Another classic 'hedgerow hero' Hymac has been saved
the machine in question is one of my personal favorites, none less than an 880C which had stood in a farmers field for the best part of 20 years, apparently the machines Volvo engine boiled up so the farmer simply tracked her to the edge of his field and more or less abandoned her there.
The new owner came all 'tooled up' even with a spare engine should it have become necessary to fit it; the digger had two hydraulic hoses which had blown changed for new ones, and the oil topped up, then came the task of attempting to start her. Having already tackled a similar machine myself I was unsure that the initial way was the correct one to get her moving, but they opted to fit a good starter motor, jury rig up two new batteries and try to turn her over using the power of the starter by clicking it in and repeating the process.
The initial result was two flat batteries and a burn't out starter motor
Fortunately they had brought along a brand new starter and the two batteries were charged up, while the batteries were charging, they attempted to try and turn the engine using a large crowbar through an inspection panel in the bell housing, after much struggling they finally moved the engines crankshaft but there was a 'tight spot'
With fuel now bled and a couple of cans of the old 'laughing gas' they tried again, after quite a few attempts there was very little smoke from the engines exhaust, although a mouse did pops its head out of the end of the silencer can
The decision was taken to remove the bonnet canopy as the time was running out and the fitting of the other engine was quickly becoming a real possibility. One more try and finally black smoke came out of the silencer can, after another try she finally burst into life after her 20 year sleep. She was tested and tried out but could only track part way across the field to where she will be put on the low-loader tomorrow because she boiled up, the plan was to let her cool then move her a bit more so all being well she will get loaded tomorrow, unfortunately I cannot make it to be there but I made up for it with plenty of photos and some footage today, just a few photos for you.
Jeremy
