My JCB is unwell. It can't be persuaded to move in a forward direction without revving the nuts out of it - and even then it will only creep. Reverse is fine, as is the operation of the back hoe and front loader. (It's an aging 3cx)

 

Anyone got any experience of fixing or maintaining these things ? Any pointers to web sites or forums that could help ?

Depends on vintage but likely to be the main shuttle valve that controls forward / reverse and possibly the detent springs or ball bearings and rods which wear over time. 

 

Assuming you have checked the oil (20 ish litres of JCB finest oil) and it's had a filter change - 3 filters around the place IIRC - then  that should eliminate a low oil issue.

 

If you drain and refill it don't forget that 20 litres of oil won't fit into a cut off 15 litre drum.... ask me how I know ..!!

 

If you don't have the manual for it, they are available to download on the Classic Machinery forum. 

Try this, very helpful bunch that helped me with my JCB problems.

 

http://www.tractorforum.com/f181/jcb-3cx-movement-problems-17257/

Thanks for the replies and the links - Next on my list when the weather clears up a bit.