Rediscovering the Hough H-90CM Military Loader

[MikePhua]

The Hough Legacy and Its Industrial Footprint
Hough Manufacturing, founded in the early 20th century, was a pioneer in wheel loader design. Known for rugged engineering and mechanical simplicity, Hough loaders were widely adopted in both civilian and military sectors. In the 1950s and 1960s, Hough was acquired by International Harvester, which continued to produce loaders under the Hough name until the brand was absorbed into Dresser Industries. Among its notable models was the Hough H-90CM—a military-grade rigid-frame loader built for durability and off-road capability.
The H-90CM was part of a broader effort to equip military engineering units with versatile earthmoving machines. Its design emphasized serviceability, power, and adaptability in remote or hostile environments. Though production ceased decades ago, many units remain in operation, especially in surplus fleets and private collections.
Core Specifications and Mechanical Features
The Hough H-90CM is a rear-steer, rigid-frame wheel loader with a Drott 4-in-1 bucket. Its specifications include:

• Operating weight: approximately 24,100 lbs
  
• Engine: Cummins JT6-B1 turbo diesel, 401 cubic inches, 163 HP
  
• Transmission: Rockwell BDB213 powershift, 4 forward and 4 reverse speeds
  
• Axles: Rockwell planetary drive
  
• Tires: 1600x24 military-grade
  
• Hydraulic tank capacity: 15 gallons
  
• Lift capacity: approximately 10,000 lbs
  

The 4-in-1 bucket allows for dozing, clamshell grabbing, loading, and grading, making the H-90CM a multi-role machine. Its rear steering configuration, while less common today, provided tight maneuverability in confined zones such as airfields and depots.
Terminology Notes

• Rigid Frame: A non-articulated chassis where steering is achieved through axle pivoting
  
• Powershift Transmission: A hydraulic transmission allowing gear changes without clutching
  
• Planetary Drive: A gear system that distributes torque evenly across the axle
  
• 4-in-1 Bucket: A multi-function bucket capable of opening and closing for different tasks
  
• Military CM Designation: Indicates a configuration tailored for military use, often with non-standard parts
  

Operational Strengths and Field Applications
The H-90CM was deployed in military engineering units for tasks such as:

• Airfield construction and maintenance
  
• Ammunition depot loading
  
• Road building in remote theaters
  
• Emergency debris clearing after natural disasters
  
• Bridge approach grading and riverbank stabilization
  

A retired operator in Georgia recalled using the H-90CM during his service in the 1970s to clear jungle terrain in Southeast Asia. Despite its age, the loader’s torque and bucket versatility allowed it to outperform newer machines in dense underbrush.
Maintenance Considerations and Common Issues
Due to its age and military-specific components, the H-90CM requires careful maintenance. Common service points include:

• Engine oil and filter every 250 hours
  
• Transmission fluid and filter every 500 hours
  
• Hydraulic system flush annually
  
• Brake system inspection quarterly
  
• Planetary gear oil change every 1,000 hours
  

Operators have reported issues such as:

• Difficulty sourcing parts due to military-only specifications
  
• Rear steering linkage wear causing drift
  
• Air brake system leaks from aging seals
  
• Hydraulic drift in the bucket due to worn cylinder seals
  

Solutions include retrofitting civilian-grade components, fabricating custom bushings, and sourcing military technical manuals such as TM5-3805-201-15 for service procedures.
Recommendations for Restoration and Use
For owners restoring or operating a Hough H-90CM:

• Document all serial numbers and component codes for parts sourcing
  
• Replace rubber components with modern equivalents to prevent leaks
  
• Use synthetic fluids in cold climates to reduce startup wear
  
• Install LED lighting and backup alarms for modern safety compliance
  
• Keep a log of service intervals and component replacements
  

For machines used in civilian applications, consider converting the air brake system to hydraulic if parts are unavailable. Some operators have successfully adapted parts from agricultural tractors and surplus military vehicles.
Stories from the Field
A collector in Michigan restored a H-90CM found in a scrapyard, replacing the engine with a rebuilt Cummins JT6 sourced from a surplus generator. After repainting and reconditioning the transmission, the loader was used to build a private motocross track, handling clay and gravel with ease.
In another case, a rural municipality in Alberta acquired a H-90CM from military surplus and used it for snow removal and gravel road maintenance. Despite its age, the loader’s robust frame and torque-rich engine made it ideal for winter operations.
Conclusion
The Hough H-90CM is a testament to mid-century engineering built for endurance and versatility. Though parts may be scarce and documentation limited, its mechanical simplicity and military-grade toughness make it a valuable asset for restoration and light-duty use. With proper care and creative sourcing, the H-90CM continues to serve as a reminder of an era when loaders were built to last through war, wilderness, and work.