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The Hough H50 and Its Industrial Roots
The Hough H50 wheel loader was a product of the George H. Hough Company, a pioneering force in the development of rubber-tired loaders. Founded in the 1920s and later acquired by International Harvester in the 1950s, Hough machines were known for their rugged frames, mechanical simplicity, and long service life. The H50, introduced in the late 1950s to early 1960s, was a mid-size loader designed for construction, mining, and agricultural use. With an operating weight around 20,000 lbs and a bucket capacity of roughly 2.5 cubic yards, it was built to move serious material without the complexity of modern electronics.
Engine Configuration and Known Issues
Most H50s were equipped with International Harvester diesel engines, commonly the D282—a naturally aspirated inline six-cylinder known for its torque and cold-start stubbornness. Some units may have used the D239 or even Cummins swaps in later years. These engines were robust but had quirks:
Restoration Strategy and First Steps
Reviving a long-idle H50 begins with a methodical inspection:
Cold Climate Operation and Tire Considerations
In northern climates like Ontario, where this particular H50 was stored, winter operation demands attention to traction and cold-start reliability. The loader’s weight gives it excellent pushing power, but soft spots and inclines can still pose challenges. Chains on at least one axle are recommended, and tire pressure should be monitored closely.
Older tires, even with visible cracking, often outperform modern equivalents in terms of carcass strength. However, they may not hold air reliably. Tubes can be installed to extend their life, and used chains from forestry or municipal fleets can be sourced at reasonable cost.
Parts Availability and Engine Identification
Identifying the correct engine is crucial. While some confusion exists between the D239, D282, and other IH variants, the six-cylinder configuration and casting numbers can help narrow it down. Rebuild kits, gaskets, and rings are still available from suppliers like Fel-Pro and Federal-Mogul. Castings, however, may be harder to source.
If rebuilding, consider:
Historical Context and Regional Stories
The Hough H50 isn’t just a machine—it’s a time capsule. In the 1970s, similar loaders were used in northern Ontario mining camps, hauling ore and clearing snow. One story recalls a D8 dozer walking 20 miles down a frozen ditch to recover a belly-dump truck that had slid off the embankment near Sturgeon Lake. These machines were built for that kind of punishment.
In places like Pickle Lake and Dryden, where winters are long and roads are remote, equipment like the H50 was often the only thing standing between a snowed-in camp and a functioning supply line. Even today, some of these loaders are still running, passed down through families or parked behind barns waiting for a second life.
Recommendations for Long-Term Use
Once revived, the H50 can serve reliably for years with basic care:
Conclusion
Restoring a Hough H50 isn’t just about turning wrenches—it’s about preserving a piece of industrial history. With its International Harvester heart and mid-century steel bones, the H50 represents an era when machines were built to last and designed to be fixed in the field. Whether it’s pushing snow in Ontario or hauling gravel on a backroad, this loader still has plenty of work left in it—and plenty of stories to tell.
The Hough H50 wheel loader was a product of the George H. Hough Company, a pioneering force in the development of rubber-tired loaders. Founded in the 1920s and later acquired by International Harvester in the 1950s, Hough machines were known for their rugged frames, mechanical simplicity, and long service life. The H50, introduced in the late 1950s to early 1960s, was a mid-size loader designed for construction, mining, and agricultural use. With an operating weight around 20,000 lbs and a bucket capacity of roughly 2.5 cubic yards, it was built to move serious material without the complexity of modern electronics.
Engine Configuration and Known Issues
Most H50s were equipped with International Harvester diesel engines, commonly the D282—a naturally aspirated inline six-cylinder known for its torque and cold-start stubbornness. Some units may have used the D239 or even Cummins swaps in later years. These engines were robust but had quirks:
- Head gasket leaks were common, especially at the outer corners
- Cold starting required patience and preheating; ether use was discouraged
- Cylinder heads were prone to warping if overheated
- Fuel systems were mechanical and forgiving, but vulnerable to sediment and algae after long storage
Restoration Strategy and First Steps
Reviving a long-idle H50 begins with a methodical inspection:
- Drain and inspect all fluids—engine oil, hydraulic fluid, coolant, and fuel
- Crack the drain plugs slightly to check for water contamination
- Replace all coolant hoses and belts, especially if dry rot is visible
- Check tire integrity; even dry-rotted tires may hold up if used on frozen ground
- Perform a leak-down compression test after warm-up to assess engine health
- Inspect the head for flatness and valve condition before replacing the gasket
- Clean fuel tank and lines, and install a fresh filter before startup
Cold Climate Operation and Tire Considerations
In northern climates like Ontario, where this particular H50 was stored, winter operation demands attention to traction and cold-start reliability. The loader’s weight gives it excellent pushing power, but soft spots and inclines can still pose challenges. Chains on at least one axle are recommended, and tire pressure should be monitored closely.
Older tires, even with visible cracking, often outperform modern equivalents in terms of carcass strength. However, they may not hold air reliably. Tubes can be installed to extend their life, and used chains from forestry or municipal fleets can be sourced at reasonable cost.
Parts Availability and Engine Identification
Identifying the correct engine is crucial. While some confusion exists between the D239, D282, and other IH variants, the six-cylinder configuration and casting numbers can help narrow it down. Rebuild kits, gaskets, and rings are still available from suppliers like Fel-Pro and Federal-Mogul. Castings, however, may be harder to source.
If rebuilding, consider:
- Resurfacing the head and replacing valve seals
- Installing new rings if compression is low
- Replacing injector tips and testing spray pattern
- Upgrading glow plugs or block heater for winter starts
Historical Context and Regional Stories
The Hough H50 isn’t just a machine—it’s a time capsule. In the 1970s, similar loaders were used in northern Ontario mining camps, hauling ore and clearing snow. One story recalls a D8 dozer walking 20 miles down a frozen ditch to recover a belly-dump truck that had slid off the embankment near Sturgeon Lake. These machines were built for that kind of punishment.
In places like Pickle Lake and Dryden, where winters are long and roads are remote, equipment like the H50 was often the only thing standing between a snowed-in camp and a functioning supply line. Even today, some of these loaders are still running, passed down through families or parked behind barns waiting for a second life.
Recommendations for Long-Term Use
Once revived, the H50 can serve reliably for years with basic care:
- Change fluids seasonally, especially before winter
- Keep fuel fresh and tanks clean to avoid microbial growth
- Monitor head gasket condition and coolant levels
- Grease all pivot points and inspect hydraulic hoses regularly
- Store under cover or tarp to reduce UV and moisture damage
- Use it regularly—machines that sit idle degrade faster than those in motion
Conclusion
Restoring a Hough H50 isn’t just about turning wrenches—it’s about preserving a piece of industrial history. With its International Harvester heart and mid-century steel bones, the H50 represents an era when machines were built to last and designed to be fixed in the field. Whether it’s pushing snow in Ontario or hauling gravel on a backroad, this loader still has plenty of work left in it—and plenty of stories to tell.
