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The Hough Legacy and the Rise of Compact Loaders
Founded in 1924 by Frank Hough, the Hough Company pioneered the development of the first rubber-tired front-end loader. By the 1950s, Hough had become a dominant force in the loader market, eventually acquired by International Harvester in 1952. The Hough HA mini loader, introduced in the early 1960s, was part of a broader push to bring compact, maneuverable machines to farms, nurseries, and industrial yards. These loaders were designed to be simple, durable, and easy to maintain—qualities that made them popular in North America’s agricultural heartland.
The HA model was powered by a four-cylinder Waukesha gasoline engine, paired with a manual transmission offering forward and reverse gears and a high-low range selector. With a modest footprint and a surprisingly large bucket, the HA was ideal for tasks like barn cleaning, feed handling, and fertilizer loading. Though exact production numbers are hard to pin down, thousands were sold across the Midwest and Northeast, often through local IH dealers.
Reviving a Forgotten Machine
One such HA loader was discovered at a farm auction in upstate New York, where it had sat untouched in a shed for 35 years. The original owner had replaced it with a Mustang skid steer in the 1980s, parking the Hough after a piston failure. Remarkably, the machine was started the day before the auction with fresh fuel and a cleaned ignition system, but failed to run on auction day—likely due to stuck intake valves.
After purchase, the new owner freed the valves, installed new spark plugs, and drove the loader home without issue. The only major fault was non-functional brakes, a common problem in older machines with mechanical linkages and drum systems prone to rust and wear.
Terminology Clarification
The serial number stamped on the loader—2BA31764—helped identify it as a 1963 Hough HA (B) model. Serial sequences for this model began at 31657 in 1963 and continued into 1964. This loader was likely among the first few hundred produced that year, making it a valuable piece of Hough’s compact equipment history.
Interestingly, the machine had a familial connection: the original owner was the great-uncle of the new owner’s fiancée. This unexpected link transformed the loader from “just another piece of junk” into a sentimental restoration project.
Field Use and Practical Performance
Despite its age, the HA loader still performs basic tasks well. It can lift substantial loads—up to the point where the rear wheels begin to lift off the ground. This is a testament to its hydraulic system and counterweight balance, though it also highlights the need for caution when operating on uneven terrain.
The oversized bucket, likely designed for light materials like manure or mulch, makes it ideal for barn work and landscaping. In the 1960s, these machines were commonly used in calf barns and bunk feeders, where their compact size and maneuverability were essential.
Safety Considerations and Modifications
One concern with older loaders like the HA is the lack of a ROPS (Roll Over Protective Structure). These machines were built before modern safety standards, and operators must be aware of rollover risks, especially when working on slopes or with heavy loads. Adding a ROPS or at least a protective canopy is strongly recommended for any restoration intended for regular use.
Some HA loaders were converted into forklifts by replacing the bucket with forks and adding a mast. These modifications were often done in-house or by local fabricators, making each unit unique. While not factory-standard, such adaptations extended the usefulness of the machine in warehouses and feed mills.
Restoration Tips and Maintenance Advice
For those considering a restoration of a Hough HA loader:
A Machine Built to Last
The Hough HA mini loader may not be a production powerhouse, but its simplicity, durability, and charm make it a valuable tool for small farms and hobbyists. With proper care, these machines can outlive their modern counterparts, offering decades of reliable service. As one mechanic in Arizona put it, “Your grandkids may inherit it and use it too.”
In an age of disposable equipment, the HA stands as a reminder of a time when machines were built to be repaired, not replaced. Whether cleaning barns, moving mulch, or just hauling firewood, the Hough HA continues to earn its keep—one bucketful at a time.
Founded in 1924 by Frank Hough, the Hough Company pioneered the development of the first rubber-tired front-end loader. By the 1950s, Hough had become a dominant force in the loader market, eventually acquired by International Harvester in 1952. The Hough HA mini loader, introduced in the early 1960s, was part of a broader push to bring compact, maneuverable machines to farms, nurseries, and industrial yards. These loaders were designed to be simple, durable, and easy to maintain—qualities that made them popular in North America’s agricultural heartland.
The HA model was powered by a four-cylinder Waukesha gasoline engine, paired with a manual transmission offering forward and reverse gears and a high-low range selector. With a modest footprint and a surprisingly large bucket, the HA was ideal for tasks like barn cleaning, feed handling, and fertilizer loading. Though exact production numbers are hard to pin down, thousands were sold across the Midwest and Northeast, often through local IH dealers.
Reviving a Forgotten Machine
One such HA loader was discovered at a farm auction in upstate New York, where it had sat untouched in a shed for 35 years. The original owner had replaced it with a Mustang skid steer in the 1980s, parking the Hough after a piston failure. Remarkably, the machine was started the day before the auction with fresh fuel and a cleaned ignition system, but failed to run on auction day—likely due to stuck intake valves.
After purchase, the new owner freed the valves, installed new spark plugs, and drove the loader home without issue. The only major fault was non-functional brakes, a common problem in older machines with mechanical linkages and drum systems prone to rust and wear.
Terminology Clarification
- Waukesha Engine: A line of industrial engines known for reliability, often used in agricultural and construction equipment.
- Manual Transmission: A gearbox requiring manual gear selection, typically using a clutch and shift lever.
- High-Low Range Selector: A lever that changes the gear ratio, allowing for torque-heavy low-speed operation or faster travel in high gear.
The serial number stamped on the loader—2BA31764—helped identify it as a 1963 Hough HA (B) model. Serial sequences for this model began at 31657 in 1963 and continued into 1964. This loader was likely among the first few hundred produced that year, making it a valuable piece of Hough’s compact equipment history.
Interestingly, the machine had a familial connection: the original owner was the great-uncle of the new owner’s fiancée. This unexpected link transformed the loader from “just another piece of junk” into a sentimental restoration project.
Field Use and Practical Performance
Despite its age, the HA loader still performs basic tasks well. It can lift substantial loads—up to the point where the rear wheels begin to lift off the ground. This is a testament to its hydraulic system and counterweight balance, though it also highlights the need for caution when operating on uneven terrain.
The oversized bucket, likely designed for light materials like manure or mulch, makes it ideal for barn work and landscaping. In the 1960s, these machines were commonly used in calf barns and bunk feeders, where their compact size and maneuverability were essential.
Safety Considerations and Modifications
One concern with older loaders like the HA is the lack of a ROPS (Roll Over Protective Structure). These machines were built before modern safety standards, and operators must be aware of rollover risks, especially when working on slopes or with heavy loads. Adding a ROPS or at least a protective canopy is strongly recommended for any restoration intended for regular use.
Some HA loaders were converted into forklifts by replacing the bucket with forks and adding a mast. These modifications were often done in-house or by local fabricators, making each unit unique. While not factory-standard, such adaptations extended the usefulness of the machine in warehouses and feed mills.
Restoration Tips and Maintenance Advice
For those considering a restoration of a Hough HA loader:
- Inspect the brake system thoroughly; most use mechanical drum brakes that may require complete rebuilds
- Clean and lubricate all control linkages, especially the high-low selector and throttle
- Replace fuel lines and filters to prevent varnish buildup from old gasoline
- Check hydraulic hoses for dry rot and replace with modern equivalents
- Use SAE 30 non-detergent oil in the engine unless converted to a modern filter system
A Machine Built to Last
The Hough HA mini loader may not be a production powerhouse, but its simplicity, durability, and charm make it a valuable tool for small farms and hobbyists. With proper care, these machines can outlive their modern counterparts, offering decades of reliable service. As one mechanic in Arizona put it, “Your grandkids may inherit it and use it too.”
In an age of disposable equipment, the HA stands as a reminder of a time when machines were built to be repaired, not replaced. Whether cleaning barns, moving mulch, or just hauling firewood, the Hough HA continues to earn its keep—one bucketful at a time.
