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Introduction to Euclid’s Industrial Heritage
Euclid trucks once stood as icons of heavy hauling in mining, quarrying, and large-scale earthmoving. Known for their rugged design and distinctive green paint, these machines were a staple in mid-20th-century construction fleets. Though their presence has dwindled, Euclid’s legacy persists through surviving units, repowered rigs, and the evolution of their designs under new ownership.
This article explores the historical trajectory of Euclid, the reasons behind their decline, and the pockets of resilience where these machines still operate today.
Historical Timeline of Euclid Ownership
Despite corporate transitions and technological shifts, Euclid trucks remain in service across North America and beyond:
A Wisconsin operator once hoped to salvage two damaged Euclids—one with a burned transmission, the other with a broken frame—to create a “penalty box” truck for rough terrain. Unfortunately, both were scrapped, reflecting the challenges of maintaining aging fleets without parts support.
Suggested Parameters for Repowering Projects
Several factors contributed to the decline of Euclid trucks:
In the 1970s, a stone quarry operated a fleet of Euclid trucks ranging from 20 to 50 tons. The smaller units were manual shift “ponies,” while the larger ones used torque drives. Operators praised their durability, though maintenance was labor-intensive. Today, only a few remain, often used for short hauls within the quarry perimeter.
Conclusion
Euclid trucks may no longer dominate the earthmoving landscape, but their legacy endures in repowered rigs, museum pieces, and the memories of operators who relied on them. Their robust frames and distinctive engineering continue to inspire restorations and adaptations. For those who still run Euclids, each haul is a tribute to a bygone era of industrial grit and mechanical ingenuity.
Euclid trucks once stood as icons of heavy hauling in mining, quarrying, and large-scale earthmoving. Known for their rugged design and distinctive green paint, these machines were a staple in mid-20th-century construction fleets. Though their presence has dwindled, Euclid’s legacy persists through surviving units, repowered rigs, and the evolution of their designs under new ownership.
This article explores the historical trajectory of Euclid, the reasons behind their decline, and the pockets of resilience where these machines still operate today.
Historical Timeline of Euclid Ownership
- Originally founded in Cleveland, Ohio, Euclid built off-road haul trucks and earthmoving equipment.
- In 1954, General Motors acquired Euclid, expanding its product line to include loaders and dozers.
- Due to antitrust pressure, GM sold Euclid to White Motor Corporation.
- GM then launched Terex to compete directly with Euclid, using retained design rights.
- In the late 1970s, Clark Equipment acquired Euclid and Lima Crane, later partnering with Volvo to form VME (Volvo Michigan Euclid).
- Eventually, Euclid was split between Volvo and Hitachi, with Hitachi assuming full ownership of the Euclid name and continuing to produce haul trucks under that brand.
- Belly Dump: A haul truck configuration where material is discharged from the bottom of the trailer.
- Torque Drive: A transmission system using torque converters for smoother gear transitions.
- Repowering: Replacing an original engine with a newer, often more efficient powerplant.
Despite corporate transitions and technological shifts, Euclid trucks remain in service across North America and beyond:
- In West Virginia, a dozen B-70 belly dumps were repowered with Detroit Series 60 engines, replacing the original two-stroke Detroits.
- In New Zealand, operators still run 1960s-era R30s, some undergoing full rebuilds including cab lining and brake upgrades.
- In Alaska, NC Machinery retrofitted Euclid tractors with Caterpillar engines and transmissions, modernizing their performance while preserving their structure.
- In Connecticut, the Zagray Farm Museum maintains a late-1940s Euclid as part of its historical fleet.
A Wisconsin operator once hoped to salvage two damaged Euclids—one with a burned transmission, the other with a broken frame—to create a “penalty box” truck for rough terrain. Unfortunately, both were scrapped, reflecting the challenges of maintaining aging fleets without parts support.
Suggested Parameters for Repowering Projects
- Engine Type: CAT C15 or Detroit Series 60
- Transmission: Allison automatic or CAT power shift
- Cooling System: Upgraded radiators with high-flow fans
- Electrical: 24V conversion with sealed harnesses
- Brake System: Air-over-hydraulic retrofit for safety compliance
Several factors contributed to the decline of Euclid trucks:
- Corporate fragmentation led to inconsistent support and branding.
- Newer haul trucks offered better fuel efficiency and operator comfort.
- Regulatory changes demanded emissions compliance and safety upgrades.
- Parts availability dwindled, making repairs costly and time-consuming.
- Maintain detailed service logs and wiring diagrams.
- Stockpile critical components like brake valves, hydraulic pumps, and electrical modules.
- Partner with local machine shops for custom fabrication.
- Retrofit with modern engines and transmissions to extend service life.
In the 1970s, a stone quarry operated a fleet of Euclid trucks ranging from 20 to 50 tons. The smaller units were manual shift “ponies,” while the larger ones used torque drives. Operators praised their durability, though maintenance was labor-intensive. Today, only a few remain, often used for short hauls within the quarry perimeter.
Conclusion
Euclid trucks may no longer dominate the earthmoving landscape, but their legacy endures in repowered rigs, museum pieces, and the memories of operators who relied on them. Their robust frames and distinctive engineering continue to inspire restorations and adaptations. For those who still run Euclids, each haul is a tribute to a bygone era of industrial grit and mechanical ingenuity.
