Matbro (Collins) Teleshift 404

[Robert]

We have a 1992 model of the above with a gearbox problem (4 speed electro clutch, steering column forward / reverse selector). Our independent mechanic is drawing a blank after trying various internal repairs. Ultimately we probably need a new gearbox; It's a cracking tool when working so want to avoid writing it off. Does anyone know someone with experience of these and whether parts are available, also want to make sure there isn't a spare gearbox lying in the back of someone's stores. Thanks

 

[Kevtherev]

Www.matbro-man.co.uk

 

[Nearly]

How many do you want?

 

[Robert]

Yellow one would be nice. What's the story?!

 

[blackbob]

Ford 655? Can't your NH dealer sort you out?

 

[Nearly]

You missed one in a sale yesterday down south somewhere.
Those 4 belong to a mate with a fetish for them. Getting outdated now but what else do you change to?

 

[texelburger]

We had three of them .The first, in the early 80's, was a prototype built on our own MF240 which was ok ish but the shuttle box wasn't man enough and the machine lacked power. The second was a Collins teleshift 440 (i think) built around a Ford unit,80 odd hp if my memeory serves me correctly,this was a vast improvement on our old prototype.The last was the yellow Collins 404, again an improvement with a few more electric features on it.
They were ,IMO,great little telehandlers and it's a pity that the twin boom design disappeared.I think one of the main reasons was the access to the cab was poor but a plus was you could get a dog or two and a person or two on the back,unlike modern telehandlers.These days we run a Merlo 40.7.

 

[clbarclay]

If you haven't become institutionalised to them a normal telehandler is an easy change. Compared to a normal tele they do have some advantages, but I found they had just as many disadvantages.

The neighbours still uses a matbro 404 and aside from its the tired gearbox its still going well and its clocked up a lot of hours contracting. They are so used to it though that they can't get on with anything else, despite the effort getting on and off it is becoming for them.
What is your gearbox problem? Thiers overheats and drags on the road but is fine around yards and short trips.

 

[phil t]

We use to run one, was best machine iv used for loading straw and excellent in tight buildings but it did wander like hell when travelling on the road

 

[blackbob]

We use to run one, was best machine iv used for loading straw and excellent in tight buildings but it did wander like hell when travelling on the road

Mine seems to go faster in reverse on the road than it does forwards and I wonder if worn steering joints/poor wheel alignment would be the cause?

 

[phil t]

Probably as she had seen some work lol

 

[Nearly]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=321465401534&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:GB:3160
Red one for sale, looks expensive.

 

[smcapstick]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=321465401534&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:GB:3160
Red one for sale, looks expensive.

VERY expensive!

 

[smcapstick]

You can get a Matbro TR 200/250 for that money. Far better machines.

 

[Chisel]

Have a matbro teleshift 404 . Just trying to find out what engine is in it . Have to service it

View attachment 39860

How many do you want?

 

[beltbreaker]

Here is one from a local sale 10 years back, never had anything to do with them, but obviously some still have a soft spot for them

Was tidy