Richard Campbell is so passionate about classic motor scrapers he's writing a book on them. And he knows his stuff too – he did an earthmoving apprenticeship with Taylor and Culley back in the 1970s, mainly operating Euclid TS14s.
Read his articles here
LeTourneau was first off the blocks with a wheeled bulldozer; a roadable and manoeuvrable machine suited to many earthmoving jobs. Here we take a closer look at the LW12 Tournatractor.
Perhaps no other track type tractor has quite the aura of mystery, is spoken of in reverent terms or has had so much misinformation published about it quite like the Euclid TC-12.
Determined to break into the off-highway truck market, International Harvester introduced the model PayHauler 65 (18 ton capacity) and PayHauler 95 (24 ton capacity) in 1957.
This rather interesting piece of machinery can trace it’s origins through three decades and three countries: the USA, Australia and New Zealand.
A true classic tractor in every sense of the word, the Caterpillar D8 has been around in various forms since 1935.
Developed from the successful Euclid L-30 and 72-40, the Terex 72-51 was introduced in 1966 (originally as the Euclid 72-51).
Allis-Chalmers was the first heavy machinery builder to enter the big track-type tractor development race immediately following World War II.
As soon as material constraints were removed prior to the end of World War II the major earthmoving machinery companies set about designing new equipment to cater for the expected post war machinery boom, and International Harvester was no exception.
Richard Campbell examines the early track-type tractors produced by Euclid before its name changed to Terex.
From the humble towed roller to the modern self-propelled variety, compactors play an unsung but vital role on jobs where cut-to-fill is involved.
Replacing the previous model HD-15 in the Allis-Chalmers line of track type tractors the HD-16 was introduced with much fanfare in 1955.
The Schield C-35 was a simple, uncomplicated machine. Robust and reliable in operation, it was easy to maintain and very affordable for the average contractor.
As a result of their experience manufacturing tanks during WWII, Vickers-Armstrong of Newcastle, England decided to build a track-type tractor to take on the Americans.
A name now confined to the history books, Galion provided a number of innovations during the early development of the motor grader, along with a number of massive machines.
The North Island Main Trunk line recently turned 100 years old. And it remains a testament to the vision and sheer grit of the men who planned and built it.
It was one of New Zealand’s largest coalmines, with a tragic history. The Brunner mine on the South Island’s west coast is a haunting reminder of the country’s mining past. It’s also home to one of New Zealand’s most interesting suspension bridges.
And coal... and silver... and kauri gum... and titanium... and mercury... and uranium... A look at the history of mining in New Zealand.
In 1877, the New Zealand House of Representatives gave the go-ahead for a railway route running between Dunedin and Wanaka, and timetabled seven years for its construction. However, the best laid plans...
This is the amazing but true story of how three West-Coasters in the early 1950s dragged a mighty D8 dozer through some of the most rugged, dense bush in New Zealand.
There can be little doubt that the rapid expansion of Canterbury from the late1860s was largely driven by the access of the rail tunnel to Lyttelton – but it was a gargantuan task.
Classic Motor Scrapers
The small PayHaulers - International's 65, 95 and 100
The Hewco LD3 Scoopmobile
The International Harvester TD-24
Grading through history
Down the line
The Brunner Bridge
There's gold in them thar hills!
Taiere Gorge Railway: Good things take time