JCB 8026 Review

An in depth review of my JCB 8026 mini digger and how I have found it to own, operate and maintain over 5 years of ownership.
Machine: JCB 8026 with Engcon EC02 tiltrotator with DC2 control system.
Attachments: Rake bucket by Digbits. All others by Engcon
Location: Hampshire, UK
Instagram @olliegunns

[@iainmatheson5190]

Had one on hire, was a good machine. I'll stick to my Takeuchi tb125. Old but gold. Nearly 5000 hours and never had an issue. 🤞💪

[@michealwhite8776]

Grading to 10 mm GPS is a must. Great video and detailed information 😉

[@jameselderton9869]

Another good honest review, Ollie 👍

[@swiss300173]

Great review of a great British company machine, I owned two now got a 48z which I love 👍🏻

[@Olliegunns]

What made you get the 48z over the other models quite close in weight to it? The 51r or 55z?

[@swiss300173]

@@Olliegunns I was looking at all those but this one came in my local dealers 6 month old like new so I bought it 👍🏻

[@jimmydickson8854]

Takeuchi is a really good reliable excavator well thought out

[@paulhaworth1824]

Nice mate been looking for proper reviews on 2.7/2.8 machines this is spot on . After your seatbelt comments realised I'd read your review on some construction forum . If u end up hiring a Kubota kx71 give us a review it's between the Kubota JCB 8026 Hitachi zx27-3 or yanmar for my next machine

[@Olliegunns]

Thanks, that's why I do my videos, to try and help others out there with the same questions I had when buying this stuff. As for your next machine, you are obviously going 2nd hand and that's fine, I actually think the Hitachi ZX27-3 is a much better machine than the new stuff they make and if you could find a tidy one, it would be a very tempting buy. Better cab than the Kubota KX71. But those Kubota's are strong machines and possibly has more digging power than the Hitachi. Been a few years since I drove either to be honest. A landscaper I work for has an older Yanmar Vio27 and whilst the cab is horrible, it drives really well and is a good strong machine. The BV25 if you can find one is an awesome machine and are highly regarded, I've seen these with moon hours on and they still dig hard.

[@paulhaworth1824]

@@Olliegunns nice one that's really helped out with my short list have been considering both yanmars but have no experience with either power and lift capacity is what I'm after and of course reliability I had a new Holland 1.8 zero turn f 12 years now and want a bigger machine t go along side it

[@FPVForLife]

In my opinion the Yanmar SV26 is the best 2,7t machine. Tried it out once, and man i'm in love. Had a Vio 10 for 16 years now, has never ever broken down once. The quality seems to be just something else. But thats only my opinion.

[@Olliegunns]

I've not had the chance to drive an SV26, but I have spent quite a bit of time in the ViO27 which is their zero swing 2.7t model, both a new one and a dogged out old one. The hydraulics were really nice and generally the machine drove well. Even the old one with 3000hrs on drove well. The only real problem I found with them was the cab was really cramped and the 2 piece door looked flimsy and would break. In fact, the older one I drove didn't have the door anymore so I guess that is a problem with them! The SV26 looks to have solved this issue with a bigger cab and proper door. I look forward to giving one a try someday.

[@Olliegunns]

And theres no doubting Yanmars engines which are very good and used in a number of other manufacturers products. My Thwaites dumper included.

[@FPVForLife]

I don't like those bigger zero tailswing machines. They are so cramped and wrenching on them is sheer horror. Plus they won't lift and rip anything. It's nice to have no tail to worry about but in my opinion the negatives outweigh the positives by far. I hate the Vio 10 for it, but there is nothing else in this size.

[@adrianrobertsa.g.rcontract3019]

Great Review👍🏻

[@marcusgs12345]

Used one of these and an equivalent Kubota, but much preferred the JCB!

[@georgerga65]

What do you use to tow this around ? Thinking of getting this size of machine as I have a 8015 and a e10 and have a lot of site fencing to do and need a larger size machine and auger. Looking at the bobcat e26 what’s your thought ? Thanks

[@Olliegunns]

I tow with a 2018 Nissan Navara. There's a lot to answer in your question, too much to write here, but the Bobcat isn't a bad machine and often come well spec'd in terms of twin aux lines etc which is something you will make use of doing fencing and running various attachments. I wouldn't say the bobcat is the most powerful or smoothest machine out there but value for money vs spec its going to be hard to beat 2nd hand Id have thought.

[@georgerga65]

@@Olliegunns thanks for the reply, never been on the Jcb’s so can’t say if I like them but have drove lots of bobcats and kobotas so that’s why I’m going for a bobcat also to go along side my e10 to hopefully look the part and have good specs like you say and good reliable engine 👍🏼

[@JamieTorontoAtkinson]

I want to test out the JCB 8026 but I only see the 35z-1 or the minidiggers. Is that a Uk only model?

[@philippm8445]

thanks for those details!

[@robjohnston4040]

What are you thoughts on the JCB Hydradig . Have you ever considered one of those? Love your reviews of the machines by the way.

[@Olliegunns]

Thanks, not driven a Hydradig but really like the concept. There are so many possibilities with a machine like that and a few have emerged now, particularly in Europe that are setup for much more than just road work. Not sure its a machine that I'm likely to ever come across in my work, but you never know.

[@jonasmaskiner2872]

Really nice review! wonder if you have had any wear on the machine caused by the Engcon? we got told by our mechanic that they are starting to take them off again here in Denmark caused by a lot of wear on the slew or what its called now, Body/track turn :)

[@Olliegunns]

Hi, no excessive wear that I have noticed, but its only been on the machine for 1500 hrs. For the length of time I would run a machine of this size I really don't think it is worth worrying about.

[@jonasmaskiner2872]

@@Olliegunns aha okay, we were thinking about getting one as a danish company got out with one that's even smaller than the Engcon and without pistons for our 2.2 ton machine, but our local mechanic/dealer told us he wouldn't recommend it and the machine probably wouldn't be tight in the slew in 3 year even tho we only use it about 300hrs a year :D

[@spennie627]

Question - i am pretty sure i saw somewhere in your video that the Can should NOT rotate more than 6 rotations in any direction.. I am new and learnin about my 8026, and this has started to play into my psychie! :) .. Firstly - is the statement true? - Assuming it is, as i bough the machine 2nd hand, i have no idea how many turns it has done in any one direction, or even if i have rotated more in one direction that the other, to that end, is there a way to check where it currently is in terms of turns?.. thanks

[@Olliegunns]

It’s a joke! You can spin them as many times as you want! It’s a common joke amongst guys on site especially to new operators - it’s part of our bad sense of humour on site 😆

[@spennie627]

@@Olliegunns - now i want to delete the question.. but mind at rest, thank you (and not thank you - lol) Would you mind just popping down to stores for a Long Weight please.. or a Felopian Tube.. cheers :)

[@Olliegunns]

@@spennie627 I’m still looking for a skirting board ladder and some tartan paint but I’ll keep an eye out for your bits too 😆

[@callumaitken668]

Just found your channel loving the vids. What trailer do you use to move your 8026 around?

[@Olliegunns]

I have an Indespension PL35106 which I dont think they make anymore. It was their lightest trailer at the time before they made the Alumax. You need the lightest trailer you can to tow the 8026 around really because it is so close to the weight limit.

[@callumaitken668]

@@Olliegunns i was going to say must be right near the limit. Have you looked at the alumax at all?

[@djmie]

If you had to choose one excavator would you choose the JCB 8026 over the smaller JCB 19C or even JCB 19C - 1E if power wasn't an issue.

[@Olliegunns]

The 8026 is in a different class really to the 1.9t machines. The extra digging power, reach and dig depth mean they arent really comparable. But if you mean which one would I own if I had to only have one - then yes it would be my 8026. Once I bought my first one, my 1.5t machine rarely went out on a job anymore.

[@djmie]

@@Olliegunns Thanks this is really useful since this is going to be a big investment for me.

[@4fingerfrankie]

ECR25 owner operator here !

[@Olliegunns]

What do you think of it? I liked it when I had one on hire. I reviewed it elsewhere on my channel

[@hamishelliott6518]

Great Review! I currently have a JCB 8020 CTS! I wondered what make the bucket in the video is and what style it is as I haven’t seen many about! Thanks!

[@Olliegunns]

Thanks, its a grading bucket designed to fit under a tiltrotator. Sometimes called a Scandinavian grading bucket. The back has corners cut out so they don't catch when you rotate or tilt it. Brilliant things, I love the shape of it

[@liamthomas5135]

Brilliant review, very in depth! In your opinion which size machine is best as a starter, obviously you've got a 2.8t but do you think you would have the same success with say a 1.5t machine?

[@Olliegunns]

Thanks Liam. You probably don't want to hear this, but the most profitable machine setup out there is a micro digger and a track barrow. Both fit on one trailer for easy transport too. Not fancy by any means, but investment vs return vs work opportunity - I don't think anything can beat it. I have made a name for myself with this JCB in my area and people want me to work for them because they don't have a machine of this size or with its arsenal of attachments. But it took time to build up that reputation. You will always have work for a micro and combined with a track barrow, you could charge the same as me per day for less outlay than my base machine cost. And if we're talking business - its a no brainer. But those Micros sure are cold in winter!

[@liamthomas5135]

@@Olliegunns thanks for the reply I appreciate it! Yeah I'm in cornwall and I was kinda thinking exactly what u said about the micros there does seem to be a lot of work for that size of machine, im just looking to get into working for myself and within the next year is going to be the time I'm going to have to give it a go due to a change in my current employment. Really appreciate your advice and I'm enjoying your videos, thanks

[@harveyhaywood8141]

Great review

[@hunterriddall8318]

When it rains and fogs up. turn it on cold the window will defog quick

[@alfievlogs9440]

Amazing review can you do some more on the dumper

[@Olliegunns]

I can do, what would you like to know that I didnt cover in my video about it?

[@alfievlogs9440]

Olliegunns maby you could do a day in the life of what you do in a day

[@michaelcoyne3700]

Had you ever considered the Wacker Neuson EZ26?

[@KINGY-ty2gj]

Have you thought about a 3cx compact

[@Olliegunns]

I have, and think I might go the backhoe route to increase the capacity of my fleet in the future. But the 3cx compacts are still a bit too new and command a high price 2nd hand. Will most likely end up with a 2nd hand 3cx as it would give me that bit more power when needed and plenty available in the used market.

[@lipanescu]

how much is a new one ?

[@PotatoBodo]

I've just found your channel and absolutely love it man. Your reviews and quality is fantastic. I'm in the process of starting myown groundworks business and just love seeing how others get on with there jobs. How do you enjoy what you do may I ask? Also if it's alright I've got a question that is very tricky to get an answer to and was wondering if your knowledge might be able to help?

[@Olliegunns]

I love what I do, but don’t get me wrong, I constantly ask myself why I’m doing it. Running your own business is harder than anything I’ve ever done and I couldn’t describe to you why it is, it demands everything you have and at times will make you question why you bother, then the next minute, gives you the most satisfaction when a job goes well or a customer is over the moon with you for solving a problem they have. Give it a go for sure, and don’t be worried about it not being for you. Better to have tried than to not try at all. If you want to have a chat sometime, my number or email isn’t hard to find if you google me or my business.

[@PotatoBodo]

@@Olliegunns that's perfect man I appreciate that. Hard finding someone in this line of work with a positive attitude towards it all. Yeah I'll pop an email to yourself to see if you can point me in the right direction.

[@iainmatheson5190]

@@PotatoBodo Ha. Just saw your video of Pedro's machine in Uig. We're on the same island. 🤣

[@alexwells3520]

would you ever consider a backhoe

[@Olliegunns]

I have, and do quite regularly think about a backhoe. It would give me the extra muscle and still solve the transport problem. The issue I have with them is manoeuvrability, as a lot of my sites are tight, and wheels in winter arent good in mud. Also, having not operated one much, it would take me some time to really make it sing, particularly with the front bucket work. But I do still find myself considering one and in the right hands, they are a weapon.

[@yourdogshit240]

can you review the Volvo ec27d next

[@Olliegunns]

If I could ever come across one! Very rare to see in the wild, mainly see the ECR25D. I was interested in buying a 27D at Plantworks a couple of years ago but the dealer never got back to me then, so cant see me coming across one to review anytime soon if they aren't even interested in selling one!

[@yourdogshit240]

@@Olliegunns ok thansk

[@henrymahoney7072]

Do you like Kobelco’s?

[@Olliegunns]

Yes, I think they are quite an under rated machine. Ive spent quite a bit of time in an older 8t model and it drives really nicely - even at 20 years old.

[@MrAdam2006boy]

How bad was the 26u ???? Kinda have one ordered 🙈

[@Olliegunns]

Hi Ray, Its not a bad machine, nobody really makes a bad machine these days, its just not as nice as their older EX series of machines. And in todays line up, I dont think the 26U is the best 2.7t class machine available. No doubt it will serve you well. I did a review on one a few years ago, it should be in my video listings if you want to have a look and see what I mean. Its coming down to niggles with these machines nowadays really.

[@MrAdam2006boy]

@@Olliegunns Cheers Ollie I just sold my Doosan DX27z And have been pricing about The Hitachi is in around the money Also looked at SUNY sy26. !!!! Any feedback on them ?? Have watched your videos They are all top notch 👍👍👍