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Digging deep into construction machinery news

Sun 24 Aug 2014

Classic JCB 7 still going in Sweden

This 1967 JCB 7 is one of a number of classic machines owned by Maria’s father Bengt Nordin, at their property in Dalarna, which is a popular area for tourists and holidaymakers in Sweden. Bengt has owned the machine since 2007. He has very little history on the machine, but tells us that it has had its original Ford engine replaced by a Volvo motor at some point in its life. Originally developed in 1964 the JCB 7 went into full production early in 1965 and was the company’s first attempt at a 360 degree model. The machine was powered by a six cylinder Ford 590E engine, which offered a power output of 96hp @2,250rpm. The machine was based on the Warner & Swasey Hopto 360 degree American designed hydraulic excavator and was a 12 tonne class machine which offered a maximum dig depth of 16' 9". A look inside the cab reveals just how basic machines were back in those days, no doubt the machine had a good heater in there though, especially as it was one for the Scandinavian market, which were usually higher spec than UK market models. This classic old British machine is often worked at what Maria describes as the biggest machinery fun sandpit in Sweden. Owned by classic plant enthusiast Kalle Eriksson, Kalle’s Big Playground in the town of Borlange is home to a wide selection of machinery classics from the likes of Akerman, Cat, Deutz and Volvo to name a few. Here is a video clip of the action at a rather wet looking Kalle’s Big Playground! [youtube width="725" height="344"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4kNutWOm_A[/youtube] We thank Maria and her father Bengt, for sharing their photos with us on the Digger Man Blog.      

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