The Classic Machinery Network

Hi all, does anybody know for one of these machines?, I would like to add one to my working fleet! does anyone have any experience of these loaders? regards morgan

Is that related to the Mastiff Tractor? Matthew Bros had the patent on artic/pivot steer first (I think). Rare as the proverbial rocking hoss poo.

Yes it is! they made these before they hit on the idea of using the pivot steer system for tractors, they made a series 1 model pictured, then I think the series2 model came in 1961, which benefited from a six cylinder engine and super major running gear!
I think these are the first 'bend in the middle' loaders??
regards morgan

essexpete wrote:Is that related to the Mastiff Tractor? Matthew Bros had the patent on artic/pivot steer first (I think). Rare as the proverbial rocking hoss poo.

The Matthews brothers held many patents and collected a lot in royalties from Caterpillar and International Harvester to name but two! It was said that they earned far more from their patents than they ever made from manufacturing.
The first of their products that I saw was in about 1958 and was a Matbro Mantis backhoe loader being used by the contractor building the new science block at school. This machine and Whitlock's Dinkum Digger were soon to be eclipsed by JCB.
Other products included fork lift trucks and of course the Mastiff agricultural tractor. The tractors a very rare now, if memory serves me right one made about £38,000 at auction a couple of years ago.
Angus

Looks very very dodgy .. The OP is in the firing line if any material falls over the bucket .. The good old days EH!

Hi.
I'll be amazed if you find one of these, "good luck," or even the improved Series 2 version with the Ford 6D engine which appeared in 1962. The series two used two Power Major drive axles and as stated, Matbros patent Pivot system. They were the very first pivot steer loader.
Anyone know what transmission they used? Brockhouse may be??
Pic below of the Series 2 to compare with the one above, and a couple of a well restored Mantis Digger which was built on a Fordson based forklift. The digger geometry reminds me of the old Whitlocks.
Fred

Thanks for the interesting insight lads.I'd heard of the Matbro,but never seen any info.
I love the Backhoe....

Jim

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[Video][http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us2rlM2nZOE&feature=related/Video]
found this on youtube! they are still out there!!!
[Video][/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYk1_B3CtK4Video]