Help identifying a JCB 3C or 3CS, 196x

[CW3000_SE]

Just bought a JCB and a bit curious about the model and year as I can’t figure it out myself. From the backhoe plates it looks like a 3C but the serial numbers stamped into the frame it might be a 3CS... Could be that the backhoe was mounted afterwards?

I’m thinking it is a 1964-1966 as there is a side door and the the white/rusty cab was repainted, originally yellow. The dashboard doesn’t match the manuals here either I think.

The following numbers, codes and serial numbers can be found on the machine, unfortunately I can’t find the regular metal plate with serial / vin in the cab.

In front of the rear wheel, right hand side
CS592B
L7 486 3
B11/3

Behind the front bucket, both sides
B11/3
CS592B
L7 474 L2

Backhoe
EM7-408-13 ?
CS 592 B
B11/3

Front, frame for bucket, left side
12 U 64
V

Engine, fuel pump:
Simms
SPE4A70S380 (I think)


Engine block, under manifold, above/right of alternator:
(\)K26 (\)
3

E60EBF07-1E1D-4A8D-B046-F6AF043A3739.jpeg

Engine block, right hand side
23, both numbers rotated counter clockwise, or 2M with just the 2 rotated...

F3958678-22F2-4012-AA08-502B80560571.jpeg

Gearbox, round cover underneath
E1ADDN-K-700

A4BAA56C-0EB4-4AF5-94CA-158011978EB0.jpeg

Plate on hydraulic valves controlling bucket
V1107DD1V
HY40/57/177

Ram stick
560/03503

Steering below column:
4B ?
AG4A eller AC4A ?
<BIRMIA> eller <BIRMAI> ?
S - 1 - 53 ?

Anyone able to understand what model and year it is?

B9328B34-6230-4CC7-9FFC-0EC47EEDB4E7.jpeg

BC5BCD6E-450F-4BB1-B37F-93AA88CE86B5.jpeg

87A94E2B-7F89-4EB2-B471-D12EF0D89344.jpeg

83F3E732-D416-471A-9694-B5D5FAC3EBB8.jpeg

A9D678A5-2437-4776-9AD6-0037C6C2161B.jpeg

55032F21-C323-4384-B0F4-4EEAA0AF4CD4.jpeg

B9BDDFF9-025B-446F-9A06-A92575984DF7.jpeg

Edit: added new numbers and serials found

[essexpete]

Fordson super major skid underneath. The Major ceased production sometime in 1964. Subsequent JCB machines were Nuffield based. I could not see the slew pots in the photos. I assume they are near the top of the King post?
The Major engine number can be found on a machined part of the block near the injector pump. I think your engine is a bit older. You can find casting date codes on the skid usually comprising 4 digits. The following is useful.
As an aside we had a similar engine in an old Weatherill with the decompressor lever. We regularly used the lever with old batteries but have since learnt you run the risk of bending push rods.

https://www.selen.nu/cgi-bin/trnr.pl?lang=en

[essexpete]

Simms BTW is the make of fuel pump. The last Fordson Super Majors had Minimec pumps.

[Jeremy Rowland]

Hi Christian and welcome

Jeremy

[CW3000_SE]

Hi, many thanks essexpete and Jeremy! Assuming that ‘slew pots’ are the joints for the backhoe or the swivel joints for the hydraulics to the backhoe, I added three pics that might help? I’ll have a look for that serial number later today!

E47335B9-F7BE-4D85-A2E7-B3998B6E3F44.jpeg

3A6CB8FC-CE96-4CEA-84D8-8500F3901E88.jpeg

2AD57B18-EC03-435F-A898-29C7B93E7775.jpeg

[essexpete]

I think you have an early 3C from perhaps 1962 to 64 with an older engine fitted. Someone with more JCB knowledge will know. Assuming that the gearbox is original, you will find a date casting code near the gear box level plug and clutch lever pivots on the nearside bell house.

[CW3000_SE]

I’m thinking the cab door wasn’t introduced until 1964 but it might of course have been replaced as well...

[Jeremy Rowland]

I think Pete may be correct it's more than likely an early JCB 3C; it is not a 3 as that had rear cab entry but there are better JCB experts on here who will be able to confirm this or inform otherwise.

Jeremy

[CW3000_SE]

I agree it’s most likely not a 3 looking at the cab and the high support legs. I would also guess an early 3C. Couldn’t find any serials yesterday I’m afraid, will give it another try later on.

Looking at the main issues with it right now:
1. The backhoe dipper cylinder is leaking hydraulic oil and needs repacking, does anyone know if the cylinder seal kit is the same as for 3 and/or for later 3C marks Like 3C mk2 or mk3?
2. Brakes are weak, again, would the brakes set up and spares be the same as for the 3 and/or later 3CS marks?
3. Power steering not working, will try to simply pour some power steering fluid into the system and see if that is the problem. Any idea what kind to use?

Many thanks!

[Jeremy Rowland]

Not sure about the seal kits but any decent hydraulics/drives supplier should be able to provide a seal kit.

Jeremy