Hi I have a Coles crane series 42 through the limited information available I've found they were used in the military by various forces and now I'm in need of some spare parts for it, it's done some work but I can't find anyone with any information, does anyone on here have some information that may help thanks Edwin
This is our groups 1957 COLES 15ton Rail Crane. This has just been returned to active use. If you can supply me with a photo of your Coles then I may be in a position to help.
Hi thanks for the reply, I can't upload a picture, it's a 4x4 series 42 unfortunately it has a gearbox fault and requires a new casing, it has a thornycroft gearbox from what I can see, I don't know if anyone has any spares or contacts for old military cranes thanks
Sorry to hear about that problem with the casing. That is one item we do not have in stock. Our transmission is totally by electric motors.
As said the Coles cranes were very a versatile mobile plant.Every RAF MU recovering crashed aircraft were equipped with the type. Postwar many were sold off as war surplus,those ex RAF Coles cranes were still distinctive, painted in RAF blue and a feature on some industrial sites.
I would have thought a phone call to one of these might bring a result. http://www.lioncorp-parts.com/crane-parts/coles-crane http://www.cranepart.co.uk/index.html http://en.industrialmacpart.com/spareparts/spareparts-5-coles.html
I cannot say.As many war surplus items, Coles cranes were around until they became unworthy of maintaining/were replaced by the introduction of improved lifting technology,greater load bearing brands such as the Liebheer mobile cranes.
One that I know of is at the old RAF Metheringham airfield. No idea as to condition. Try a Google search on RAF Metheringham
There is one at Elvington as well. http://yorkshireairmuseum.org/exhibits/support-vehicles/aec-amazon-coles-crane/