You can buy second-hand Barford machinery if you want to sustain its legacy and get some affordable well-designed equipment in the process. And with Barford models made up until 2007, there are still bargains to be found.
Barford made a name for itself with its dumpers, and the most popular models still available are the SX articulated skip dumpers. With four-wheel drive, sturdy tyres and the option to register them for use on public roads, these machines can be deployed in a variety of construction environments.
OverviewDumper models weighing between 3 and 10 tonnes were made under the Barford brand, and as with similar vehicles of this kind the driver benefits from rollover protection in most cases, although some used examples will not feature this as standard. Extras such as beacons and working lights may be available on Barford articulated dumpers, with straight tip models offering a decent skip capacity for their size. Check the number of hours of use a second-hand dumper has seen, and also carry out an inspection where possible to avoid picking a less than ideal machine.
The Aveling-Barford brand has played a similarly historic role in representing the UK’s efforts in the design and manufacture of heavy-duty machinery over the past century. And larger dumpers that go well beyond the small articulated models in terms of skip capacity, engine power and sheer size can be procured. 40-tonne dumpers from bygone decades that offer a range of modern updates and integrations, including reversing cameras and enhanced safety equipment, can still be fully functional. If the tyres are in good condition and the engine has no issues, then there is little to stop you investing. Just check the integrity of the transmission and look at the metalwork of the body for signs of corrosion to get a sense of what maintenance might be required.
For compaction duties, the Barford roller range remains a viable choice for various organisations, with 11- and 12-tonne models offering consistent performance for paving duties. Both privately owned and ex-council models can often be found on the used market, and they can feature equipment such as tarmac cutters to make them more efficient in their intended roles. Barford compaction rollers typically feature a full cab which encloses the operator and keeps them free from the impact of the elements, although these older models will not have many of the modern features found on more recent additions to the market, which is a compromise you must make when considering equipment of this age.
The tasks awaiting Barford machines may be arduous, but the engineering know-how that helped design the dumpers and rollers in the past has been passed on to and embraced by various other companies. And with a choice of used machinery from this manufacturer still available, you can get your hands on an original article.
