Trying to find out information on my grandfathers JCB

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Zd112
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Trying to find out information on my grandfathers JCB

Post #1 by Zd112 » Fri Jun 05, 2026 10:12 pm

Hello I'm trying to find out about my grandfathers JCB I believe it's a 1959 hydra-digga other than that I don't know much it was my Great-grandfathers and I can't seam to find much about them on Google any help would be greatly appreciated.
Sorry about my punctuation
Thanks zack
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Re: Trying to find out information on my grandfathers JCB

Post #2 by Jeremy Rowland » Fri Jun 05, 2026 10:54 pm

Hi Zack and welcome to the site :wave: yes that is indeed a JCB hydra-digger, they were built from 1957 based on Nuffield or Fordson tractors, they could be fitted either with a blade or counterweight, what specific information were you after?

Jeremy


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Zd112
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Re: Trying to find out information on my grandfathers JCB

Post #3 by Zd112 » Fri Jun 05, 2026 10:58 pm

Hello just wanted to Lurn more about them in general and was wondering what the modification it could have if I'm understanding the modification plate correctly
Thanka zack


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Re: Trying to find out information on my grandfathers JCB

Post #4 by hair bear » Sat Jun 06, 2026 8:39 am

Hi,
Does it run?
You've got a can on the exhaust, beware of the gap where the pipe is bent. Heavy rain could get in the manifold that way.
What is the wording under the extra weight?
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Re: Trying to find out information on my grandfathers JCB

Post #5 by Billy26F5 » Sat Jun 06, 2026 8:50 am

Brilliant find, these are very rare today. Unfortunately I can't tell you details about that modification plate, maybe JCB can help there, looks like detailed design changes to improve the Hydra-digger. Based on a Power Major, what serial number? Looks like the solenoid and exhaust are replaced. The original solenoid is Lucas 76411, original exhausts are difficult to find, should be E1ADKN-5230B, made by Nelson Burgess, beware not to get one from before July 55 as those are sausage types, never used on Power Major's, but both have the same part no. I believe the black on the counterweight is the reg number.
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Zd112
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Re: Trying to find out information on my grandfathers JCB

Post #6 by Zd112 » Sat Jun 06, 2026 5:35 pm

It dose run tho the hydraulics have seen better days. I haven't had time to look under the counter weight but Its the reg number. If I remember correctly the serial number is 5050/7/59
I really appreciate the help I don't know much on this topic and would love to see her restored but my knowledge is very limited
Zack

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Re: Trying to find out information on my grandfathers JCB

Post #7 by Billy26F5 » Sat Jun 06, 2026 8:12 pm

Good, hoses are expensive, especially on early JCB's with swivel fittings. Careful salvaging will be required. I actually meant the Fordson serial number under injector no. 1, not the JCB number which is nicely visible in your pics. Curious to see what lag there was between the tractor leaving Dagenham and leaving Rocester in July 59. Being older than 1538440 it won't have a 13" clutch (if it's been modified, can be done from 1418861, it'll have a screw cap greaser), instead it'll be the 11" heavy duty type.
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