Machine day: They got their new ones, I got my new one

Some months ago I bought a VDF DUE 560 from a company who ordered 2 new Colchesters. Monday the new machines were delivered and I got my VDF.
Loading was easy due to huge forklift. Unloading gave me a sleepless night, but worked without hick-up, eventhough I had to do it with 2 forklifts. Unfortunately I forgot my camera. It would have been nice Youtube set to "Swan Lake".
VDF is heavier than both Colchester combined.
VDF is 4.6 to in weight, 4.5 meter long, 560mm turning diameter. Built in 1985, rebuilt by Boehringer in 2009.
I had to buy it because of the very, very attractive price.

New Colchesters arriving on truck:


A V550


No lifting provisions were found or identified in the manual.


And a V390


I cannot help myself, they look chinese to me:

I'd be afraid to touch the base casting with the forklift as I might break it.





The way they used grease, mismatching odd hardware, raw stock as parts and a general roughness, make me feel I got the more valuable machine.But according to Colchester distributor the machine are made in the UK. I guess the question is WHAT is made in the UK.




What I got:


Loaded:


Unloaded at my place:


Playtime continues tomorrow with cleaning. It is very dirty in the most impossible places.