The Classic Machinery Network

Hello again
Just a few Priestmans from the "orange era" Ihavent got many.
At this time we had three 108s and a 168. two 120s and a 220.
The 220was a 1973 machine, it had a Perkins V8 engine, servo controls and a2.25 yard bucket. It had an unbeleivable lifting effort close in of 17 tons.
The 168 had automatic track tensioning from the pumps thy tensioned up as soon as the engine was started.
The crane in the Photos. is a Smith 40/50 I hired from Bill Davies for the job,(I can't remember how long the stick was) but it handled the 12 ton concrete units at max. reach no problem.

Fred

Excellent pictures there Fred! And Shawnee Pooles too!!

Thanks for posting.

Dave. S.

Can I say thanks for bringing back some childhood memories please. It was circa 1979, A. Lilley and Co. of Wellingborough, who were working in my home town, installing a flood relief scheme, that got me hooked on machines. They had 3 Priestman 108's on the job, looking now, it was one hell of an excavation. Apart few a few points where the size of the culvert can be appreciated, there's no evidence of what went on. Lilley also had a JCB 3C and a Cat 943, the first rear engine model I saw, and RB & NCK Rapier cranes lifting the box culvert sections. Only wish I had a camera back then.

The last picture made me do a double take, looks uncannily like where the twin culverts emerge from under the town centre, with the old swimming baths in the background. There was also a large foul sewer laid, running parallel with the existing I think. This would have increased the capacity of the towns drainage, in preparation for the massive development that has taken place since.

Seems a shame that Priestman were allowed to fold, along with Hymac, Rover and so many great British industries, while the government of the day sat back and let it happen....

Excellent Photos Fred
I have to say the only experience in Priestman kit is in doing these

I know Ovendens had a couple of 109's and Brown and Mason had a couple of 120's with peckers attached to them permanent like, but i have never operated one as every company in the East Kent area had either Poclains or Hymacs

Martyn

Dave S is right they are brilliant pictures ! ajoy to see . I dont suppose you have any of 168 only seen phamplet of one, I thought they were like hens teeth . The mid two of 220 really are my favorite full marks

the wizard wrote:Dave S is right they are brilliant pictures ! ajoy to see . I dont suppose you have any of 168 only seen phamplet of one, I thought they were like hens teeth . The mid two of 220 really are my favorite full marks

Hi Dave
Can't find any photos of my 168 at present, but heres one of a hens tooth I looked at buying.

Fred.

Don't thimk I've ever saw one of those in my life

Hello
Heres one I painted yellow, found these photos. of another of my old Priestmans it's a Mark 2 108S.
Fred

Interesting photos, thanks for sharing them

They had some very modern features for their time Fred.