Thwaites Dumper - which model have I got?

[Six-cylinder]

Hi

I have just bought this Thwaites Dumper. I bought it from my neighbouring farm but I don’t know what I have got! Two cylinder diesel air cooled hand start, centre pivot hydraulic steering, 4 wheel drive with prop shafts and diffs, hydraulic tip, manual gearbox with a forward-reverse lever. What model is it and what year?

In spite of its appearance it is in full working order and my wife and I have a 11 acre smallholding and intend to maintain it in full working order for our own use.

The only minor issue is that it was sold to us without a starting handle and has to be tow started and left running all day. Does anybody have a starting handle we can buy and it would be nice to have a manual, original or photocopy to help use use/look after it.

Chris

[essexpete]

Very similar to our old 80s model 4000 which is a two ton machine. It may be an early 4000 or the model predating. The skip looks almost identical. My guess would be mid to late 70s

[usedjcbdave]

Yes,def a Thwaites 4000 (2 ton) 4x4 dumper.We had the Thwaites agency in the 70s and sold loads of them.

[Six-cylinder]

All the pictures I can find of a 4000 have flat rear mud guards not the shaped ones I have on mind.

[essexpete]

Just an earlier version I think. Think of it as pre facelift.

[XS650]

Did they have these 4 forward and 4 reverse gearboxes for long ? remember Wimpeys had em around 1980

[Julian]

Reference the starting handle, I should just make one up.

Regarding manuals, I can't really help but if the engine is a Petter PH2 then the manual for a PH1 is downlowdable from this site and should be a help.

http://www.oilyhands.co.uk/dumper_restoration.htm

Julian.

[rock mover]

Did the earlier 2 ton Thwaites use six stud wheels,or is it heavier capacity ?
Chris, I now have manual for Petter PH2 if you nead any info.

[essexpete]

Did the earlier 2 ton Thwaites use six stud wheels,or is it heavier capacity ?
Chris, I now have manual for Petter PH2 if you nead any info.

You could be right, it looks a bit long for a 4000, perhaps iot is the next size up. 6000?

[Six-cylinder]

What pre dated the 4000 series?