Here is a look at a selection of historical mini and compact equipment.
All images were taken at Annual Conventions and Old Equipment Expositions of the Historical Construction Equipment Association.
At one time, Sears Roebuck sold a limited line of construction machinery, and for many years yard and garden tractors have been part of its product line. This is a 1973 Sears SS16 Twin, outfitted with an optional loader, and it’s owned by Ede Hirchak of Hawk Point, Mo.
(HCEA photo)
In the 1920s and early 1930s, a surprising range of construction machinery was built upon the chassis of gasoline-powered industrial wheel tractors. This Austin Pup, a small three-wheel roller, is built around a Fordson tractor. Evan Gooch of Columbia, Tenn., is the owner.
(HCEA photo)
This is a 1962 P & H S-20 Stik-Clam, the earliest known compact excavator in the U.S. market and probably 30 years ahead of its time. The stick-mounted hydraulic clamshell could dig at a wide range of angles, including to a surprising height. HCEA National Director Dave Geis of Seward, Neb., is the owner.
(HCEA photo)
Agricat offered a line of small crawler tractors, powered by Wisconsin gas engines, in the 1940s and 1950s. They could be equipped with either dozers or loaders. This example is part of a sizeable collection owned by Jeff Fildes of Grafton, Ohio.
(HCEA photo)
For many years, Struck Corporation has produced a line of tiny crawler tractors and loaders. This is a Magnatrack Junior.
(HCEA photo)
The Byers Bearcat Junior, built in the late 1930s, was one of the smallest cable excavators built. With its swing boom, it is in a sense a forebear of today’s compact hydraulic excavators. HCEA National Director Larry Kotkowski is the operator.
(HCEA photo)