility, just saying good luck
Good advice, thanks Phil
24:30:50
Friends, we want to give a big shout out to all the super knowledgeable folk on the "Vintage JCB Machines" group, who have shared so freely and helped when we had questions. Hopefully this video did your good advice justice and one or two people will find it interesting/ helpful.
We love to hear your thoughts - leave us a comment.
Peace n love, Bongo & Sam.😀👍
Loving watching this. I've been a digger driver for over 20yrs its great to watch someone learn the ropes. Its not easy but I can tell you are getting the hang of it.
I loved reading your comment! Thanks for watching, and really appreciate the sentiment coming from someone with so much experience. Thanks :)
I just watched some of your other videos off the back of watching this one.
Been operating heavy plant (Both Civil and Military Equipment) for 30 plus years.
If that’s your first go at operating a backhoe and 4 in 1 bucket then I’d say you are probably a natural with eye hand coordination.
The secret to smooth operation is not to over correct too much but rather use slow and fluid movements and gradually you will get to a point where you are thinking about what your doing next without being over conscious about what is happening now.
One thing I will stress is judging by the state of the Hydraulic filter you would be advised to drop all the oil again soon and thus clean out any residual crap in the system.
Grease regularly and replace any blocked or broken grease nipples as and when required.
This will extend the life of bushes and pins greatly.
Failure to do so will obviously have the opposite effect.
If your land is extra boggy or wet you might want to look at acquiring something with the same size wheels front and rear (4CX or a Hydrema - Ex military) you might want also to look at MOD Plant sales for low hour older equipment that’s been serviced regularly.
@@FloweringElbowthere’s no way that was your first time operating the back actor, what usually happens when first using a back actor is a series of fast swings and the bucket not going in the direction you thought it would go. I reckon you had lots of practice before making the video.
Hello from Ohio USA. I have a 1987 JCB 1400 4x4. Love it. Loved your video
Hey Tim, appreciate that, thanks :D and greetings from Wales!
The best video on the internet by a distance. Bravo!
Wow, thanks!
sorry did the multiple comments.. but when I saw the wheel barrow.. I got the machines I have as I was was sick watching my dad slugging n lugging... videos means a lot to me.. very similar to myself 👌
Hey Ray, reading your comments made me grin, thanks. Good luck with it! I also have some gearbox maintenance to do - at the very least to change the filter and oil. Will get round to it soon, but first, need to fix the rear up and over door/window, which broke the other day when we were hauling concrete about in the front bucket....
Really well presented easy to follow guide to using and maintaining an old JCB. Well done.
I keep going back and watching this video for reference, I hope your digger is still a blessing,
Hey Peter. Cool, appreciate that. We were just using it today to shift some big ash logs. It's handy alright. Experimenting with running it on 50% filtered waste veg oil at the moment, will switch back to straight diesel for the winter though. Peace, Bongo,
I thoroughly enjoyed watching this - WOW! I think more than anything I'm impressed with your positive enthusiasm and willingness to jump in and learn as you go along. What a great attitude to life! 👍💪👏🌻💚
Hey thanks friend, appreciate that 😀😁😊👍
24:30:50
@@FloweringElbow You have this JCB now?
@@piotrgakamotoprlbypiotras321 yep she's still going ;)
@@FloweringElbow if you want sell that I still be interested mate 😀
its fantastic keeping the old girl running and watching you learn along the way. As the saying goes an old digger is better than a new shovel. Keep up the good work
Thanks Terence 👍
Thanku what a great video, I used some of your tips , and now I’m the proud owner of a 1988 3cx , and very much enjoying Digger Power 👍👍👍😁😁
Right on, that's awesome. Best of luck with it :D
Great dialog mate, it gave a measure of confidence, that i might have half a clue to access a machine I am looking at!
Many thanks.
I'm in the process of renovating my house. Was thinking of getting a backhoe to do all the landscaping and moving around big stuff quickly. All my friends told me that I was mad. And I was. But will never go back. even after spending one year getting it up to "good" shape. Great job! Loved the video , brings back so many memories.
Evening George. Really appreciated that, thanks man.
What an excellent video. I also own a 1980's backhoe in the U.S. and I think you hit all the important issues quite well. And by looking at the videos you seem to have mastered many of the subtle tricks to make it work well and stay safe. Keep it up, your videos are always a pleasure to watch.
Just found your JCB story & just subd👍
Enjoyed watching , I've had a few JCBs over the years, biggest bug bear was always constantly repairing punctures ( that's probably why I prefer a tracked 5 ton excavator)one JCB bonus is the stabilising legs make great tyre bead beaker tool . Here's a hard gained trick for you to stop and eliminate constant punctures = when repairing or replacing the inner tubes, buy a few big rolls of heavy duty Kevlar weave bitumen coated adhesive roofing repair tape ( Gorilla do a good one) and apply it to the full inside circumference of the tyre with a hand roller ,( warm the inside of the tyre to get a good bond) , your be amazed how this simple trick virtually eliminates punctures 👌also works brilliantly on quad bikes and off-road Tyres etc .
Stay safe and good luck 👍
Hey Steve, thanks for the tip friend.
The most All round informative video I’ve watched ! Answered a stack of questions I’ve wanted to ask in one video ! Great to see a enthusiastic young person full of graft 👍🏻
Appreciate that Tim, thanks 😊 🙏
Crikey, how have I not found you guys until now!!?! Thought i need an excavator, got it. Now need something to move round the earth. Told I should have a skidsteer, theres not many of them around. Looked at tractors with front loaders, few more of them around but none near. Then I figured I could use that backhoe as well as the ability to scoop with the loader. And then, I found you, encouraging me to go big and do more bad things lol. Great well produced video, thank you. This is digger p**n for me 👍
HAHAHA thanks for the comment, made me chuckle :) Good luck with whatever you do.
@@FloweringElbow Natural swimming pond lad, what else 😁
Congratulation to You. This is a sensational video about the iconic Jcb3cx blackhoe loader.
This is absolutely 100% beautiful upload... just the absolute giddiness of having a machine and @ the same time knowing nothing about them... I have a 3c mk2, just bought a site Master 3cx and a 3 ton forklift.... I live in the city 😂😂
Very good machine u will never b with out one agin best bit of kit u will ever have good luck with it
Yes .... with great power comes great responsibility! Both fond and frustrating memories of operating Backhoes. After working with absolute dinosaurs this model was the first 'luxury' backhoe I used, so only real experience with JCB's is new one, in remote Australia our biggest issue was spares (not an issue in the UK). The fundemental principle when removing any stuck tight fixture is applying parralel force either from in front (puller) or behind (punch or hydraulic pressure - grease plug)
Couple of suggestions.....(sorry if they sound condescending- not the intention)
Walk around with your front bucket lower to ground = less inertia, load leverage (I know the footage was selected but common habit For newbies)
Use bucket edges as reference lines to learn bucket orientation
Practice 4 in 1 bucket grabs, back blading, and loose load scooping by moving a pile dirt/mulch
When digging with your backhoe dont forget to draw the arm in horizontally, so many operators just cramp the bucket leaving a gnarly bed to the trench....Grrrrr
Tyre pressures!
Get some log claws for your backhoe....even welding some short serated cleats to your the inside edge of the lower backhoe arm will help grip logs with the back bucket
Lift which your back bucket by the trailing cleat on the pitman arm (the eye you have that ratty bit of rope hanging from) not the teeth (and use a shackle). Nothing more annoying than one offset tooth when you are trying to finish a job off nice
The ol' yellow shovels are great, sometimes it will feel like all you are doing is digging yourself a really big hole (pun intended) but treat them good, take it easy, and they will serve you well.
I predict your next purchase will be.....high flow high pressure washer, diesel transfer pump
Have fun
Good Morning Bunyip. Thanks so much for sharing your experience :) Yep, diesel transfer pump has come to pass - only a hand one my friend gave me - but works a treat. Talk to me about pressure washing. My dad has a cheap old electric one I can borrow. I worry I will blast more paint and grease off though.. What bits should I particularly be looking to hit?
Thanks again, Bongo.
Ps What tyre pressures do you suggest? I have been changing it up depending on the wetness and how heavy I expect to lift - but roughly 30 rear 60 front?
@@FloweringElbow front pressure sounds a little high, but I operate in the tropics, really comes down to the tyres you have fitted, mfrs recommended range, temp, ground/surface type and load ..... just make sure you dont operate too low .... easy to peel off the rim or expose too much sidewall to potential punctures.
Pressure cleaners require judicious application, +1800psi min / 10 lpm would be where I would start (hot water/steam would also be benificial .... all depends on your supply water and power....but in general you make do with what you can get your hands on). Stay away from blasting directly on seals and hoses and other delicate parts.....a clean machine can really help id leaks, and potential problems, nicer to maintain, and also helps reduce spread of weeds (paint is the least of your worries).
JCB Machine Group sounds like they will be able to point you in the right direction, just deal with the rust and the hoses when you can (hot high pressure hydraulic oil leaks are no fun and usually happen when you least need them).
Carry a set of choker chains .... easier to drop logs, they can best handle the abuse
Backhoes really are the best all round peice of heavy equipment, have fun, stay safe
Great video, I went through the same learning curve with my old 3CX, and enjoyed every minute of it
Hi, do you have parts catalog for yours ?
Great video ! I have an 1989 3cx , we have a small holding with a mile long track up to it and are in the process of building a new house on the site, the digger has proved to be a fab old tool for about nine months of last year the engine was hardly cold and other than a few burst hyd hoses and a couple of punctures it never missed a beat. I would say for anyone doing a similar size project a decent 3cx is the machine to go for , relatively cheap to buy, straight forward and inexpensive to repair and more than capable of doing most jobs be it bigger or smaller .👍
aww man great video... I grew up around the grey cab 3cx site master my old chap owned, brought back so many memories, great stuff ma man, best machine ever built
Thanks for sharing this, I really enjoyed it. I've a 94 3cx, like you I was inexperienced but getting the hang of it. I haven't been as brave regarding the fixing of problems but learning a lot as I go... It is capable of doing so much in such a short time!
Such an entertaining video, thanks for taking the time to record it for us! I too have plant and enjoy keeping it alive!
Glad you enjoyed it, who doesn't like keeping plants alive?! ;)
Fantastic video 📹 . Looking in from Ireland 🇮🇪
Awesome, thank you. Greetings from Wales.
Front bucket is just wider than the axles, allowing uou scrape right alongside a wall.
The top plate of the front bucket is parallel with the botom floor of tbe bucket. So you know whether the bucket is level.
lovely digger! I have the 1991 model they're a Brilliant machine. An old diggers better than a brand new shovel my dad always says. Thanks for the video, I enjoyed watching.
Good evening Aaron, you're very welcome. Would love to know what the newer (black cab is it?) models are like to drive... Thanks for watching. Peace, Bongo.
Excellent story! I grew up on a dairy farm in Canada and I know how easy it is to overlook just how important some of the most mundane equipment is. When I was on the farm we milked cow with single milking machines and carried the milk to the milk talk. My brother has taken over the farm now and they have a robot that milks the cows now. Crazy technology!
Thanks for sharing!
I have operated these on building and civil engineering sites. Not sure if you know this yet, but there is a way you can judge that the front shovel is level so you can shovel into gravel without digging into the ground so contaminating the gravel with soil which you don't want. That is the top of the shovel the flat bit about 4/5 inches wide that goes the full length of the shovel you can see from the cab, it is this bit of the shovel where you can determine the angle of the shovel blade. Because when this is flat from viewing it from the cab the shovel will be flat, then you know that when you shovel into gravel the shovel won't bite into the ground.
Also if you quickly push the lever forward the whole shovel and booms will float on the ground reducing the risk of digging into the ground. This is also useful if grading the ground after filling a trench to help blend in the disturbed soil with the untouched surrounding soil.
🙂👍
Top tips, thanks Docsavage!
Nice 1 Al use them tips
Best video i think. Hello from Slovakia my friend 🙂
Amazing video. Thanks.
Love this. I am activity looking for a JCB 3cx now in Scotland
Excellent to have a checklist for old equipment and yours is thorough, excellent advice. I've been looking for something like this and I will put your experience and recommendations to use. Thanks for sharing.
Hey Gary. Am really glad it might be useful :D Thanks for watching! Peace, Bongo.
Amazing video, well done from the ''operator'', i'm imprest. Keep smiling my friend. Harry Anthis from Volos Greece.
Hey Harry. Thanks for watching my friend. Greetings from Wales.
Brilliant! Thanks for sharing. Reminds me of a Marty T video, if you know his channel. Glad to see you humbling conquering difficult things in your beautiful environment. Hopeful there will be a next one soon! Cheers
Good morning Andrew. Thanks man, appreciate that. I've just went to watching some of the Marty T channel - Interesting stuff, good share :)
Well done on getting a JCB you will never run out of things to use it for I used to like driving them around farms etc take care for now .
Hey Justin, thanks :)
What a good video l have owned a grey cab model for the past 15 years and think the world of it you give the layman a lot of good information.ps had the same problem removing the front steering ram .Please bring on some more of your 3cx videos all the best Derek in Cumbria
I’m going to look at one tomorrow and I’m glad I found your video. As I don’t have a clue. Thank for the great info 👍🏼
Well done and very informative video. Thanks!
Beautiful work Beautiful machine
Watching you for first time so far doing a great job learning about the digger , I started as a kid so it’s pretty much an extension of my limbs , seen you on backhoe operators .... loads of guys on there very capable and a wealth of knowledge to help you out .... quite a few of us are scattered through out Wales and more than willing to help you out
Hi Ken, thanks so much 👍, your encouragement means a lot to me. Will certainly be hanging out on backhoe operators a bit more :)
Thanks brother, just picked up my site master and this video was very helpful
Great to hear Peter. Peace, Bongo.
I admire your enthusiasm. You did a good job of trying to understand these machines. I used to drive them for a living, so could appreciate what you were doing. If ever you need any advice on it, give me a shout.
Good morning John. I really appreciate that, and might well take you up on your offer, thanks! :)
@@FloweringElbow anytime. I spend a lot of time around the Denbighshire area, give me a shout.
You're very gifted and talented guy
I’ve got one of those, a 1986 3cx. Overall it’s a great digger - had it for about a decade.
It’s very useful for scraping out the yard, loading up the muck spreader etc. And incredibly easy to drive - it’s quite incredible that the lever on the right hand side is so simple.
As well as some mechanical problems, it is quite underpowered and unstable compared to modern back hoe diggers, and our tractors from the same era. With a full bucket of muck, it often only has enough power to drive up our quite steep yard in second gear - not a problem - but we could do with a bit more go.
As for instability, living on a hill farm with lots of steep fields and tracks. There’s been a few times when I’ve been on two wheels. The 4wd was broken when we got it, and we didn’t fix it for a few years - so I often had to pull it out with the back actor.
Hey William, thanks for watching. Two wheels only sounds very terrifying 😳
Is yours turbo or non-turbo? Turbo version would have more power, maybe you could retro-fit? Or trade in for a turbo one
Excellent video and I'm now subscribed! My wife and I recently bought 13 fairly wild acres and I long for some sort of tractor, excavator or backhoe. This was a very educational and entertaining video and I thank you!
Hey thanks Cory! Appreciate the encouragement :D
Hey ! That's awesome, thanks for the very nice edit. I totally get the message. I bought myself a JCB 3C3 from 79 last year. As yourself i'm blessing the hydraulic power, so much stuff you can do with the pressure of your finger tip. Mine too needed some love as I paid it dirt cheap.You work well, I wish you the best. Cheers from Brittany !!
Hey there. That is awesome, wish you the best with your machine. :)
That machine right there is going to save your back and smaller machines in the long run. This mad house of a monster was definitely a good choice for you and my family. My dad got one 4 years ago now and it has definitely been our number 1 go to tool for landscaping and large heavy jobs. It may be a bit rusty and it’s tire may go flat every few weeks due to a slow tire leak but it has always gotten whatever job we needed to do DONE!
The number 1 issue of mine though is the transmission or clutch. I’m getting them confused now but what happens is if the machine has been driving for too long, it gets harder to get moving from a standstill. It’s slipping.
Some previous owner must have been trying to push something while in 3rd gear or something like that and has majorly damaged it. My dad has always joked that if someone steals it, they’re not getting far because of that.
Peter Parker Principle = With great POWER comes great RESPONSIBILITY! I love the end haha 😂
Well done, very balanced and useful information. I had a lot of fun , many years ago, digging out spring water settlement pits and a slipway whilst on holiday in Scotland. With an earlier model than that one.
Good morning. Thanks for getting in touch. Your Scottish adventure sounds fun, we have some good friends that live there, we usually visit a few times a year for a little holiday. Still locked down here, but looking forward to going there again soon. Peace.
A few years back I bought my first (and so far only) skid-steer loader from a used-equipment dealer over the internet, and I'm still working through the "fixer-upper" stage. Replacing pins and bushings, welding new steel plates onto various bits, and [soon] swapping out ailing hydraulic components are all activities through which one can learn new skills and they also improve the function of old machines *enormously*.
Right on Reprapmlp! it takes time but it's cool to learn all that stuff - the machines combine a lot of different domains of knowledge - which makes them quite interesting :)
I've ramped up my welding from nothing - last weekend I graduated to buying welding rods in a 25lb box. And my only machine tool is a drill press (lathe and mill are On The List).
Fair play mate doing all the work on it 👏
class, 😉 put a smile on my face I must get in contact with you when mine arrives. I gotta do a seal in gearbox #fun.. lol
JCB makes a great machine I have a 1987 1550b 4x4 still going strong with 3988 hrs 👍
Great video. And I think you did quit good on the price. Here in the US I bought a 1986 Case 580SE for about $10k about 5 years ago. Condition was similar to yours. And yes, I love the machine for the reasons you mention, power and versatility.
Cost is always dependent on care that has been given to the machine, if you don't see dates on filters or grease around fitting most likely that machine was used till they don't want to do any Preventive maintenance on it/ looks like you got this beast at most needed time before it had no life left in it. nice work on getting it back up running.
We really enjoyed watching this video and it inspired me to think that I really need a digger but as we live in a small bungalow, I guess that's a no then.
Haha. It would be handy for helping out with neighbours gardening though... And come to think of it, it would only take up half the road parked out front.
Great video. Very entertaining. 👌
Great vid. We had a 3c mark 1. She broke my heart. I miss her. Haha
Well said Phil Turner, bang on, don’t drive along with the front bucket up, it also helps with your forward vision, 😅 but they are absolutely brilliant machines, JCB. 🤙
The best backhoe ever built.
Boy. Digger. 3CX Digger. Gotta get one !
There really is no question at all.
Wish i had a digger ...
Great video! I am now getting one myself 😂
Hi bud well done for buying your first machine and word to the wise if you change the backhoe bucket often look into buying a manual quick hitch for the backhoe
Good evening Jepson. Thanks, appreciate that. I have got bucket changes down to about 10 mins now - but always get covered in grease, and I think it's easy atm because there is sooo much slop in the pivot bushing - which I do intend to fix... So yeah, that would certainly be good!
Really enjoyed this. You took quite a leap with this project, but having a solid machine like that will be such an asset. I'm not ready for one yet--but luckily, my yard is flat!
Hey Pocket. Hope you are keeping well. Great to hear from you, and that the crazyness of this one didn't put you off :) haha, a flat yard, what a strange concept!
Peace, Bongo.
Mate! I just purchased a 4cx 2010 4000h . For £20k for my land in Brazil, got that model because the 3cx have been known to crack ! Cant over stress that model. A long life all depends on the driver and regular maintenance. Still a great all round machine!
Brilliant, I want one!
thanks for sharing the digger fitness tips. looking for the same here in US.
I really hope some of it comes in handy, good luck with your search, I know how tricky it can be to find the right match ;)
very informative video, great job !
Glad you liked it Spenjere!
Hey ! nice old peace of history you did find.
give you some tips when you use the front loader try to have the load closer to the ground these old machines are a bit tippy.
look for a pin or a mark on the front loader it shows when the bucket is straight. help´s you in the start before you get the feel of it.
and last but most imortant use chains when lifting it´s a lot of force coming loose if the rope snaps. done that my self good luck and feel free to ask backhoe´s have been my dream in 30 years now.
i drove the 3cx almost 30 years ago, very capable machine.
Thank you for sharing great video. Can you tell where you bout a schema of digger. I just get 3CX 87 and can´t find any. Thank you again
Excellent and just Brilliant.👍
Thank you so much 😀
@@FloweringElbow how is your caddy after the engine swop
Yeah it's chugging on :D
I'm a digger geek so would love to see more videos on how you are getting on with the lovely old girl you managed to acquire
Hi Flowering Elbow. Any Chance you can take a picture of the position of the shuttle lever on the transmission. The service manual shows it pointing up. Mines points to the bucket. Wondering if yours does the same. Thanks! Great video and tractor.
Hi there. I can do this but we are about to get on a train to Slovenia. Won't be back for a while. If you remind me in about 3 weeks I will get your pic...
Awesome that you are getting a chance to travel! I was also wondering if you had to fix any transmission problems? I think I have a clutch pressure problem or a bad clutch. Thanks for the replay and safe traveled!!!
Great video very informative and helpful i loved every minute of it happy diggering 👍🚜
Appreciate that 😃 thanks James.
hello i buy a 4cx for fun and hobbie also . i have oter jcb 3d when i was young now i buy other , there is no work for it , but i dont want to sell it , is my favourite toy and i am very happy as you for have one of this machines
A very good video. I’d love to have a small digger just for fun!
Very nicely done. Look's like I have a mixed bag of surprises and adventures to look forward to with my resent purchase. One thing I think is very useful is buying something that will have spear parts available. 👍 Good Luck.
Yay! someone in the same boat 😁 You in the UK? Which fluids have you changed so far ?
@@FloweringElbow I'm in BG, still waiting on filters and will hopefully get started. There was no air filter to speak of so I haven't worked with it yet. :)
@@letterwhatletter3438 good luck. Let us know how you get on...
That digger will be a huge help with moving those large logs.
Hey Julian, good to hear from you. Lets hope so :)
we just got our first digger, a '73 Massey MF 50B, this video was really helpful for us to see some of the variety of things we can do with a loader/backhoe in this size class, thanks for putting this video together!
Hey friend, thanks for watching. If you got something out of this and would like to show Sam and I some love, go here ko-fi.com/floweringelbow and buy us a coffee :)
Your support lets us spend time doing videos like this :)
Very
educational video. Good job, i watched carefully the whole video. I just bought a 3cx turbo sitemaster 1995could you please share the service manual?
yoo, I love excavators so much, what a wonderful adventure and amazing countryside you live in!
I’m going to have a look at a 50 year old jcb Monday for £2k, apprehensive to say the least, I know nothing about them but your video is very informative, Thanks mate .
Good luck! That's quite old
I know but it’s cash flow problem.
@@carmanbazza Let us know how it goes, I'm curious. Hope the checklist-type thing of mechanical points to look for is a bit of help.
I’ve just found one advertised for a grand!! Very old and apparently only fault is one stabiliser leg doesn’t move. You’re probably have to pop down and fix it if I buy it mate.🤔.
Do you know if it is possible to attach an auger to the backhoe?
Hey there. We haven't done it but I believe it's possible...
@@FloweringElbow thanks! Also could you give any tips on identifying which replacement seals to order for the hydraulics?
@@NickForsterdotnet not really. If you get in touch with vicory plant with your serial no. They will help to id...
Great watch that. Thanks you 👍🏼
Pleasure Robert :D
Hello friend, congratulations on your decision and your work with the old JCB 3CX.
I saw in the video that you have the workshop manual for this machine.
I have bought an old Jcb too and I would like to know where you got the manual.
Greetings and thank you.
These - unlike washing-machine motor control stuff - I do know inside out. :-) Hugely useful tool, even if semi-clapped out - they're very repairable - nothing much on them can't be sorted. I like your channel, Mr Elderberry - you strike me as a hugely bright chap - which is rare. You had me at chainsaw milling btw, as I do a lot of that too - usually freehand.
Hi again James, thanks very much for watching :) and your kind words. These old beasts take some work but they sure are handy...
@@FloweringElbow Never mind the flattery - go answer my "Washing machine control thingy for Idiots" question on that vid you did & I'll be a subscriber for life. :-) I need to make one spin slower what for wood-related matters, but am far too thick to know how. That problem you may have the answer to. :-) Kindred spirits, blah blah.. feck off & cut some wood, etc etc. Yours, a fellow skinny, well muscled, overworked wood/machines/everything botherer. :-)
@@jamesward5721 Replied on the motor thing... Maybe give the thing I linked to a try.
JCB has announced that their Stage V engined machines will all be compatible with Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuels.Will older JCB's run on Veg oil?
Hello from across the pond; Today 6/14/21 is the first time I watched your FloweringElbow channel, The 3 secrets of ROT PROOF POSTS and how to make them, June 29, 2020. This has nothing to do with this Dream Digger video but this is the most recent video that I can post my comment on it. I really enjoyed the ROT PROOF POSTS video, I was expecting a mixture of stuff to brush on it. However, it was a total surprise charring the post that is in the ground plus you packed rock around the post. The rocks helps the water and moisture to drain away from the posts. The method of installing posts for privacy fences is to concrete the pressure treated posted in the ground. FOLKS DO NOT Char Burn pressure treated posts due to the chemicals used in the Pressure Treating process. Sadly pressure treated does not with stand the test of time in the ground due to the pine wood used for posts and concrete poured around the post helps the rot process. The posts of choice for fence posts years ago when I helped to install fence posts was locust tree posts, stripping the bark, holes dug with a hand post hole digger and digging iron. Then pack the dirt around it. the post install was DONE, the locust post eventually rotted out. I really enjoyed your ROT PROOF POST video, making the posts was AMAZING and your wife Sam is one strong lady working with you on moving the posts. The metal cap was a great idea for the post. HOWEVER what do you use to treat the post that is exposed out of the ground to protect the post????? Thank you both for a very educational video on rot proofing posts that can be applied to any post being used and using the correct wood for the posts. Very well done...
Hi Tom, thank you for watching and your comment. In regards to protection of the out of the ground section: it has none in this case, other than the natural tannins in oak heartwood which will likely make that part of the post (not in contact with the ground) last longer than we do... No need for anything else ;)
Hola amigo como estás, oye quisiera saber si me podrías indicar que referencia es el filtro del sistema hidráulico?
Lo siento amigo, no estoy muy seguro de la pregunta. Tengo que usar el traductor de Google ... ¿De qué filtro estás hablando?
@@FloweringElbow La pregunta es si sabes la referencia o tienes algún enlace de alguna tienda en dónde pueda conseguir el filtro principal de aceite hidráulico?
Veo. Conseguí un kit de filtro para el JCB. Era algo como esto de ebay: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/152903490660?hash=item2399c21c64:g:-JYAAOSwmuVagAO9 Era de VicaryPlantSparesukltd
Creo que beben en el extranjero ...
Espero que ayude ;)
I have the same back hoe now and I buy it by see this video😊 thanks!!
Love it!
Would absolutely love to see a digger restoration video
Hi MP H, noted. Thanks for watching.
@@FloweringElbow actually just stumbled upon your channel - great style of presenting the different projects. Thanks for making this content! And greetings to Wales
@@mph8759 Appreciate that, thanks a lot :)
Hi what kind-type of perkins engine does this backhoe have ?
Thanks
¿La restaurareis por completo algún día?
Hola amigo. No estoy seguro, probablemente sea poco probable, simplemente no hay tiempo suficiente para todos los proyectos que quiero hacer. Gracias por ver :)