Michigan 85 Tractor: A Classic from the Mid to Late 60s

[MikePhua]

The Michigan 85, a heavy-duty wheel loader from the 1960s, holds a special place in the history of construction and earth-moving equipment. Manufactured by Michigan Tractor Company, a key player in the heavy equipment industry, the 85 model is known for its power, durability, and versatility, which made it a favorite on construction sites during its time and continues to be remembered fondly by enthusiasts and collectors today. Let’s take a closer look at the Michigan 85, its specifications, its history, and the lasting impact it had on the industry.
The Michigan Tractor Company: A Brief Overview
Before delving into the specifics of the Michigan 85, it's important to understand the company behind it. Michigan Tractor Company, founded in the early 20th century, was known for producing a variety of heavy equipment, primarily focused on wheel loaders, bulldozers, and other earth-moving machinery. In the 1950s and 1960s, the company was a dominant player in the construction industry, competing with other major manufacturers such as Caterpillar, Komatsu, and John Deere.
In 1964, Michigan Tractor Company was acquired by the Clark Equipment Company, which had a significant impact on its product lines and distribution. While the Michigan name gradually faded, the legacy of their machines like the Michigan 85 continued to influence the design and production of wheel loaders for decades.
The Michigan 85: Design and Features
Introduced in the mid-1960s, the Michigan 85 was designed as a versatile, high-performance wheel loader for construction and mining applications. It was built with a focus on power and ease of use, making it a trusted piece of equipment in the hands of operators.

1. Engine and Performance:
   • The Michigan 85 was equipped with a powerful gasoline or diesel engine, typically producing between 150 and 180 horsepower, depending on the specific configuration.
     
   • The engine provided sufficient power for lifting heavy loads, moving large quantities of material, and operating in harsh conditions like mining sites or road construction projects.
     
2. Hydraulic System:
   • One of the standout features of the Michigan 85 was its hydraulic system. It incorporated a direct-acting hydraulic lift system, which allowed the loader to operate smoothly even under load. The system ensured efficient use of the engine’s power while minimizing fuel consumption.
     
   • The hydraulic boom and bucket mechanism allowed the operator to perform precise lifting and loading tasks with minimal effort, which was essential for improving productivity on the job site.
     
3. Transmission and Drive:
   • The Michigan 85 was equipped with a fully synchronized transmission system, which provided the operator with smooth shifting between gears. This was particularly important for a machine of its size and power, as smooth transmission ensured that the machine could maintain momentum and efficiency when moving heavy loads.
     
   • It also had a rear-wheel drive with differential locks, which enabled the loader to maintain traction in challenging terrain, a key consideration for operations in rugged environments.
     
4. Operator Comfort and Cab Design:
   • While the design of the Michigan 85’s operator cabin wasn’t as advanced as modern machines, it was a significant improvement for its time. The cabin was designed to be spacious and offered better visibility compared to earlier loader models, allowing the operator to maintain awareness of their surroundings during operation.
     
   • The controls were relatively simple and intuitive, though they would feel rudimentary by today's standards. The controls allowed the operator to manage the loader’s functions with a combination of levers and pedals.
     

The Michigan 85 in Action
The Michigan 85 found its place in a variety of industries, primarily in construction, roadwork, and mining. The machine was built for durability and could handle some of the toughest jobs, including:

1. Earth Moving:
   • The Michigan 85 was used extensively in earth-moving applications, from clearing land to moving materials like sand, gravel, and dirt. Its strong lifting capacity made it ideal for lifting and transporting heavy materials across job sites.
     
2. Construction Projects:
   • The versatility of the Michigan 85 allowed it to be used for multiple construction tasks, including digging, trenching, and grading. It was particularly useful for contractors who needed a reliable and capable loader for their projects.
     
3. Mining and Aggregate Work:
   • The Michigan 85 was also popular in mining operations due to its robust design and ability to handle large volumes of material. Whether loading ore or moving debris, the machine’s hydraulic system and powerful engine made it an essential tool for mining companies.
     

Legacy and Modern Influence
The Michigan 85 was eventually phased out as technology and design evolved, but its legacy lives on in the wheel loaders of today. Several features that were introduced in the Michigan 85, including its hydraulic systems, transmission design, and load-handling capabilities, were carried over into future generations of construction machinery.
Moreover, many of the principles of durability and ease of maintenance that were built into the Michigan 85 have influenced the design of modern loaders. While newer machines are far more technologically advanced, with features like computerized controls, GPS systems, and enhanced safety features, the Michigan 85 set the standard for performance and reliability in its time.
For those who still encounter Michigan 85 models in the field, it's clear that the machine remains a robust and dependable option, even after several decades. While parts may be harder to come by, many owners and collectors still appreciate the machine for its simplicity and the role it played in shaping the construction equipment industry.
The Michigan 85 in Collector Circles
As the years have passed, the Michigan 85 has transitioned from a workhorse on job sites to a sought-after collector's item. Vintage machinery enthusiasts and equipment collectors often search for these older models due to their historical significance and enduring performance. Restored Michigan 85 loaders are prized for their rugged, no-nonsense design, and some have become valuable assets at equipment auctions.
Finding original parts for the Michigan 85 can be a challenge, but many collectors and restoration enthusiasts turn to specialized suppliers or even repurpose parts from other older machinery. Despite its age, the Michigan 85 continues to attract admiration for its durability, versatility, and the important role it played during the boom years of the 1960s and 1970s in construction and earth-moving.
Conclusion
The Michigan 85 represents a significant chapter in the history of heavy equipment. Its powerful engine, hydraulic lift system, and rugged design made it a trusted ally on construction and mining sites across the world. While no longer in production, the Michigan 85’s legacy continues to influence the design of modern wheel loaders, ensuring that its impact on the industry remains felt to this day.
For those who worked with it in its prime, the Michigan 85 is a symbol of the strength and reliability that were hallmarks of mid-20th century construction machinery. And for collectors, it's a piece of history that speaks to the evolution of construction equipment and the ongoing pursuit of efficiency and power in the field of heavy machinery.