digger for feeding

case 956

hi all on the market for a digger for feeding cattle and general maintenance around farm and house, can anyone suggest a make? I was thinking myself of a 3cx and something under 10k all suggestions and opinions welcome

delaval

Neighbour has a 2 cx, super yoke with back actor. He fills a feeder wagon as well as loading and stacking all his bales.

No idea how much they'd set you back

MFdaveIreland

case 956 wrote: »

hi all on the market for a digger for feeding cattle and general maintenance around farm and house, can anyone suggest a make? I was thinking myself of a 3cx and something under 10k all suggestions and opinions welcome

Seen a ford yoke on donedeal for 6-7 k

Nekarsulm

3cx, case 580, massey 50hx, all good, you won't get a Cat or Volvo or Fiat -Hitachi under 10k. Get 4wd and 4-in-1 bucket.

Timmaay

The terex MF ones I gather are better for yard work, bigger front wheels. I think the backhoe can be removed quite easy on them, if you have low sheds etc. They will be cheaper than an equivalent year 3cx, however they only started making them in the late 90s, so cheapest you'll get one for is around the 15k. Paying less than 10k for a digger is a lottery in my view, fair chance of big enough repair bills on yokes with lots of hours/abuse.

f140

I have a terex 860 2005 (massey version). You might be able to get one of the first 860s for 10k which would be about a 1994? if you could stretch to the budgest to around 14k it would give you a fresher machine. pre 1994 the massey had the 50 hx on offer. 50hx will be about 75hp whereas the 860 is 100hp.


they are just under 13ft with the back actor up full but you can lean the back actor back a bit to get into sheds or else you can just take off the dipper.


I do all the farm work with mine- push up silage, stack bales, load dung/lime etc. couldn't do without the backactor around the yard now and never could go back to a tractor loader because the torque is fierce handy for putting out silage in winter.


heres a few vids of different ones pushing up silage so they are capable enough:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36PCpvYVIEQ


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3q6JgBiC_U


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXwI9ZqGbtY

Rho b

If you have a good concrete yard and are not looking for a 4wd then a MF 50B could suit you. Perkins engine, low maintenance and easy on juice. We got a replacement one 5 years ago in Wexford for 7k. It was an ex UK county council one. Everything was working perfectly including lights, wipers, radio etc with a four way bucket.
It has done so much work since then and to be honest does not owe us a penny.
One of our better buys.

MFdaveIreland

Just out of curiosity folks, I have often weighed up pros and cons of digger like the previously mentioned mf and terex again the likes of jcb loadall type machine for work and feeding, what do use think,

locha

I have a 750 MF. Wouldn't be without it. Bought it as a fresh 5 year old and have been very luck with it since. Find it useful for any number of jobs.. She is also pretty light on juice tipping around the yard. They major drawback I find compared to a 3cx is that you have ZERO room to get at anything in the engine... Even a simple job of changing oil filters is awarkard.

Nekarsulm

MFdaveIreland wrote: »

Just out of curiosity folks, I have often weighed up pros and cons of digger like the previously mentioned mf and terex again the likes of jcb loadall type machine for work and feeding, what do use think,

Well you cannot dig with the telescopic, and you cannot reach as high or as far with the back-hoe. boils down to personal choice and what you think is more important.
Petdonally I think the backhoe is stronger built, being designed for construction indudtry, and if you keep it greased it should last twenty years on a farm, no problem.

3 the square

it was all massey diggers round here for years the 50 hx 50 ex or d 50b were seriously reliable machines a mechanic told me that the new terex were a pile of s%it and stay away all electrics which were always on d blink
any lad have any experience with a newish terex?????

MFdaveIreland

3 the square wrote: »

it was all massey diggers round here for years the 50 hx 50 ex or d 50b were seriously reliable machines a mechanic told me that the new terex were a pile of s%it and stay away all electrics which were always on d blink
any lad have any experience with a newish terex?????

Have experience with the artic steer handlers, biggest pile I've sat in, took over matbro who went bust, can only be a bad sign , I think nc are making very similar handlers to matbro and terex now ,


Regards the durability etc, I would imagine handlers like the jcb side booms would be heavier duty for lifting than diggers , as that's their primary function

MfMan

Nekarsulm wrote: »

3cx, case 580, massey 50hx, all good, you won't get a Cat or Volvo or Fiat -Hitachi under 10k. Get 4wd and 4-in-1 bucket.

What do youse mean by a 4-in-1 bucket?

Nekarsulm

Google "drott, 4 in 1" don't buy a digger without one. seriously usefully. also having one means that you are set up with a third spool valve factory fitted. this is important as many diggers come with mono-block hydraulic valves and it is not easy to add extra levers for shear grabs etc.
In the case of JCB anyway, one with 4 in 1 Will come with an "extradig" back arm. this balances the weight of the front bucket. if it has not the extra dig, it would be considered "off spec" and worth a bit less.

nashmach

Rho b wrote: »

If you have a good concrete yard and are not looking for a 4wd then a MF 50B could suit you. Perkins engine, low maintenance and easy on juice. We got a replacement one 5 years ago in Wexford for 7k. It was an ex UK county council one. Everything was working perfectly including lights, wipers, radio etc with a four way bucket.
It has done so much work since then and to be honest does not owe us a penny.
One of our better buys.

Must be very clean as that is strong money even for back then!

Rho b

nashmach wrote: »

Must be very clean as that is strong money even for back then!

It was clean and as I said even the radio was working on it. Other than general servicing and the odd burst hydraulic pipe we have had no problems with it.

49801

Would fancy a 2cx for feeding.
The all wheel steer little wheels would be very manoeuvrable.

rs8

cxs are great yokes as well as feeding you can clean out a few drains with the back actor!

darragh_haven

Have a 50B here since 1987. Its fed 1500 ton of silage every year since we bought it as a 3 year old off the council.

rs8

darragh_haven wrote: »

Have a 50B here since 1987. Its fed 1500 tin of silage every yearsince we bought it as a 3 year old off the council.

she was worked hard before you got it..........:D

darragh_haven

rs8 wrote: »

she was worked hard before you got it..........:D

Did ya ever see a digger lean on a shovel

Deepsouthwest

rs8 wrote: »

cxs are great yokes as well as feeding you can clean out a few drains with the back actor!

Anything jcb is generally a good machine, and priced fairly right as well. Have an articulated Sanderson here for the last fee yrs, and def won't be buying another one. Driving a jcb 520 50 recently and couldn't get over its capabilities for such a small machine

Sunderz95

We bought a 1989 3cx for under 10 grand, perfect machine for all jobs just need a quickhitch for de sheargrab!

moy83

I must throw up a pic of the yoke we have cutting out the silage , I have no idea of the age but its old . An international 4343 loader . I made a good few pits with it too in my teenage years , the tank of juice lasts yonks .

MfMan

Deepsouthwest wrote: »

Anything jcb is generally a good machine, and priced fairly right as well. Have an articulated Sanderson here for the last fee yrs, and def won't be buying another one. Driving a jcb 520 50 recently and couldn't get over its capabilities for such a small machine

Anyone ever drive it's smaller brother the 520 40? Was often wondering how it would compare to a skid steer, particularly for tight maneuvers. More lifting power I'd imagine.

MFdaveIreland

Yea lads get the pics up! , the side boom jcbs look handy machines , or even four wheel steer loaders

Nekarsulm

My yoke with the 4in1 bucket. The neighbours 50b torque.

Nekarsulm

Didn't load last try...............

stop thelights

Nekarsulm wrote: »

Didn't load last try...............

Are you missing the exhaust on it? If so go away and throw one on cause the digger will be breathing in the smoke meaning she'll burn more diesel because of the blocked air filter!

Maybe you have but I can't see it in the photo :-)

Nekarsulm

The upright is there, but not the straight stainless extension stack.Hidden behind the loader arm.

MFdaveIreland

Nekarsulm wrote: »

Didn't load last try...............

Nice machine, does she handle big McHale bales ok

Nekarsulm

yeah, she Will lift two at a time if you grab them right. Pull off the plastic and net and she Will shake them to pieces with a couple of shakes. Child's play to her.

MFdaveIreland

Nekarsulm wrote: »

yeah, she Will lift two at a time if you grab them right. Pull off the plastic and net and she Will shake them to pieces with a couple of shakes. Child's play to her.

Fair play, must be for for over two tonne then, is it mf,

Nekarsulm

3cx sitemaster. 1989.

Nekarsulm

moy83 wrote: »

I must throw up a pic of the yoke we have cutting out the silage , I have no idea of the age but its old . An international 4343 loader . I made a good few pits with it too in my teenage years , the tank of juice lasts yonks .

The 3414 was introduced in 1961, built on the UK model B-414 tractor. Has your one the instant-reverse transmission and torque converter?

Nekarsulm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnTA52Hy6xM

Video for fans of Heavy Metal................

That's a hardy buck at 3 minutes. No roll protection, just a Stetson hat!

moy83

Nekarsulm wrote: »

The 3414 was introduced in 1961, built on the UK model B-414 tractor. Has your one the instant-reverse transmission and torque converter?

This one is a 3434 I think , there is just a shuttle that you need clutch to use . It is like the industrial version of a 434 tractor .

yellow50HX

Have a 50 hx here wouldn't be without it. Most used yoke here. Makes a massive difference when doing loader work it, lifting and handling heavy chopped silage bales. Makes spreading fertilzer very easy too as I can use the big bags. There is always a bit of work that the back actor will do too.

The 3cx was my 1st choice but the massey was cheaper and also lighter and smaller which was important for me as I have tight sheds and yard.

Get a 4wd (don't listen to anyone that says a 2wd will do they are talking rubbish). Get one with a quick attach and a 4 in 1 bucket if you can. Also the turning posts with the hydraulic rams are better then hydraulic motors. The extra length back actors are very good but check the heights when in full lift position.

They take a bit of getting used to when driving around due to back actor.

Would defo get an other one and will do when my lovely yellow, rusty rough looking baby finally has to me retired.

If you have the room in the sheds then get one.

Zr105

yellow50HX wrote: »

Have a 50 hx here wouldn't be without it. Most used yoke here. Makes a massive difference when doing loader work it, lifting and handling heavy chopped silage bales. Makes spreading fertilzer very easy too as I can use the big bags. There is always a bit of work that the back actor will do too.

The 3cx was my 1st choice but the massey was cheaper and also lighter and smaller which was important for me as I have tight sheds and yard.

Get a 4wd (don't listen to anyone that says a 2wd will do they are talking rubbish). Get one with a quick attach and a 4 in 1 bucket if you can. Also the turning posts with the hydraulic rams are better then hydraulic motors. The extra length back actors are very good but check the heights when in full lift position.

They take a bit of getting used to when driving around due to back actor.

Would defo get an other one and will do when my lovely yellow, rusty rough looking baby finally has to me retired.

If you have the room in the sheds then get one.

Would definitly agree on 4wd, a hx with 4in1 up front and 3ft digging bucket at the back tips the scales around 7ton believe it or not, its a heavy lump of metal to be dragging through wet fields...

If you do get one definitly definitly get a quick attach up front.... Dont be arsing about with pins, it makes changing bucket a half day job by the time you get them all lined up and in.
Not to mention the massive safety issue, it's quite easy get a finger caught in the wrong place at that crack...

Didnt have a rear quick hitch on ours for years but got a manual one a few year ago and wouldn't be without, makes it easy to drop off the bucket so your not lugging weight about, also think its easier on arm when doing lots of loader work.

Oh and the height at top of rear arm when fully up is the same wether its a standard dipper or extra dig(the extendable) arm, but you can drop it down to the same level as the cab before it hits the ground!

MFdaveIreland

yellow50HX wrote: »

Have a 50 hx here wouldn't be without it. Most used yoke here. Makes a massive difference when doing loader work it, lifting and handling heavy chopped silage bales. Makes spreading fertilzer very easy too as I can use the big bags. There is always a bit of work that the back actor will do too.o

The 3cx was my 1st choice but the massey was cheaper and also lighter and smaller which was important for me as I have tight sheds and yard.

Get a 4wd (don't listen to anyone that says a 2wd will do they are talking rubbish). Get one with a quick attach and a 4 in 1 bucket if you can. Also the turning posts with the hydraulic rams are better then hydraulic motors. The extra length back actors are very good but check the heights when in full lift position.

They take a bit of getting used to when driving around due to back actor.

Would defo get an other one and will do when my lovely yellow, rusty rough looking baby finally has to me retired.

If you have the room in the sheds then get one.

Have u any pics of the hx , and is easy on diesel and manoeuvrability?

foxy farmer

I've an 88 50hx since jan 98. Best £13k I ever spent. 4in 1bucket, standard backactor(11ft) low cab (getting shook),4wd QA. Loads of homemade attachments. Got the engine done 3 years ago. Uprated to same spec as 4.248 engine. Boy can she climb a pit now. Cost around €3500. Well worth it. Slew rams definitely better. Cant dig a straight trench with mine as slew motor gone sloppy.

simx

Anyone have a 860 fermec? Think they are a lovely digger. Hold they're value well, would love one some day if the bank manager allowed

yellow50HX

MFdaveIreland wrote: »

Have u any pics of the hx , and is easy on diesel and manoeuvrability?

No pics, she is a bit shook looking, the cabs aren't great but under neath everything is good. Yeah she is good on juice but it all depends on how you are using them. For normal use she will look after the tank well. As they have a thordue converter they aren't great for road work, but around the yard or in the field it's great. Manoeuvrability is very good, they are based around the mid sized tractors just with a bigger heavier loader and an arm and jacks on the back. They take a bit getting used to.

biddy2013

yellow50HX wrote: »

Have a 50 hx here wouldn't be without it. Most used yoke here. Makes a massive difference when doing loader work it, lifting and handling heavy chopped silage bales. Makes spreading fertilzer very easy too as I can use the big bags. There is always a bit of work that the back actor will do too.

The 3cx was my 1st choice but the massey was cheaper and also lighter and smaller which was important for me as I have tight sheds and yard.

Get a 4wd (don't listen to anyone that says a 2wd will do they are talking rubbish). Get one with a quick attach and a 4 in 1 bucket if you can. Also the turning posts with the hydraulic rams are better then hydraulic motors. The extra length back actors are very good but check the heights when in full lift position.

They take a bit of getting used to when driving around due to back actor.

Would defo get an other one and will do when my lovely yellow, rusty rough looking baby finally has to me retired.

If you have the room in the sheds then get one.

hada 50hx, was grand but extremely slow on the road- just bear it in my if it will be on the road- have a 3cx now happy enough with it

3 the square

what does a chap look to buy when changing his 25 year old massey 50 loader?? don't want a back actor or a tele porter a newer version of what I have would be ideal
only thing I can see is d jcb 406 or 409 bit price ie new at round d 70k mark
something around d 2010 wood be as far as id go

moy83

3 the square wrote: »

what does a chap look to buy when changing his 25 year old massey 50 loader?? don't want a back actor or a tele porter a newer version of what I have would be ideal
only thing I can see is d jcb 406 or 409 bit price ie new at round d 70k mark
something around d 2010 wood be as far as id go

What about a jcb 2cx ? Small wheels for road work I think but alot of them have a compresser on the back thats handy

f140

3 the square wrote: »

what does a chap look to buy when changing his 25 year old massey 50 loader?? don't want a back actor or a tele porter a newer version of what I have would be ideal
only thing I can see is d jcb 406 or 409 bit price ie new at round d 70k mark
something around d 2010 wood be as far as id go

dealers such as mp Crowley cork who sell the massey diggers (terex) will take off the backactor off a digger so you just have the loader if you want to stick with the same make machine. it makes it cheaper buying without the back actor.

3 the square

f140 wrote: »

dealers such as mp Crowley cork who sell the massey diggers (terex) will take off the backactor off a digger so you just have the loader if you want to stick with the same make machine. it makes it cheaper buying without the back actor.

some lad on ere said to avoid d new ish terex like d plague

3 the square

moy83 wrote: »

What about a jcb 2cx ? Small wheels for road work I think but alot of them have a compresser on the back thats handy

they are a nice machine but they don't go on land or so I hear handy to a loader that can move a water trough or put few loads of stone around a gate or suctter ie water trough
have a grand electric compresser al ready

Nekarsulm

Why not look at the Massey 50EX? Cousin has one and its very good. 4wd and electric shuttle, his came with good fat tyres and its well able to push silage up the pit etc.

3 the square

Nekarsulm wrote: »

Why not look at the Massey 50EX? Cousin has one and its very good. 4wd and electric shuttle, his came with good fat tyres and its well able to push silage up the pit etc.

id buy a massey 50 loader in d morning they are all 20 year old + now days
looking for some thing 2 or 3 years old and il have it for d rest of my days:D