Which JCB?

[SiH]

Opening a can of worms here!? But which JCB is best value for money,best for spare parts,and is the most bomb proof? I`ll be interested in your opinions. Cheers all!

[rlambert]

p7 last of grey cab 90/91
p8 side dash 95/96
p12 99/02 especially contractors
this is my personal opinion and muy well be different to other owner/operators

[essexpete]

You might have to give an indication on what you have to spend?

[SiH]

I was thinking of around the £2-3000 price maximum really,as it would only be for personal use. So a right old nail if I`m lucky!

[Stormin]

£2-3 Grand will get you into the bottom end of the older 3CX's but not likely with any desirable extra's such as four wheel drive, four in 1 front bucket, extra dig or turbo engine. You may be better looking at a later model tidy 3C, parts should be cheaper in the main.

[essexpete]

3k might buy a 3C111 powertrain (build 5) which, if mechanically sound, would be much nicer to operate than an older machine.

[SiH]

Thanks fellas. Been to look at a few now,and starting to learn a bit slowly! Bit scared of shuttle drives(-new to me!)-should I be? But I do like the sound of somthing easier to operate.

[TullyveeryClassicJCB]

The difference in repair costs between shuttle and manual transmission diggers are huge in my experience regardless of age.

[SiH]

So a good reason to stay with manual boxes then. Thanks again William.

[SiH]

Went to look at a 1974 3c the other day. Needs a fair bit of work really by the look of things. Havnt got it going yet ,but the owner says it ran sweet as few years back. The wing isnt too solid door side,down to tin worm,rams pitted a bit with rust, but its 5 speed which is supposed to be a good box I hear?
Any advice boys?