Poclain spotted in Wales is “well tidy” (Blog Post Re-Visited)

by Nick Drew | Fri 20 Jul 2018

Poclain spotted in Wales is “well tidy” (Blog Post Re-Visited)

Taking a look back at a blog post from 2016 when following a visit to see Jim and Dean Davies restored Hymac 580C, a short drive down the road I came across this unidentified Case-Poclain machine. The model of this extremely tidy Case-Poclain excavator remains a bit of a mystery as there were no model number stickers to be found on here and the ID plate was missing too, but according to my friends at our local Case dealership M&M Plant Sales they suspect it could be an early 61 model. If it had a 4 cylinder engine fitted this would confirm that, but I was not in a position to go climbing up on the machine on the day of my visit.

The other train of thought is that it could be a 688 model but I suspect further investigation is required to confirm this. The Poclain 61CK and its wheeled variant the 61P were first launched in 1985, and a year later the familiar red and grey colours were replaced with the tan and brown Case-Poclain livery that we see on this model. During the next couple of years, these machines were further developed and went on to become the Case 88 series of machines. Most of these machines were built at the famous Poclain factory in Crepy-en-Valoise outside of Paris. The Poclain name eventually disappeared forever in 1999, when all machines started to be branded as Case.

Although this example is left outside and exposed to the elements it is still in very good condition and as far as I know it is still in full working order. I did however spot the inevitable hydraulic oil leak that Poclain excavators were infamous for.

These machines were hardly the most pleasing on the eye with the very angular look to them and I always thought the counterweight looked like it had not been finished off properly with the bottom corners missing, but they were well liked back in the day and despite the leaks were generally a good tool.

It’s nice to know that this example will be staying put and not going to be cut up for scrap anytime soon.

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Poclain spotted in Wales is “well tidy” (Blog Post Re-Visited)

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