Forgotten Machines of Buffalo and the Legacy of Old Iron

[MikePhua]

Industrial Buffalo and the Rise of Heavy Equipment
Buffalo, New York, once a powerhouse of American manufacturing, played a pivotal role in the development and deployment of heavy machinery throughout the 20th century. As a hub for steel, rail, and shipping, the city became a natural home for contractors, quarry operators, and municipal fleets that relied on rugged equipment to shape infrastructure and industry. The remnants of this era—rusted dozers, faded loaders, and weathered excavators—still linger in quiet corners of the region, silent witnesses to a time when iron ruled the jobsite.
Among the machines spotted in Buffalo’s industrial outskirts are iconic models from Caterpillar, International Harvester, Fiat-Allis, Bantam, and Koehring. These brands defined the golden age of American heavy equipment, each with its own engineering philosophy and regional following.
Caterpillar 988 and the Evolution of Wheel Loaders
The Caterpillar 988, introduced in the mid-1960s, was one of the first large-frame wheel loaders designed for quarry and mining operations. With an operating weight exceeding 50,000 lbs and a bucket capacity of up to 8 cubic yards, the 988 became a staple in stone yards and aggregate pits across the Northeast.
Early models like the 87A series featured mechanical linkages, manual controls, and naturally aspirated diesel engines. Operators who ran these machines recall the raw power and physicality required—no air ride seats, no climate control, just steel, sweat, and torque. The 988’s longevity is legendary, with many units still running after 40,000 hours, provided the transmission and torque converter were maintained.
Serial number tracking on these machines is often done by inspecting the right side of the engine block or the left front of the rear frame. These identifiers help restorers trace lineage and verify authenticity, especially when sourcing parts from salvage yards.
Fiat-Allis 745 and the European-American Hybrid
Fiat-Allis was born from the merger of Italy’s Fiat and America’s Allis-Chalmers in the early 1970s. The 745 loader represented a blend of European design sensibility and American brute force. With a distinctive cab profile and hydraulic layout, the 745 was popular among municipalities and mid-size contractors.
Though not as common as Caterpillar or Deere, Fiat-Allis machines earned a reputation for reliability and ease of service. Their hydraulic systems were straightforward, and the parts interchangeability with Allis-Chalmers tractors made them attractive to operators with mixed fleets.
Koehring Excavators and the Forgotten Giants
Koehring, once a major player in the excavator market, produced machines that were known for their massive frames and powerful swing systems. The excavator spotted near a “No Trespassing” sign in Buffalo is likely a Koehring 266 series, a model built for deep trenching and heavy demolition.
These machines featured twin swing motors, robust undercarriages, and mechanical control linkages. Though Koehring eventually faded from the market, their excavators were prized for their durability and were often used in railroad and bridge work. Today, they are rare finds, often buried under vines and rust, waiting for enthusiasts to bring them back to life.
Bantam C266 and the Cable-Control Legacy
The Bantam C266 is a classic example of a cable-operated excavator, a design that predates modern hydraulic systems. Bantam, founded in the 1940s, specialized in small to mid-size cable machines used for ditching, utility work, and light demolition.
Cable machines required a different skill set—operators had to master clutch timing, brake modulation, and boom swing using levers and foot pedals. The C266, with its compact footprint and steel boom, was often mounted on truck chassis or crawler bases. Though obsolete by today’s standards, cable machines remain a fascinating chapter in equipment history.
Preservation and Respect for Private Collections
Many of these machines are part of private collections or sit on land owned by individuals who value their historical significance. While curiosity is natural, it’s important to respect boundaries and avoid trespassing. Some collectors prefer to keep locations undisclosed to prevent vandalism or unauthorized access.
For those interested in restoration or documentation, it’s best to connect through equipment forums, historical societies, or vintage machinery clubs. Sharing knowledge and photographs helps preserve the legacy of these machines without compromising the privacy of their caretakers.
Recommendations for Restoration Enthusiasts
If you encounter old iron worth saving:

• Document serial numbers and casting codes for accurate identification
  
• Photograph key components before disassembly
  
• Use OEM service manuals or archived literature for reference
  
• Source parts from regional salvage yards or online vintage suppliers
  
• Consider electrolysis or vapor blasting for rust removal
  
• Replace hydraulic seals and hoses with modern equivalents
  
• Maintain original paint codes and decals for historical accuracy
  

Restoration is not just mechanical—it’s cultural. Each machine tells a story of labor, innovation, and resilience.
Conclusion
The old iron scattered across Buffalo’s industrial landscape is more than scrap—it’s a living archive of American engineering. From the thunderous roar of a 988 loader to the creaking swing of a Koehring excavator, these machines shaped roads, moved stone, and built cities. Preserving them is an act of respect for the generations who operated them and the industries they served. In the rust and grime, there’s history—and in every restoration, there’s revival.