The M.J. Smith collection of classic plant (Part Two)

Sun 08 Dec 2013

The M.J. Smith collection of classic plant (Part Two)

There cannot be many collectors of classic plant who do not own, or at least want to own, an iconic Caterpillar tracked type tractor. Mike Smith actually owns two, one of them being a D4, which was under wraps in a shed and the other being the most popular small Cat tractor for collectors, the D2. These glorious little machines were first introduced in 1938 and were primarily aimed at the agricultural sector. Production ran right through to 1957, during which time an estimated 26,454 were manufactured. This example was given to Mike as a spectacular surprise birthday present from his family in the past! It would be great to know just how many of these little machines are still in existence around the world to this day.

Next stop on my tour was to look at another icon, in the form of a British classic, the JCB 3Cmk II. This model dated from around 1972/73, has a special place in my heart, as it was on these very machines that I cut my teeth as a youngster, whilst going to work with my late father who was a self-confessed JCB fanatic!

This particular example, which is equipped with JCB’s 6 in 1 front bucket, is not in bad condition considering its age. It is however showing signs of the usual “cab rot”, that has always been a problem with these ageing machines. But once again a machine that could be brought back to showroom condition with time, effort and a fair amount of cash one suspects!

After a short stroll reminiscing about my time on the old JCB’s, we arrived at the Smith family’s lake, where another British classic awaited our inspection. I was delighted to see a Priestman Cub sitting serenely by the water’s edge, where these days it spends its time as the mounting for a suspended seat. The “Cub” was developed from the old Priestman No.5 model, way back in 1932 and continued in production until 1973, before being discontinued as more and more contractors went down the hydraulic excavator route.

This machine still has its original clamshell grab and dragline bucket, which are presented around the machine in its display position. The Cub was also available in various other guises over the years including skimmers, backhoes, and face shovel options. The Cub was the first in a long line of Priestman machines to carry a wild animal’s name. Others in the rope operated series included the Tiger, Wolf, Lion, Panther, Bison and Otter.

Of course the Cub went on to be the foundation block for the Beaver in 1965, that featured fully hydraulic upper workings, one of which I discovered in Devon some years ago as seen here.

Finally Mike took me back up to the yard area to see the old workhorse on the premises. Another British name from the past, that like so many has sadly disappeared from our sites. Back in the 1970’s and 80’s Sanderson machines were a regular sight on building jobs around the UK, with rigid mast forklifts, like the SB55TC and SB70TC models and then early forerunners in the telescopic handler market with this 247 TS model.

This machine, which is once again based on a Ford tractor unit, has been giving some problems in recent years according to Mike’s wife Dawn, who, much to our amusement, it has to be said, was less then complimentary about the ageing telehandler! But back in its day, the 247 TS was a cutting edge piece of kit, with only the Liner Giraffe and the JCB 520 as its direct competition. I would like to thank the Smith family for their kind invitation to take a look at their collection, and for taking the time to show me around them.

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