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The Drott Legacy and Its Place in Excavator History
Drott Manufacturing began as a family-owned company that made a name for itself in the mid-20th century by producing versatile loader attachments and pioneering the 4-in-1 bucket. Their machines were widely adopted by counties and municipalities for ditch maintenance and utility work, especially the rubber-tired excavators that offered longer reach than backhoes and could load directly into full-size dump trucks.
In 1968, Drott was acquired by Case, which later became part of Tenneco Corporation—a conglomerate with interests in shipbuilding, nuclear power, and oil fields. The Drott line was absorbed into Case’s equipment portfolio, but the fit was never ideal. Over time, the Drott name faded, and its excavators became relics of a bygone era. By the late 1980s, Case had moved on to other partnerships, including rebadging Hyundai loaders and collaborating with Fiat on mini excavators.
Evaluating the Drott 35 in Today’s Market
The Drott 35 crawler excavator is a vintage machine with a reputation for simplicity and ruggedness. It features manually controlled Husco valves, Commercial Shearing gear pumps, and Drott’s own gear-driven swing and travel systems. These components were standard in the 1970s and 1980s, but today they are considered outdated and difficult to source.
Key concerns when evaluating a Drott 35 include:
Cost vs. Capability Analysis
The asking price for a Drott 35 in poor condition is often around $8,000. However, this figure doesn’t reflect the hidden costs of restoration. Consider the following:
Meanwhile, a 20-year-old excavator from Hitachi, Komatsu, or Caterpillar with parts support and modern hydraulics can be purchased for $20,000–$30,000. These machines offer better fuel efficiency, smoother controls, and resale value.
Field Stories and Operator Experience
One operator in Missouri recalled working with a Drott 35 in the late 1970s. The machine was reliable for ditching and pond excavation but required constant attention. Hydraulic leaks were common, and the swing gear occasionally locked up during cold mornings. Despite its quirks, the Drott was easy to repair with basic tools—a trait appreciated in rural operations.
Another contractor in New York purchased a 1980 Drott 40CE in decent condition for $6,200. He found that while the machine could still dig, it struggled with precision tasks and lacked the responsiveness of newer models. After a year of use, he sold it for scrap and upgraded to a used Deere 160LC.
Technical Considerations and Obsolescence
The Drott 35 uses gear-type hydraulic pumps, which are less efficient than modern piston pumps. Its control system lacks proportional valves, making fine grading difficult. The swing and travel drives are gear-based with no planetary reduction, resulting in jerky movement and limited torque.
Modern excavators feature:
Recommendations for Buyers
If considering a Drott 35 for occasional use or as a restoration project:
Conclusion
The Drott 35 excavator is a nostalgic piece of construction history, but its practicality in modern operations is limited. With outdated hydraulics, scarce parts, and slow performance, it poses more risk than reward for most buyers. While it may appeal to collectors or hobbyists, contractors seeking reliability and efficiency should look toward newer machines with proven support and capabilities. In today’s market, the Drott 35 is more of a conversation piece than a workhorse.
Drott Manufacturing began as a family-owned company that made a name for itself in the mid-20th century by producing versatile loader attachments and pioneering the 4-in-1 bucket. Their machines were widely adopted by counties and municipalities for ditch maintenance and utility work, especially the rubber-tired excavators that offered longer reach than backhoes and could load directly into full-size dump trucks.
In 1968, Drott was acquired by Case, which later became part of Tenneco Corporation—a conglomerate with interests in shipbuilding, nuclear power, and oil fields. The Drott line was absorbed into Case’s equipment portfolio, but the fit was never ideal. Over time, the Drott name faded, and its excavators became relics of a bygone era. By the late 1980s, Case had moved on to other partnerships, including rebadging Hyundai loaders and collaborating with Fiat on mini excavators.
Evaluating the Drott 35 in Today’s Market
The Drott 35 crawler excavator is a vintage machine with a reputation for simplicity and ruggedness. It features manually controlled Husco valves, Commercial Shearing gear pumps, and Drott’s own gear-driven swing and travel systems. These components were standard in the 1970s and 1980s, but today they are considered outdated and difficult to source.
Key concerns when evaluating a Drott 35 include:
- Hydraulic hoses: If all hoses need replacement, expect to spend $2,000–$4,000 depending on length and fittings.
- Engine condition: Even if rebuilt, sitting idle for decades can lead to dry seals, stuck injectors, and corroded internals.
- Final drives: These gear-driven units are rare and expensive to replace. If one fails, the machine may be unsalvageable.
- Parts availability: Most dealers no longer stock Drott components, and cross-referencing parts requires deep research.
- Operational speed: Compared to modern excavators, the Drott 35 is slow and inefficient, especially in multi-function operations.
Cost vs. Capability Analysis
The asking price for a Drott 35 in poor condition is often around $8,000. However, this figure doesn’t reflect the hidden costs of restoration. Consider the following:
- Replacing all hydraulic hoses: $3,000
- Engine tune-up and seal replacement: $1,500
- Electrical rewiring and starter replacement: $800
- Undercarriage inspection and track tensioning: $1,200
- Miscellaneous repairs (valves, bushings, pins): $2,000
Meanwhile, a 20-year-old excavator from Hitachi, Komatsu, or Caterpillar with parts support and modern hydraulics can be purchased for $20,000–$30,000. These machines offer better fuel efficiency, smoother controls, and resale value.
Field Stories and Operator Experience
One operator in Missouri recalled working with a Drott 35 in the late 1970s. The machine was reliable for ditching and pond excavation but required constant attention. Hydraulic leaks were common, and the swing gear occasionally locked up during cold mornings. Despite its quirks, the Drott was easy to repair with basic tools—a trait appreciated in rural operations.
Another contractor in New York purchased a 1980 Drott 40CE in decent condition for $6,200. He found that while the machine could still dig, it struggled with precision tasks and lacked the responsiveness of newer models. After a year of use, he sold it for scrap and upgraded to a used Deere 160LC.
Technical Considerations and Obsolescence
The Drott 35 uses gear-type hydraulic pumps, which are less efficient than modern piston pumps. Its control system lacks proportional valves, making fine grading difficult. The swing and travel drives are gear-based with no planetary reduction, resulting in jerky movement and limited torque.
Modern excavators feature:
- Load-sensing hydraulics
- Pilot controls with joystick modulation
- Onboard diagnostics and error codes
- Fuel-efficient Tier 3 or Tier 4 engines
- Parts support from global dealer networks
Recommendations for Buyers
If considering a Drott 35 for occasional use or as a restoration project:
- Inspect the machine in person and test all functions
- Budget for complete hose replacement and fluid flushing
- Verify engine compression and cooling system integrity
- Check swing gear backlash and travel motor response
- Confirm availability of parts through specialty suppliers or salvage yards
Conclusion
The Drott 35 excavator is a nostalgic piece of construction history, but its practicality in modern operations is limited. With outdated hydraulics, scarce parts, and slow performance, it poses more risk than reward for most buyers. While it may appeal to collectors or hobbyists, contractors seeking reliability and efficiency should look toward newer machines with proven support and capabilities. In today’s market, the Drott 35 is more of a conversation piece than a workhorse.
