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The Wabco Legacy in Earthmoving
Wabco (Westinghouse Air Brake Company) was a pioneering force in the development of heavy-duty earthmoving equipment throughout the mid-20th century. Known for their robust engineering and innovative designs, Wabco scrapers were widely used in large-scale construction and mining operations. The Wabco 110, a smaller self-propelled scraper, was introduced as a compact yet capable machine for contractors seeking affordability and performance in a single package.
While Wabco eventually exited the construction equipment market, their machines—especially the 100-series scrapers—remain in use today, often in private fleets or rural operations where simplicity and mechanical reliability are prized over modern electronics.
The Wabco 110 in the Field
The Wabco 110 was designed as a nimble, cost-effective alternative to larger scrapers like the 101G or 222. With a relatively small frame and a straightforward mechanical drivetrain, the 110 could be operated and maintained with minimal infrastructure. It featured a single-engine configuration, direct mechanical controls, and a bowl capacity suitable for light to medium-duty earthmoving.
Operators appreciated the 110 for its:
Comparison with the Wabco 101G
The Wabco 101G, a larger sibling to the 110, was a more powerful machine with higher capacity and a more complex hydraulic system. While the 101G could move more material per cycle, it also demanded more fuel, maintenance, and operator skill. The 110, by contrast, was ideal for smaller jobsites or as a support unit in larger operations.
Some contractors have even built fleets of Wabco scrapers, combining 101Gs and 110s to handle a range of tasks. In Australia, for example, earthmoving contractors have kept these machines running for decades, often fabricating parts locally or salvaging components from retired units.
Maintenance and Parts Considerations
Given the age of the Wabco 110, sourcing parts can be a challenge. However, many components are interchangeable with other Wabco models or can be fabricated by skilled machinists. Key maintenance tips include:
In an era dominated by GPS-guided, emissions-regulated equipment, the Wabco 110 stands as a reminder of a time when machines were built to be fixed in the field. For small contractors, hobbyists, or landowners with large acreage, the 110 offers a low-cost entry into mechanized earthmoving. Its simplicity, durability, and availability on the used market make it a compelling option for those willing to trade modern comforts for mechanical reliability.
Conclusion
The Wabco 110 may not boast the horsepower or digital sophistication of today’s scrapers, but it delivers where it counts—moving dirt efficiently and affordably. For those who appreciate the art of operating and maintaining vintage iron, the 110 is more than a machine; it’s a piece of earthmoving history that still earns its place on the jobsite.
Wabco (Westinghouse Air Brake Company) was a pioneering force in the development of heavy-duty earthmoving equipment throughout the mid-20th century. Known for their robust engineering and innovative designs, Wabco scrapers were widely used in large-scale construction and mining operations. The Wabco 110, a smaller self-propelled scraper, was introduced as a compact yet capable machine for contractors seeking affordability and performance in a single package.
While Wabco eventually exited the construction equipment market, their machines—especially the 100-series scrapers—remain in use today, often in private fleets or rural operations where simplicity and mechanical reliability are prized over modern electronics.
The Wabco 110 in the Field
The Wabco 110 was designed as a nimble, cost-effective alternative to larger scrapers like the 101G or 222. With a relatively small frame and a straightforward mechanical drivetrain, the 110 could be operated and maintained with minimal infrastructure. It featured a single-engine configuration, direct mechanical controls, and a bowl capacity suitable for light to medium-duty earthmoving.
Operators appreciated the 110 for its:
- Simple mechanical layout, making field repairs feasible without specialized tools
- Low acquisition cost, often under $5,000 in the used market
- Adequate power-to-weight ratio for small-scale grading and hauling
- Compatibility with older parts from other Wabco models
Comparison with the Wabco 101G
The Wabco 101G, a larger sibling to the 110, was a more powerful machine with higher capacity and a more complex hydraulic system. While the 101G could move more material per cycle, it also demanded more fuel, maintenance, and operator skill. The 110, by contrast, was ideal for smaller jobsites or as a support unit in larger operations.
Some contractors have even built fleets of Wabco scrapers, combining 101Gs and 110s to handle a range of tasks. In Australia, for example, earthmoving contractors have kept these machines running for decades, often fabricating parts locally or salvaging components from retired units.
Maintenance and Parts Considerations
Given the age of the Wabco 110, sourcing parts can be a challenge. However, many components are interchangeable with other Wabco models or can be fabricated by skilled machinists. Key maintenance tips include:
- Regular inspection of the bowl lift cylinders and hydraulic lines for leaks
- Monitoring tire wear and sourcing compatible replacements from agricultural or military surplus suppliers
- Replacing worn bushings and pivot pins to maintain articulation and steering precision
- Checking the transmission fluid and filters, especially if the machine uses a torque converter system
In an era dominated by GPS-guided, emissions-regulated equipment, the Wabco 110 stands as a reminder of a time when machines were built to be fixed in the field. For small contractors, hobbyists, or landowners with large acreage, the 110 offers a low-cost entry into mechanized earthmoving. Its simplicity, durability, and availability on the used market make it a compelling option for those willing to trade modern comforts for mechanical reliability.
Conclusion
The Wabco 110 may not boast the horsepower or digital sophistication of today’s scrapers, but it delivers where it counts—moving dirt efficiently and affordably. For those who appreciate the art of operating and maintaining vintage iron, the 110 is more than a machine; it’s a piece of earthmoving history that still earns its place on the jobsite.
