The Bantam T250: Rediscovering a Forgotten Cable Excavator

[MikePhua]

Origins and Design Philosophy
The Bantam T250 was a lesser-known model in the Bantam line of cable-operated excavators, likely produced in the mid-20th century by Koehring-Bantam. Unlike its more famous siblings—the T350 and C350—the T250 remains elusive, with few surviving examples and limited documentation. It was designed as a truck-mounted cable hoe, offering mobility and versatility for road builders and contractors working in remote or undeveloped areas.
The T250 featured a cable-operated boom and dipper, mounted on a commercial truck chassis, often a Chevrolet CCKW or similar military surplus platform. This configuration allowed it to travel between job sites without the need for lowboy trailers, a significant advantage in the post-war construction boom.
Terminology Notes

• Cable Hoe: An excavator that uses steel cables and winches to control the boom, dipper, and bucket, rather than hydraulic cylinders.
  
• Truck-Mounted Excavator: A machine mounted on a highway-capable truck chassis, combining excavation capability with road mobility.
  
• CCKW Chassis: A WWII-era 6x6 truck produced by Chevrolet, often repurposed for civilian use in construction and logging.
  

Field Sightings and Anecdotes
One known T250 was spotted in west-central South Dakota, reportedly in restorable condition. Another was seen mounted on a military tracked carrier, featuring an armored hood and bulletproof radiator guard—possibly a customized variant used for military engineering tasks. A retired road builder recalled using a similar Bantam unit to winch concrete trucks up a sand hill, relying on its front-mounted winch and robust cable system.
In Colchester, Connecticut, a T250-like machine was seen at the Zagray Farm Museum, though it lacked the truck mount. These sightings suggest that the T250 may have been produced in limited numbers or customized heavily for specific applications.
Restoration and Collector Interest
Collectors of vintage construction equipment have expressed strong interest in locating and restoring T250 units. One enthusiast in British Columbia shared photos from a 1991 HCEA convention in Waverly, Iowa, where the Bantam factory displayed archival images of the T250. These photos sparked a renewed search for surviving machines.
Restoration challenges include sourcing original boom sections, jib extensions, and gantry frames, many of which were unique to the T250. Some parts may be interchangeable with the T350, but differences in mounting and geometry require careful adaptation.
Legacy and Historical Context
The Bantam T250 represents a transitional era in excavation technology—bridging the gap between steam shovels and hydraulic excavators. Its cable system, while mechanically complex, offered precise control and durability in harsh environments. The truck-mounted design reflected a post-war emphasis on mobility and modularity, as contractors sought machines that could adapt to diverse terrains and job types.
In the broader context, Bantam machines contributed to infrastructure development across North America, from rural road building to dam construction. Their simplicity and mechanical resilience made them ideal for regions with limited access to hydraulic repair services.
Conclusion: A Rare Machine Worth Remembering
Though overshadowed by its more prolific siblings, the Bantam T250 remains a fascinating chapter in the history of heavy equipment. Its rarity, rugged design, and cable-operated charm continue to captivate collectors and historians alike. Whether tucked away in a barn or waiting in a field for rediscovery, the T250 stands as a testament to the ingenuity and adaptability of mid-century construction machinery. And for those lucky enough to find one, it offers not just a restoration project—but a chance to revive a piece of working history.