farmboy686
Member
its got a hand crank?????? oh my! My thoughts go the line of the temporary docks they installed like giant legos.I could see that thing position those pieces around. Cool old unit that's for sure!
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What is it? crane?
- Thread starter DirtHauler
- Start date
Matt McGowan
Active Member
This piece of equipment was known as the "ant eater".
Its a significant piece of construction equipment history because it was the first hydraulic crane.
Approximately 2 -3 years ago the HCEA magazine had an excellent article on the evolution of cranes. The "ant eater" was considered a milestone. I can dig up the article if anyone likes.
Matt
Its a significant piece of construction equipment history because it was the first hydraulic crane.
Approximately 2 -3 years ago the HCEA magazine had an excellent article on the evolution of cranes. The "ant eater" was considered a milestone. I can dig up the article if anyone likes.
Matt
mitch504
Senior Member
Please do
Yes, it has a hand crank, but it also has a large cylinder in the center of the rotating section there to provide boom lift. Three valve sections, rotate, in and out, and lift.
I love those twin cylinder crank setups to provide rotary power!
Matt McGowan
Active Member
Okay found the article. Made by Austin-Western Road Machinery Company of Aurora, Illinois. Built during WWII as a bomb and material handler. Mounted on I-H crawler.
The next evolution of the hydraulic crane was the Milwaukee Hydraulic Truck Crane in 1946. Much more similar to todays hydraulic cranes than the "anteater". Perhaps a picture tomorrow.
The next evolution of the hydraulic crane was the Milwaukee Hydraulic Truck Crane in 1946. Much more similar to todays hydraulic cranes than the "anteater". Perhaps a picture tomorrow.
DirtHauler
Senior Member
Thank you Matt, looking forward to the photo
Matt McGowan
Active Member
Here's the picture from HCEA's Equipment Echoes, Summer 2011.
mitch504
Senior Member
Thanks Matt! Boy I hope the one at the start of this thread went to be saved, not torched
Jim D
Senior Member
Thanks Matt! I was wrong! I stand corrected ;-) That picture is a good find.
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