I recently brought an old JCB 3C Mk 111 from a local farmer. It had been stood for a few months since “the engine blew” when he was digging a drain. My problem is that it is in his yard, about 2 twisty miles from my place. As the engine is not working, nor do the power steering & hydraulics.! To move it I only have a little Grey Fergie with a front loader, & at a push I know he has a teleporter I may also be able to employ.
Does anyone have any clever suggestions or tricks? (Would the steering work if I disconnect the steering hydraulics, and can I lift up the front bucket/back actor with my little Fergie, and expect it to stay up on it’s own?)

Mark, May 2009

Mr Toad, thanks to your excellent advice I managed the journey home last night. I wrapped the rams with some old carpet, then bound two 9” lengths of 3x3” angle iron over it around each side. I also made some 1” thick hardwood blocks to sit between the angle iron & the rams, to protect the seal covers. The steering was VERY heavy (and felt “notchy” when I was really heaving it) but it was manageable!
(I would be pleased to email you a picture of my version of your assembly installed & working if you are interested!)

Mark, May 2009

Thank you Guys both for your suggestions.
Nelson, good input but sadly I don't have a suitable dump truck!
Mr Toad, excellent advice.! (& I can cope with all of that). But please can you tell me if the "lifting with the lever in the raise position" approach will also work for lifting one of the stabiliser legs that is down, and the repositioning of the backhoe (to pin it in place for the trip)
The backhoe is folded, but the bucket is resting on the ground at present.
Your attentions were greatly appreciated, and I am feeling much less negative about my purchase now.
Best Regards.

Mark., May 2009

Don't disconnect steering hydraulics. It will steer without power, but pretty heavy. Raise the front bucket by whatever means you have (even with a suitable jack) with the control valve in the raise position. When a suitable height has been reached, releasing the control valve should hold the loader in position if the hydraulics are good. For safety it is advisable to cut two pieces of angle iron, say 3in x 3in. section to fit along the rams piston rods, length to suit, between the ram collar and the eye boss. Pad with rags to prevent scoring the piston rod, and tie them in place. This will prevent the loader sinking once in contact with the angle irons.

Mr. Toad, May 2009

You can use a dump truck. By lifting the dumpster, put loader bucket in it, with chain block & relaesing hydr., put dumpster back, this will lift the machine front wheels. Be sure to secure the machine with chains to the truck. Remove the axle shat to avoid moving hydraulic parts. and don't forget to put a tire in between the machine and truck.
It might not be the perfect way but that's how I moved mine once, a 3CX.
Regards,

Nelson

Nelson Albertsz, Aruba, May 2009