Premacon R956/960 question

[JohnStilwell]

Thinking about a Premacon 956 or 960. My first choice was the Fumotec PC490, but Frank is having issues shipping to the US currently, no fault of Franks, just business issues he hopes to have resolved some day. No, he didn't give a clue as to when, but I do know this has got to be killing Frank!!

Looking at the specs for these two Premacon machines, they are the same except the weight and pressures:
956 - 22 kg 24-25 bar
960 - 26 kg 28-30 bar

So does the 960 have weights added or thicker steel parts?

The Hydro pump is the same for both from what I can tell, so is the 956 "dialed down" or is the 960 "dialed up"? Trying to justify the difference of 600 or so Euro.

Thanks,
John

[jack van]

i am also looking at th 956 or 960 but i would like to get a demo version like the 944 if the 960 has the demo version i think i soooo want it lol

[thebigo]

John, the 956 and 960 are the same as far as electronics and pump, the biggest difference is the weight. Weight is added to the bottom of the structure not the track system.

I have already ordered the 960 advance assembled Model, with the grapple, 20 channel Brixle radio, in cab display and wide bucket (steel teeth). The 960 shown on premacons web site is white, and it is not the standard color, so if you order the 960 it will be in the same color as the 956 shown.

You can not get the 956 or 960 in the demo like the 944, but the operations on the 956/960 are much smoother, and the machines are much heavier. The weight is key for digging in hard dirt and even soft heavy material.

PREMACON will ship to USA using the the Local German carrier not DHL. The experience they have had with Dhl,is upside down damaged machines. To South Dakota they said it would be around $900.00 not including Duties and Taxes? Ordered mine in the middle of January I have yet to see the $$$ for shipping.

David

[JohnStilwell]

Sounds like a sweet machine you'll have there David. Frank at Premacon said the R960 has a heavier base frame, like you said, and also the R960 has a larger pump, so I'm in for the 960 advanced kit, small & large buckets, quick coupler, and a home made ripper.

John

[thebigo]

I also will get the small bucket with my order. Didn't realize the pump was bigger on the 960, thats nice to know, and it sounds like your planning on building yours as a kit? Did you put yours on order yet?

Do you know if it's the same Frank that builds the Fumotec equipment?

David

[JohnStilwell]

I'm planning on building the 960 advanced kit. Haven't ordered yet, hope to next month.
Nope, two different Franks...but I imagine they probably know each other.

John
J&M Construction

[liftmys10]

So the 960 is not physically larger in size compared to the 956? It's just heavier and larger pump for 600 more euros? Doesn't sound worth it.

[Ulrich]

Originally Posted by liftmys10

So the 960 is not physically larger in size compared to the 956? It's just heavier and larger pump for 600 more euros? Doesn't sound worth it.

Hi,
that´s right. The difference is just what you mentioned. Rumour says a 960 demolition is in the pipeline, so I´d rather wait for that one if you´re wanting something bigger.

I own a 956 and I wouldn´t want it any alrger than that. It´s heavy enough to carry arround.

bye
Ulrich

[ptebbe]

I recently ordered a 944 because I was worried that the 956 might be too big. It's hard to tell since I haven't seen any of them in person!
I ordered it in "white" (=pebble gray) with extra hydraulic attachments.
Wait list is 9month out at this point.
Anyone care to chime in on the 944 vs 956?
Paul

[Rimrock]

I guess the 956 is about the same dimensions as the RC4WD XL4200, rather large one can say. When the weight gets above 20 kgs, it get a bit more though lifting it around) Many folks just want bigger and bigger, so I guess the 956/960 is a response to that. The 944 is still a nice sized machine, that get the job done.

[Rakthi]

Here a picture I found on a Dutch forum. The pic comes from the Premacon site. It shows both the 944 and 956. (the 944 is the demolition model). Gives you an idea about the size comparison.



From what I read on the German forums, the 944 has had plenty of upgrades and fixes so it is a very reliable machine. In the 2 build threads I read on the first kits from the 956, there have been some teething problems, but all in all seems like a solid machine. From what you can tell from the pictures, the detailing is excellent. (better than my Komatsu, but there is the price difference)

Should you be interested in those build threads - lots of pictures in them. (one is Dutch and the other German):

Dutch: liebherr r956 premacon (this is where the above picture comes from)

German: Liebherr R956 - Bausatz von Premacon

Here 2 pictures I took from my Fumotec Komatsu to give you an idea of size. Sadly enough I do not know how it compares to the 944 or 956.





Regards - Stephan

[liftmys10]

Thanks for the comparison photos. The fumotec looks good! Any videos of yours?

[Rakthi]

Nope, sorry, can't upload videos. I live in an area with only 3G broadband with a 6GB monthly allowance, no landline available unless I'm willing to pay something like $10,000 or so ... Even uploading pictures to photo bucket takes time and patience.

Regards, Stephan

[calum_scania]

This looks interesting

https://www.facebook.com/premacon/ph...type=1&theater

Also I've never used either of these machines, I always wonder how well they'd stand up to hours of digging? All the videos show them digging in relatively loose soil or gravel

[liftmys10]

Originally Posted by calum_scania

This looks interesting

https://www.facebook.com/premacon/ph...type=1&theater

Also I've never used either of these machines, I always wonder how well they'd stand up to hours of digging? All the videos show them digging in relatively loose soil or gravel

Must be the new demolition model?
To answer your question, Lil giant (Joe) has ran many hours thru it and hard packed dirt. Check out his videos.

[calum_scania]

Originally Posted by liftmys10

Must be the new demolition model?
To answer your question, Lil giant (Joe) has ran many hours thru it and hard packed dirt. Check out his videos.

Thats the older Vario model which has done him well, I meant these newer Premacon/Fumotec machines

[liftmys10]

Originally Posted by calum_scania

Thats the older Vario model which has done him well, I meant these newer Premacon/Fumotec machines

Joe has the fumotec pc490