I have had a fantastic response to my Hymac memories post here on the Digger blog so I thought that I would write a bit about that other great British excavator manufacturer which is also sadly no more Priestman Brothers of Hull.
The company was first established amazingly in 1873 and their early products were winches and grabs.
One of their first excavators was designed in 1920 it was a wheel mounted ditching grab which was towed & powered by a crawler tractor, the No 1 Grab Ditcher was first produced in 1921.
That was the start of a very successful company who went on to produce many different models of excavators including cable style machines like the Tiger, Wolf, Lion, etc through to the early 1960s when they marketed Yumbo Hydraulic machines like the Y35 & Y45.
They developed their own partly hydraulic hydro Cub in 1963 and then in 1965 the fully hydraulic Cub based Beaver like this old model I found on a Devon farm recently.
.
In 1967 the highly successful Mustang range was introduced starting with the Wheeled Mustang 90 over the the following 20 years the range consisted of nine different models.
I have very fond memories of the Mustang range personally, when I was 13 years old I used to spend time on a site in Southampton on a Mustang 220 like the one in this photo courtesy of Jeremy Rowland
The 220 I used to operate as a lad was owned by Oldham based Queghan Construction on a deep sewer line job through parkland just down the road from our house, the lads were all travelling men staying in caravans and I used to get their shopping in return for the odd hour on the machine. Great experience for me but of course in todays PC world it would never happen!
Later on in my early years of operating machines for Wimpeys I spent time on a 1979 Mustang 108S similar to the one in the photo below which I thought was a fantastic machine.
The machine in the photo above has been fully restored by Irish company CJM.
In the mid nineties a range of four mini excavators were offered built by Takeuchi of Japan they were marketed as Mini-Mustangs.
In 1987 Priestman were bought by the Sanderson group and three new Mustangs were offered the 2-12, 2-15, & 2-18 models.
Sadly the company was closed in 1990, another great British company gone to the wall.
I always thought from an operators perspective that the Priestman machines were far superior to those offered by Hymac but for some reason they always seemed to stay in Hymacs shadow?
If any readers have Priestman material to share with us please drop me a line.
Comments (32)
the priestman vc 'draghoe' excavators are pretty unique. know of any working in the uk?
Posted by paul | April 29, 2009 12:12 PM
Posted on April 29, 2009 12:12
Yes Paul,
There are still some VC's working in the UK, and I know of one that is up at the Vintage excavator trust in Cumbria.
Posted by Nick Drew
|
April 29, 2009 7:52 PM
Posted on April 29, 2009 19:52
I had the pleasure to serve my apprenticeship at Priestmans between 1960 to 1965 as a mechanical fitter, becoming a service engineer and later a design draughtsman for the company.
I worked as a design draughtsman until being made redundant in September 1972.
If I can be of any assistance in developing your interest in the company please revert.
Bob Morgan.
Posted by Bob Morgan | May 26, 2009 12:57 AM
Posted on May 26, 2009 00:57
What be came of International Yumbo ???.
kv Páll Jónsson
Iceland.
Posted by Páll Jonsson | May 29, 2009 3:10 AM
Posted on May 29, 2009 03:10
looking for a hydraulic control block for Priestman 120 machine in use but Block need replaced anyone know where i could get this block
could this block be repaired
Posted by Paul gilmore | June 6, 2009 10:51 AM
Posted on June 6, 2009 10:51
Hi Paul, I would suggest you make contact with Malcolm Sambrook of Sambrook Plant who is described in Classic machinery magazine as "The Priestman Man"
Telephone Malcolm on: 01335390445 Mobile: 07836768098
I am sure he will be able to help you although I have not been very successful with Malcolm in the past when I have written to him asking for any archive photos of Priestman machines?
But as you are looking to buy something I am confident you will have more joy.
Posted by Nick Drew
|
June 6, 2009 6:56 PM
Posted on June 6, 2009 18:56
For anyone thats interested in Priestman Excavators, there is a large collection based at at Abbey Farm near Beverley,
The collection includes, The very first Priestman Hydraulic excavator known as the Beaver, a Priestman Cub 6c Dragline, 4 Priestman Wolf models, 2 Priestman Tigers, a Priestman Mustang 120, and a Priestman Lion 350. Some of these machines can be seen on YouTube under the title "PriestmanCub".
Feel free to contact me for further information on email:- navvy6dumper26@btinternet.com
Posted by John Roberts | June 23, 2009 1:06 PM
Posted on June 23, 2009 13:06
In my previous comment regarding the Priestman collection at Abbey Farm, Beverley. I forgot to mention that quite a few of these machines will be working on Sunday 5th. July from 10:00 in the morning to 4:00pm in the afternoon. If you're in the area why not drop in and see us and watch these old machines at work?
Regards to all,
John.
Posted by John Roberts | June 26, 2009 5:54 PM
Posted on June 26, 2009 17:54
Hi John,
I am sure it will be a great event! Sadly I am off on my holidays on the 5th but it would be great if you can send us some photos and background information on the machines on display that we can share with other readers of the Digger blog.
Nick.
Posted by Nick Drew
|
June 26, 2009 6:43 PM
Posted on June 26, 2009 18:43
Hi, some info on Priestman VC excavators for Paul. There's a small family business near Bedale in North Yorkshire operating a Priestman VC15 on contract work. They were also operating a Priestman Lion Crane/Dragline untill quite recently.
I have some pics of the Lion but none of the VC15.
Regards,
John.
Posted by John Roberts | July 17, 2009 8:07 PM
Posted on July 17, 2009 20:07
Hi everyone
I have a VC-15 that we still use in a peat bog.
I am looking for any info as in tear down manuals, parts manuals, or just any info on the hydraulics. I currently have a problem with the stick, it will go out but will not come in. I would be greatful for any info.
Thanks Randy.
PS I am located in the USA in OHIO
Posted by Randy Weyrick | July 21, 2009 7:12 PM
Posted on July 21, 2009 19:12
Hi Nick,
I've tried sending some Priestman pics to you for the site but they keep coming back.
regards,
John.
Posted by John Roberts | July 24, 2009 9:34 PM
Posted on July 24, 2009 21:34
Mmm very strange John?
I have been receiving emails all evening with no problem? perhaps your files are too large.
Maybe try sending one photo to see if it reaches me ?
Nick
Posted by Nick Drew
|
July 24, 2009 10:11 PM
Posted on July 24, 2009 22:11
I am fortunate to have the original sign from the priestmans building, hedon road hull, i took this down myself just before the building was demolished, it maybe of intrest to a collector or similar.
Tom, Hull east yorkshire
Posted by Tom Croft | July 31, 2009 1:21 PM
Posted on July 31, 2009 13:21
That's great Tom,
I would love to see a photo of the sign ?
Nick
Posted by Nick Drew
|
July 31, 2009 9:12 PM
Posted on July 31, 2009 21:12
First time of contact. Worked Priestman 30 years, and have extensive archive of pictures, brochures, manuals, films/DVDs and information on history and models. Know John Roberts appearing this site, and I live close to Abbey Farm. Could help Randy Weyrick, Ohio, if I know what he wants.
Glad to help anyone with queries if information in my possession. Will print photos of products at small charge. DVDs on Lion, Mustang 90, Mustang 120, Tiger, Carbou, Taperex Slew Rings and VC15. About 200 16mm films not yet transferred to DVD because of film to DVD cost. Hope info useful. Bill
Posted by bill bromwich | August 4, 2009 9:58 PM
Posted on August 4, 2009 21:58
I live about 10 miles from the Priestman factory and have always been interested in these machines. In my village the water authorities have a depot where many Priestman draglines Mustangs and a VC15 were based.
After having restored several tractors and crawlers I wanted a change and after a long search I bought a Priestman Cub mark VI1965. The machine was in poor condition and I am currently working on it. Hope to send some pictures soon.
Posted by Geoff Burnett | August 11, 2009 5:57 PM
Posted on August 11, 2009 17:57
Hi everyone,just wanted to know if anyone has pics of Charles Hamshaw,who i believe was the factory manager at Priestmans.Charles was my uncle,and as i have no pics of him,just wondered if anyone did.Many thanks,V.M
Posted by Vera Milligan | August 26, 2009 9:54 PM
Posted on August 26, 2009 21:54
Hi,
Have spent a pleasurable time on your website. Unfortunately for Vera, none of the Priestman photos I've got of my father Don Crum who worked on the prototype Cub include Charlie Hamshaw.
Regards,
Rena McCarthy (nee Crum)
Posted by Rena McCarthy | October 3, 2009 10:35 AM
Posted on October 3, 2009 10:35
Thanks for your comment Rena,
I would love to see any Priestman photos you have, if you would like to share them please drop me an email through the blog.
Nick.
Posted by Nick Drew
|
October 4, 2009 11:54 AM
Posted on October 4, 2009 11:54
Dear Nick, item number two today!! Read blog through.
I would like to help several people on your site but not sure how to contact them.
1. I have photographs of Charles Hanshaw who I knew well. Glad to copy and send to Vera Milligan or Rena McCarthy (nee Crum - I knew Don Crum well and have a photograph or two.) 2. Also, a correction, Charles Hamshaw was finally Works Director, having risen from a machinist, to foreman, Works Manager and finally Director.
3. The Priestman "VC15" was indeed a unique new design and was patented. Won Design Council Award - photos available of Duke of Edinburgh and Managing Director with model.
4. Several VC machines still around. One near Driffield, East Yorks. One in N.W. Lancashire -owner delighted with drainage work done. One in Threlkeld Quarry, Cumbria (Vintage Excavator Trust) and other locations I am trying to pin down.
4. Re Mustang 120 hyd. valve block, I will ring a friend who may help, for Paul Gilmore.
5. Have picture of Priestman sign illuminated at night - looks great. ( Mr. Croft rescued.) Very large. Will send photograph.
Any enquiries that I CAN handle, I will.
e-mail me at suebrom@yahoo.co.uk. - Bill Bromwich
Posted by bill bromwich - hull | October 6, 2009 4:25 PM
Posted on October 6, 2009 16:25
Hello Nick & readers - I have just loaded a PRIESTMAN Lighter on eBay (19OCT) you may be interested
Posted by Bricabracbitsandbobs | October 19, 2009 4:50 PM
Posted on October 19, 2009 16:50
Hi Nick been reading through your forum, some good comments, i a like malcolm sambrook, i used to work for Priestmans (right to the end)as a Service engineer my company is RH Plant Services, i also know Bill Bromwich, you have a couple of people wanting help but i do not know how to contact them, i.e any service enquiries or anyone requiring parts, both myself and Malcolm Sambrook supply parts. my contacts are.
roger@rhplant.co.uk
www.rhplant.co.uk
01484684907
07836283532
hope i can be of help to others.
Roger Hallswoth
Posted by Roger Hallsworth | October 28, 2009 11:14 AM
Posted on October 28, 2009 11:14
Has anyone any idea where I can get a manual on the preistman mustang excavator. I would be very grateful. Allen
Posted by A.J.Mitcham | November 8, 2009 10:27 AM
Posted on November 8, 2009 10:27
Hi Allen,
Contact Roger at roger@rhplant.co.uk www.rhplant.co.uk 01484684907 07836283532
Nick
Posted by Nick Drew
|
November 8, 2009 8:33 PM
Posted on November 8, 2009 20:33
Hi, I spent 33 years with Priestman, spending those years designing, specifying and selling grabs and grapples. If any of your readers need technical info on grabs will try best to advise. Very important to use correct grab for material for which it was designed/supplied otherwise may contravine latest safety standard outpouring from Europe
Posted by Mike Read | November 26, 2009 2:23 AM
Posted on November 26, 2009 02:23
Hi
I've just stumbled across this blog for the first time and became interested as I worked at RB International from 1987 to 1999, just before it's demise. I was a Plater apprentice, a Plater then held numerous office posts including Fabrication Manager. The point of the post is that from 1990 onwards, RB built VC15, 20 & 30 machines, after obtaining the Priestman designs, with various staff design/draughting staff relocating from Hull. It was a very popular range of machines at the time with a large quantity being fabricated in quick time at the end of the first Gulf War. The booms were coated in a reflective, silver heatproof paint and the VC's were used to help extinguish and cap oil wellhead fires.
At first, the yellow paint scheme was continued but eventually it switched to the standard RB white with orange and red stripes which was adopted with the introduction of RB's hydraulic CH range.
All in all an extremely useful and well liked piece of kit and it's still nice to see the odd one about. I have fond memories of being an apprentice and amongst some of the first to fabricate the box booms, rear fenders etc... I'm not sure whether VC's are still listed along with RB Cranes as being available from Langley Holdings.
I shall look forward to visiting this site more often.
Posted by tim everett | March 3, 2010 11:53 AM
Posted on March 3, 2010 11:53
Hi Nick,
I think your interest would lay in photos of machinery, whereas I only have presentation photos. My two brothers were mechanical engineers at Priestmans and they had the photos of our father in the workshop. I'll see what I can do.
Regards, Rena McCarthy (nee Crum)
Posted by Rena McCarthy | March 18, 2010 12:35 AM
Posted on March 18, 2010 00:35
hi
I am lucky to be the owner of a ex ministry of agriculture priestman beaver (drainage) with long reach. It also has a lister air cool engine. At present we are contemplating restoring it and if anyone has any info as to were I could source parts in Ireland id very much appreciate it. I would also consider selling it to a fellow fan of this digger.
Eugene
Posted by Eugene | April 29, 2010 3:51 PM
Posted on April 29, 2010 15:51
Hi everyone, its good to see a few people Ex PRIESTMANS are still around and interested in the old machines. Its surprising how few Priestman machines are still around. I now work for Yorkshire Water and travel around the whole of Yorkshire every day and only see the occasional one or two looking very sad.
I know of Abbey Farm and the Vintage Excavator Trust at Threlkeld Quary in the Lake District where you can see lots of Cranes + Excavators. I worked from 1962 to 1989 as Fitter/ Inspector/ Service Engineer travelling the world for Priestmans.--------------------------Rena McCarthy, Hi, I can remember working with Don Crum in the Grab Shop and Pete and Gordon Crum in Fitting Shops. Good to see Roger is still working hard.
Kevin Holmes
Posted by Kevin S. Holmes | May 2, 2010 3:09 PM
Posted on May 2, 2010 15:09
Hi, I'm looking for a Priestman Cub dragline operators manual/handbook. This is on behalf of a friend that has just obtained such a machine.
Posted by Graham Carr | May 16, 2010 8:59 PM
Posted on May 16, 2010 20:59
Does anybody have any drawings for any of the rope operated Priestmans. I'd like to build a large scale model of one, 1/3rd scale so if possible I'd like to obtain copies of the full works drawings. I think the model will be dictated by what drawings may be available.
Posted by Andrew Gates | July 24, 2010 10:14 PM
Posted on July 24, 2010 22:14