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The Origins of the H25B and Hough’s Legacy
The Hough H25B pay loader was part of a lineage of wheel loaders developed by Frank G. Hough Co., a company that pioneered the use of torque converters in construction equipment. Founded in the 1920s and later acquired by International Harvester in the 1950s, Hough became synonymous with rugged, reliable loaders. The H25B was introduced in the mid-1960s as a compact, versatile machine suitable for small contractors, municipalities, and industrial yards. It featured a mechanical drivetrain, simple hydraulic systems, and a choice of gasoline, diesel, or propane engines.
By the late 1960s, Hough loaders were widely used across North America, with thousands of units sold. The H25B, in particular, gained a reputation for being easy to maintain and surprisingly powerful for its size. Its operating weight hovered around 6,000 pounds, and it could handle a bucket capacity of roughly 0.75 to 1 cubic yard.
Engine Options and Shutdown Challenges
The H25B was offered with several engine configurations, including International Harvester’s 55-horsepower gasoline engine and a diesel variant. Some units were retrofitted or factory-equipped to run on propane, which was popular in indoor or cold-climate applications due to cleaner emissions and easier cold starts.
A recurring issue with older diesel models is the inability to shut down the engine using the throttle or solenoid. In such cases, operators resort to blocking the air intake to starve the engine. This points to a malfunctioning fuel shutoff solenoid, which is supposed to cut fuel flow when de-energized. Replacing or rewiring the solenoid usually resolves the issue. If the machine uses a manual fuel cutoff lever, linkage wear or misalignment may also be the culprit.
Serial Numbers and Manufacturing Dates
Serial numbers like 143873 and 3340303U006633 help identify the production year. Based on available records and operator manuals dated October 1967, many H25Bs were manufactured between 1966 and 1972. The “U” in the serial number typically denotes a U.S. assembly plant, and the trailing digits indicate the unit’s sequence on the production line.
Terminology Notes
Many H25Bs have been restored by enthusiasts. Common upgrades include:
Field Stories and Ownership Experience
A restored H25B was once sold to a brick factory in New Jersey, only to reappear on the resale market a year later in nearly the same condition. The machine had been barely used, a testament to how some industrial buyers acquire equipment but fail to integrate it into operations.
Another owner in Canada used his H25B for snow removal and gravel grading, praising its reliability and ease of use. Despite its age, the loader remained a “fine little workhorse,” proving that well-built machines can outlast trends and technology shifts.
Maintenance Tips and Recommendations
To keep an H25B running smoothly:
Conclusion
The Hough H25B pay loader may be decades old, but its mechanical simplicity and sturdy design continue to earn it a place in yards and farms across North America. Whether diesel, gas, or propane-powered, it remains a symbol of mid-century engineering that still gets the job done. With proper care and occasional upgrades, the H25B can serve for generations—proof that some machines never go out of style.
The Hough H25B pay loader was part of a lineage of wheel loaders developed by Frank G. Hough Co., a company that pioneered the use of torque converters in construction equipment. Founded in the 1920s and later acquired by International Harvester in the 1950s, Hough became synonymous with rugged, reliable loaders. The H25B was introduced in the mid-1960s as a compact, versatile machine suitable for small contractors, municipalities, and industrial yards. It featured a mechanical drivetrain, simple hydraulic systems, and a choice of gasoline, diesel, or propane engines.
By the late 1960s, Hough loaders were widely used across North America, with thousands of units sold. The H25B, in particular, gained a reputation for being easy to maintain and surprisingly powerful for its size. Its operating weight hovered around 6,000 pounds, and it could handle a bucket capacity of roughly 0.75 to 1 cubic yard.
Engine Options and Shutdown Challenges
The H25B was offered with several engine configurations, including International Harvester’s 55-horsepower gasoline engine and a diesel variant. Some units were retrofitted or factory-equipped to run on propane, which was popular in indoor or cold-climate applications due to cleaner emissions and easier cold starts.
A recurring issue with older diesel models is the inability to shut down the engine using the throttle or solenoid. In such cases, operators resort to blocking the air intake to starve the engine. This points to a malfunctioning fuel shutoff solenoid, which is supposed to cut fuel flow when de-energized. Replacing or rewiring the solenoid usually resolves the issue. If the machine uses a manual fuel cutoff lever, linkage wear or misalignment may also be the culprit.
Serial Numbers and Manufacturing Dates
Serial numbers like 143873 and 3340303U006633 help identify the production year. Based on available records and operator manuals dated October 1967, many H25Bs were manufactured between 1966 and 1972. The “U” in the serial number typically denotes a U.S. assembly plant, and the trailing digits indicate the unit’s sequence on the production line.
Terminology Notes
- Torque Converter: A fluid coupling that transmits and multiplies engine torque to the transmission.
- Solenoid: An electromechanical device that controls fluid or fuel flow via magnetic actuation.
- ROP (Roll-Over Protection): A structural frame designed to protect the operator in case of a rollover.
- Propane Option: A fuel system configured to run on liquefied petroleum gas, often used in enclosed environments.
Many H25Bs have been restored by enthusiasts. Common upgrades include:
- Installing modern LED lighting
- Replacing the original seat with suspension seats
- Adding tire chains for snow clearing
- Retrofitting hydraulic quick couplers for faster bucket changes
Field Stories and Ownership Experience
A restored H25B was once sold to a brick factory in New Jersey, only to reappear on the resale market a year later in nearly the same condition. The machine had been barely used, a testament to how some industrial buyers acquire equipment but fail to integrate it into operations.
Another owner in Canada used his H25B for snow removal and gravel grading, praising its reliability and ease of use. Despite its age, the loader remained a “fine little workhorse,” proving that well-built machines can outlast trends and technology shifts.
Maintenance Tips and Recommendations
To keep an H25B running smoothly:
- Change engine oil every 100 hours or annually
- Inspect hydraulic hoses for cracking and leaks
- Grease all pivot points monthly
- Check tire pressure and chain tension before winter use
- Replace fuel filters every 250 hours
Conclusion
The Hough H25B pay loader may be decades old, but its mechanical simplicity and sturdy design continue to earn it a place in yards and farms across North America. Whether diesel, gas, or propane-powered, it remains a symbol of mid-century engineering that still gets the job done. With proper care and occasional upgrades, the H25B can serve for generations—proof that some machines never go out of style.
