LGP Eddie

Just a few shots of my mates new Komatsu setup. It's the first of the new dash 5 versions in the UK and it really is a seriously nice piece of kit. It has many improvements over the previous version and I can honestly say it's a real shame Komatsu never push them as it'll go up against anything out there in this class. They are well worth a look. It's been fitted with the full Engcon Ec204 setup on S40 size hitch, and the grab seen here is just on loan from Engcon, as I'm certain he's going to end up with an Intermercato on it. Plenty on here would make good use of that setup, the killer in this size is transport, he runs a 14 tonne hookloader which is perfect for it. Eddie.

I'd just go for a pump/tank setup and battery like an Ifor Williams trailer. You can get these remarkably cheaply now, and the simple fact is you can tip it regardless of what it's hitched to. Decent leisure battery and you'll get plenty of tips before even thinking of a charge. Remote fob kits are available to make this operable from the machine or 4x4 seat. https://www.flowfitonline.com/hydraulic-power-units/single-acting/flowfit-12vdc-single-acting-hydraulic-power-pack-with-45l-tank-zz003468?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_Jmu06fw1AIVpp3tCh1yVgI2EAQYASABEgLlJfD_BwE WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL IFOR WILLIAMS TIPPER TRAILER TT85 TT105 TT126 | eBay Eddie.

If that's what you need I think they're a great bit of kit.👍 Gregor McArthur has done some, there was one on a CAT308 if I remember correctly at the APF a few years back. Best thing is the flow and pressure they will accommodate through them, so obviously ideal for power hungry Mulcher's and Stump grinders etc. From seeing them first hand I think the quality is without question. I'd say if combined with an Oil Quick hitch setup it could be a real contender against conventional Tiltrotator setups in some applications. The shaped bucket they make is fantastic, and one of those under a Tiltrotator would be pretty special.👍😎 Eddie.

It's the sides of the main body that actually seem to need it most, but what you've done there is exactly what I'd do in conjunction with it too. Tidy job.👍 Eddie.

Just logged on thanks. Eddie.

Just by coincidence I put a request on here for a suitable site to do a bit of a demo on my machines, just a bit further down the page. It may be of interest and no issues providing a big chipper. Eddie.

I should hopefully have my Liebherr machine returning from the Arson attack repairs, along with a new reduced tailswing Kobelco unit very shortly. I'm looking for a suitable site to demonstrate both together if possible, gain a bit of footage etc, and if someone has a suitable site or project that will stand a bit of messing about or wants to showcase a big chipper or whatever alongside then please don't hesitate to give me a call. Obviously we're talking a couple of 30 tonne plus machines with large shears etc here, so it'll need to have suitable access and enough to turn them out for, but I'm certain that I'll be able to make it more than worthwhile if anyone has something suitable. Can be hard surface or roadside as both have rubber pads. I'm based in North Staffordshire close to the A50, so up or down the M1 or M6 for an hour or so from there will be no issue. Many Thanks Eddie. 07973 729424

Roller on the left joystick controls the direction of rotate proportionally, and a roller on the right joystick controls the direction of tilt proportionally. These are operated by thumbs and vitally important that from your first moment in the seat you learn to position your thumb in the centre and roll, not flick at them. To be able to Tilt/Rotate and Grab simultaneously, I have the grab set onto buttons operated by the first fingers of each hand on the sides of the Joysticks. These obviously aren't proportional, but you do get very good control. Should a situation dictate a very delicate touch the system allows you to put the grab onto another roller to make the delicate movements proportionally if required. The Joysticks I use are SVAB L8, you can have so many options and different types of buttons it's a really nice system. Best I have is the tracking on the Joysticks instead of having to use the pedals of levers. SVAB Grip L8 - multifunction joystick grip handle - For machines | SVAB Eddie.

Molson, mainly dealing with Bristol to be honest, but once it arrives Warrington will be my closest. Eddie.

Just got to get one on the back of that Kobelco now Stephen! Eddie.

More and more machines with Twin dual acting auxiliary circuits as the demands of attachments for more circuits increases. Failing that a diverter valve on the boom offset circuit can provide a simple option to give the required 'rotate' pipework. Companies like Summit Equipment can do kits to fit additional circuits to machines that don't currently have them, and many dealers use them. Eddie.

I'm currently looking at ripper tooth options for the Kobelco unit and it'll probably end up something bespoke from BMC Buckets or Northerntrack who do the Stump Raptor tooth, which looks a good bit of kit. They can make pretty much anything and are very respected in the demolition industry. RSL advertise a pretty savage looking thing on e bay, and again they will build you anything you like I'd expect. Interestingly whilst on the RSL site, they have a range of what seem pretty cost effective worm drive rotators advertised? May be ideal for anyone doing their own fixed grab project? Eddie.

We can all be guilty at time of nailing our colours to a mast and go in a bit rose tinted when it comes to machines. In this instance the JCB genuinely surprised me when I originally tried the 86c, and after John Craig who never really comments on carrier machines, after installing Engcon on just about every known brand said you simply have to try their 6 tonner, something was changing? Fast forward a bit, and some respected Owner Operators are taking them now, plus pushing them on in spec with Tiltrotators and attachments. They are certainly gaining momentum, and that can only help residual values. The main factor in this deal is I was able to spec all the options direct from the factory, longer dipper, auxiliary pipework circuits, case drain, blade float, front and top certified guards, led lighting package, chaff guards, travel alarm, strobes, hydraulic quick hitch, etc etc. Nothing was purchased that had to be removed or altered by the supplying dealer, and I think the only job they have is bolting the rubber blocks onto the steel tracks and two side led's. This route of not purchasing a machine that is simply Plant Hire spec and requires a lot of dealer input or third party, like my Kobelco unit, provided a saving of nearly 3k over the two rivals he had pricing, and no warranty arguments that someone else has been messing here? Yet to arrive and will have to prove itself, but it's certainly turned some heads in the purchasing stage. Eddie.

Interesting one for you, very good mate required a zero tail 8 tonner for a specific application, knows his stuff, but asked my opinion. The reaction when I said go and see the new JCB 85z was less than favourable, but when I added I'd buy one, he was clearly puzzled? This guy doesn't mess about, and a few hours later a call from the actual JCB dealers yard, after he's been all over one, with a pretty stunned reaction! Another call, his mate is Takeuchi like a stick of rock, I mean literally every size from micro to 14 tonner, no way JCB, junk, split them in half to do a hose, all the usual, and not without substance of the older range. Take him the factory with you was my reply, I'm saying nothing more on the subject, you're a good mate and I won't influence you. Factory visit with mr Takeuchi who literally threw everything he had at it, took one for a test and blurts out in the car back, I'm stunned by that, it's nothing like anything that's gone before! Fast forward I end up involved to do the final spec, and this is always the nice bit, but the difference apart from a couple of extra lights, absolutely everything is factory fitted, with nothing bought that isn't required, no third party involved and full three years warranty on the lot. Ordered yesterday and about 6 weeks due to all the spec before delivery. Just nice sometimes to credit a machine for what it is, and anyone who knows their kit will see a huge difference in the JCB compact stuff. They haven't done all the range but the 8 and 6 tonners are turning some respected heads now. Eddie.

Thanks, from the amount in the yard getting prepped I think it's safe to say the true blue Kobelco's may be here to stay this time. Eddie.

I assume you're not thinking of towing either of them? If you have a truck, try the latest dash 5 Komatsu Pc30 just out. Zero tail, but it may just surprise you. Eddie.

Called to see progress on my new Kobelco unit today, and it's going to be some beast! The Heavy lift 1.4 tonne counterweight is on, 800mm track pads, with an unusual 100mm inward offset to keep transport width down, and rubber block pads. Guards have been replaced with thicker items, extra track guides etc. This unit has a full Prolec envelope monitor system that will allow me to programme in limits for slew/height when working on highways etc. Packing in a good 30 tonne now we estimate in the base carrier, it should more than boss the job. Lighting package, guarding etc to go on yet, but should be with me early next week to get started on the Engcon and attachments. Eddie.

I had it on an 8 tonne excavator and would take something like Birch up to around 14" on a regular basis, and I mean flush to the ground. An excavator base obviously allows such abuse, I make no excuses, but it's very easy to get sucked into, well it's just done that one, lets try this! I honestly had great success with the Osma, only had one shaft balance and a couple of flails in the time I had it. I think you'll have no issues at all. Eddie.

I use Engcon, so obviously I just mention what I have. It's a whole subject in itself, and no there really aren't any bad ones, and there's a lot more than three out there. Cost is the tricky one, as this is where you can be literally undersold a solution to gain a deal, leaving the purchaser with limited options when it comes to utilising other solutions the Tiltrotator may bring in future. My advice to anyone is speak to users to find out what your requirements may be, and even go and see a user with a similar setup. Compare your quotes with a fine tooth comb! The control system is the big one, if missed off and using the machine circuits, it's night and day in terms of cost and future expansion. If anyone tells you one unit is stronger than the other, simply tell them there's no skip of broken units of any colour anywhere! I stunned a rep recently when I said I can generally write a reasoned argument what to fit any of the main colours of Tiltrotator, but only when I've spoke to someone at length can I ascertain what they presently do and what they possibly hope to achieve can I actually recommend one, and no it won't always be Engcon. The worm drive rotator needs much investigation I think? Eddie.

Sorry sold through Arbtrader. Eddie.

The fixed mount grab with rotator just puts you on another level in comparison. Downside is cost and getting the right rotator. Some of the hose setups you witness are heartbreaking too, it's really not that difficult to get things the right length and routed tidy, it saves a huge amount of downtime. Eddie.

Should work, just wanted to add this was my first ever excavator flail and a great bit of kit it turned out to be. Only issues I ever had were due to being too greedy with it, operating it probably three times above its rated capacity at times, but even that only cost me a balance on the shaft which wasn't too bad. Exac-One supported it very well. Must be some on here running or hiring Avant/Flail setups that can help you more. Eddie.

I suppose I'm just used to the Tiltrotator, it's heavy duty enough for anything you throw at it, and I've thrown some stuff at them over the years now. I can't see why properly specced a good worm drive setup won't stand the pace, it's the trade off between cost against more traditional rotators I assume that doesn't see them as popular. You're never far from an Intermercato setup and I suppose my main point is why no challengers out there as such to them? It's what I'll be purchasing alongside my current Engcon Selector Grab, and despite a trip to Elmia, nothing shouted out as being a contender in this sector. Eddie.

If you actually want a Selector Grab then the Kinshoffer HPX 09 can't really be beaten on an 8 tonner. Unbelievably strong grabs with great holding power. If you want it for timber or brash then undoubtedly the Intermercato Tiger Grip setup. As for a worm drive rotator from them, it would be interesting to see the cost because the majority don't seem to take them. I sadly have a need for the Engcon Selector type, you'd be surprised just how much digging I use the grab for, but an Intermercato Tiger Grip too. When you get to the larger sizes it's scary money and that's with no rotator! Eddie.

It's just different techniques to use a Selector grab for the job. I work with a lot of guys and the ones used to simply grabbing at with a timber grab and closing it tight are usually lost with how to most effectively use something like a Selector grab which although not perfect can bring other benefits. I've seen the Pro Dem and that's a nice setup, but the rotate won't hold solid like a worm setup. I think there's still more to come in the market. Eddie.