Reviving the Hough H100C Loader and Salvaging Its Core Components

[MikePhua]

The Hough H100C and Its Industrial Heritage
The Hough H100C was a heavy-duty articulated front-end loader produced during the 1970s under the International Harvester brand, following IH’s acquisition of Hough Equipment Company in the 1950s. Hough had pioneered the concept of the modern wheel loader, and the H100C represented a culmination of rugged design, mechanical simplicity, and brute force. With a bucket capacity ranging from 4.5 to 5 cubic yards depending on configuration, the H100C was built for quarry work, bulk material handling, and large-scale earthmoving.
Thousands of units were sold across North America, often serving in gravel pits, municipal yards, and industrial sites. Though long out of production, many H100Cs remain in service or storage, valued for their mechanical accessibility and rebuild potential.
Terminology Annotation

• Articulated Frame: A central pivot design allowing the front and rear halves of the loader to steer independently.
  
• DT-817 Engine: A turbocharged inline-six diesel engine built by International Harvester, known for high torque and long service life.
  
• Bosch Inline Pump: A mechanical fuel injection pump manufactured by Robert Bosch GmbH, used widely in mid-century diesel engines.
  
• Final Drive: The gear reduction system at each wheel hub that converts torque into usable tractive force.
  

Engine Identification and Performance Profile
Most H100C loaders were equipped with the International Harvester DT-817 diesel engine. This powerplant featured:

• Displacement: 817 cubic inches (13.4 liters)
  
• Configuration: Inline-six, turbocharged
  
• Output: Approximately 250–275 horsepower
  
• Injection System: Bosch inline mechanical pump
  
• Cooling: Water-cooled with oil cooler integration
  

The DT-817 was designed for industrial applications and shared components with other IH power units used in tractors and construction equipment. Its long-stroke design delivered high torque at low RPM, ideal for pushing and lifting heavy loads.
In one restoration project in upstate New York, a father-son team rebuilt a DT-817 from a retired H100C using salvaged parts from a combine harvester. After replacing the head gasket, injectors, and turbo seals, the engine ran reliably for over 1,500 hours in a gravel yard.
Salvageable Components and Reuse Potential
Even if the H100C is no longer operational, many of its components remain valuable for reuse or resale. Key salvageable parts include:

• Engine block and head (if not cracked or warped)
  
• Bosch injection pump and injectors
  
• Turbocharger and intake manifold
  
• Radiator and oil cooler
  
• Transmission and torque converter
  
• Articulated joint pins and bushings
  
• Hydraulic cylinders (boom, bucket, steering)
  
• Axles and planetary final drives
  
• Bucket and linkage assemblies
  
• Operator controls and gauges
  

Parts like the injection pump and turbo can be rebuilt or sold to collectors and restorers. Hydraulic cylinders may be repacked and reused in other machines with similar bore and stroke dimensions.
In one salvage yard near Chicago, a DT-817 injection pump was sold to a vintage tractor enthusiast for $600, while the loader’s bucket was repurposed for a custom snow pusher on a farm.
Inspection Tips and Salvage Strategy
Before dismantling, perform a condition assessment:

• Check engine oil for metal particles or coolant contamination
  
• Inspect cylinder head for cracks around injector ports
  
• Test hydraulic pressure at cylinder ports if possible
  
• Examine articulation joint for excessive play or wear
  
• Inspect transmission fluid for burnt odor or discoloration
  
• Verify bucket integrity and weld condition
  

If the machine has sat idle for years, expect to replace all rubber components, including hoses, seals, and gaskets. Electrical wiring may be brittle or rodent-damaged.
Recommended salvage sequence:

• Remove engine and transmission as a unit
  
• Disconnect hydraulic lines and drain system
  
• Extract cylinders and valve blocks
  
• Remove axles and final drives
  
• Detach bucket and linkage
  
• Strip cab components and controls
  

Label and store parts systematically to preserve resale value and facilitate reassembly if needed.
Market Value and Restoration Considerations
While the H100C may not command high resale as a complete unit, its parts can be valuable to niche buyers. Restorers, quarry operators, and vintage equipment collectors often seek components for rebuilds or custom projects.
Estimated part values (condition-dependent):

• DT-817 engine core: $1,500–$3,000
  
• Bosch injection pump: $400–$800
  
• Hydraulic cylinders: $300–$600 each
  
• Bucket: $800–$1,200
  
• Transmission: $1,000–$2,000
  

In one online auction, a non-running H100C sold for $7,200 to a small quarry operator who planned to rebuild it for stockpile loading. The buyer valued its mechanical simplicity and compatibility with existing IH parts.
Final Thoughts
The Hough H100C may be a relic, but its bones are strong. With the DT-817 engine at its heart and a frame built for punishment, it remains a viable candidate for salvage or restoration. Whether repurposing its bucket, rebuilding its powertrain, or selling its components to enthusiasts, the H100C offers more than scrap—it offers legacy iron.
In the world of heavy equipment, age is not the end. And when the parts still fit and the engine still fires, the machine lives on.