Hough HA Payloader Restoration Challenges and Mechanical Legacy

[MikePhua]

The Rise of Hough and the HA Series
The Hough HA Payloader was produced during the post-war industrial boom, likely in the late 1940s to early 1950s, by Frank G. Hough Company—an Illinois-based manufacturer that pioneered the term “Payloader” for its line of wheel loaders. Hough’s machines were known for their rugged simplicity and mechanical reliability, often used in mining, agriculture, and municipal work. In 1952, International Harvester acquired Hough, integrating its designs into IH’s expanding construction equipment division.
The HA model was a compact, rear-steer wheel loader equipped with a gasoline-powered Waukesha FC-291 flathead engine. Its design emphasized mechanical accessibility, with minimal electronics and straightforward hydraulic systems. The original paint scheme was IH red, though many units were later repainted yellow for visibility or branding.
Engine Configuration and Carburetor Issues
The Waukesha FC-291 engine was a four-cylinder flathead gasoline engine, known for its torque and simplicity. However, age-related issues such as carburetor degradation, fuel leaks, and vacuum loss are common in surviving units.
Terminology annotation:

• Flathead Engine: An internal combustion engine with valves located beside the piston, known for simplicity but limited airflow.
  
• Zenith Carburetor: A mechanical fuel-mixing device used widely in mid-century industrial engines, often requiring precise tuning.
  
• Oil Bath Air Cleaner: A filtration system using oil to trap dust particles, common in older machinery.
  
• Governor Linkage: A mechanical system that regulates engine speed by adjusting throttle position based on load.
  

Common carburetor problems include:

• Fuel leaking from bowl due to failed gaskets
  
• Idle instability caused by vacuum leaks
  
• Missing breather assemblies leading to unfiltered intake
  
• Improvised repairs using nails or silicone that disrupt fuel flow
  

Solutions:

• Identify carb model (e.g., Zenith B6, TU4C) and source rebuild kits
  
• Fabricate gaskets using cork or rubber with precision cutting tools
  
• Reconstruct missing air cleaner assemblies using period-correct parts
  
• Adjust governor linkage in tandem with carburetor tuning
  

In North Carolina, one owner restored his HA’s carburetor by reverse-engineering a Zenith B6 unit found on a vintage Ford tractor. After rebuilding the diaphragm and replacing the float needle, the loader idled smoothly and regained throttle response.
Hydraulic and Steering Configuration
The HA Payloader featured rear-wheel steering and a basic hydraulic lift system. Its steering geometry allowed tight maneuvering in confined spaces, ideal for mining and snow removal. The hydraulic system was powered by a gear-driven pump, feeding lift cylinders through manual spool valves.
Hydraulic system notes:

• Fluid type: SAE 10W or ISO 32 hydraulic oil
  
• Reservoir location: Behind engine, near coil and air cleaner
  
• Lift capacity: Estimated 1,500–2,000 kg depending on bucket configuration
  
• Common issues: Leaking seals, slow lift response, air in system
  

Recommendations:

• Flush hydraulic system and replace fluid every 500 hours
  
• Inspect hoses and fittings for dry rot or cracking
  
• Rebuild lift cylinders with new seals and wipers
  
• Bleed system after service to remove trapped air
  

In Arizona, a mining operator integrated two HA Payloaders into a lode mining operation alongside equipment dating back to 1898. After refurbishing the hydraulics and steering linkages, the machines were used to move ore and tailings with surprising efficiency.
Parts Availability and Restoration Strategy
Restoring a Hough HA requires creativity and persistence. Original parts are scarce, but many components are compatible with other mid-century industrial machines. Salvage yards, vintage tractor clubs, and online forums are valuable resources.
Sourcing tips:

• Use engine serial number to match Waukesha parts
  
• Cross-reference carburetor with Zenith applications from Case and Ford
  
• Fabricate missing sheet metal using archival photos and measurements
  
• Seek out IH construction manuals for hydraulic and electrical diagrams
  
• Join vintage equipment communities for trade and technical support
  

In Maine, a buyer acquired a non-running HA for $600. Despite a stuck engine and missing starter parts, the loader had new hydraulics and was deemed restorable. After sourcing a rebuilt starter locally and fabricating missing linkages, the machine was brought back to life.
Operational Use and Historical Value
The Hough HA is more than a relic—it’s a testament to mid-century engineering. Its compact size, mechanical simplicity, and adaptability make it ideal for hobby mining, snow removal, and light-duty site work. For collectors and restorers, it offers a hands-on connection to the evolution of wheel loaders.
Performance highlights:

• Rear-steer maneuverability in tight quarters
  
• Reliable Waukesha engine with rebuild potential
  
• Simple hydraulic system with manual controls
  
• Durable frame and loader arms suitable for moderate loads
  

In British Columbia, a snow removal crew used a restored HA for clearing driveways and rural roads. Despite its age, the loader performed reliably through multiple winters, earning praise for its ease of maintenance and nostalgic charm.
Conclusion
The Hough HA Payloader stands as a mechanical survivor from a formative era in construction equipment history. With its Waukesha engine, Zenith carburetor, and rear-steer layout, it embodies the ingenuity of post-war American manufacturing. Restoring and operating one today is not just a technical challenge—it’s a tribute to the machines that built the modern world, one load at a time.