Pictured here in 1953 is an I-H TD 9 crawler tractor equipped with a Malo brand overhead loader attachment at work in the Hamilton, Ontario, area.
Owned by Benny Haulage Ltd., this hydraulically operated unit represented the next generation of overhead loaders.
Previously, overhead loaders were cable operated by winch. This overhead loading attachment provided a method of excavation that decreased crawler undercarriage wear and increased productivity.
Several years prior, the Sargent Manufacturing Company had partnered with Cleveland Tractor Company (Cletrac) to provide equipment owners with several versatile, cable-operated loader options, including log grapples and backhoes in addition to a dozer blade.
As popularity increased for overhead loaders in the 1940s and 1950s, several Canadian firms introduced their version of the overhead loader, sometimes called the “overshot loader.” The Barber Machinery Co. of Calgary built the Malo loader shown here and the Hoover Machine Co., based in Edmonton, Alberta, manufactured the Hoover loader/dozer version.
HCEA Canada is fortunate to have a Caterpillar D4 equipped with an Athey brand overhead loader that was donated by Bannerman Construction Ltd. based in Kincardine, Ontario. Now retired, Don and Larry Bannerman, remember when this machine was used in the 1950s to feed one of their portable crushers.
RELATED: Postwar-era Oliver OC-3 crawler tractor
The unit is currently on static display. However, it’s on our list of machines to make operational in the near future.
The Historical Construction Equipment Association’s (HCEA Canada) 2023 events include Wheels & Tracks in Motion, held in June, and the Last Blast in October. Both events are held at the Simcoe County Museum. To see more than 60 restored pieces of vintage construction equipment in action be sure to attend the events.
HCEA Canada is a proud Heritage Partner of the Simcoe County Museum. Please check our website hceacanada.org for updates.
