Identifying a Vintage Truck-Mounted Shovel and Its Historical Context

[MikePhua]

The Bantam Legacy and Mobile Shovel Evolution
The machine in question appears to be a truck-mounted push shovel, likely a mid-20th-century Bantam model. Bantam, originally founded in the 1940s and later acquired by Koehring, was known for producing compact, mobile excavators and shovels that could be mounted on various truck chassis. These machines were widely used in roadwork, utility trenching, and small-scale excavation projects across North America.
Unlike modern hydraulic excavators, early Bantam shovels relied on cable-operated mechanisms and mechanical swing systems. Their modular design allowed them to be mounted on a wide range of carriers—from military surplus trucks to custom-built frames—making identification difficult when the original chassis was replaced or modified.
Terminology Annotation

• Push Shovel: A front-mounted excavating machine that uses a cable or hydraulic system to push material forward into a bucket.
  
• Carrier Chassis: The truck or frame on which the excavator or shovel is mounted.
  
• Swing House: The rotating upper structure of the shovel, containing the operator cab and machinery.
  
• Single Rear Axle: A truck configuration with one rear axle, often limiting load capacity but improving maneuverability.
  

Visual Clues and Identification Challenges
The shovel’s swing house shape and mechanical layout strongly resemble Bantam’s T35 or ABM-53 series. However, the presence of a single rear axle on the carrier complicates identification. Most factory-mounted Bantam units were installed on dual-axle trucks to support the weight and counterbalance the boom. That said, field modifications were common, especially in rural or resource-constrained environments.
During the post-WWII era, surplus military trucks like the GMC CCKW 2½-ton 6x6 and REO M-44 were frequently repurposed as carriers for construction equipment. These trucks offered rugged frames and powertrains suitable for mounting heavy machinery. It’s not uncommon to find Bantam shovels retrofitted onto such platforms, often with custom brackets and reinforcements.
Restoration Potential and Collector Value
Machines like this are rarely restored for commercial use but hold strong appeal for vintage equipment collectors and show exhibitors. Their value depends on several factors:

• Completeness of mechanical components
  
• Originality of the swing house and boom
  
• Condition of the carrier chassis
  
• Historical documentation or serial number plates
  

Assuming the shovel does not run and has been sitting for years, its value is likely in the range of $1,000–$3,000 as-is, depending on regional interest and rarity. Restored examples, especially those mounted on original carriers, can fetch $10,000 or more at vintage machinery auctions.
Restoration Considerations and Technical Advice
Restoring a truck-mounted shovel requires attention to both mechanical and structural systems:

• Engine and Powertrain: Verify if the carrier truck engine is functional or needs replacement. Many vintage shovels used PTO (power take-off) systems to drive the shovel’s winches.
  
• Winch and Cable Systems: Inspect drums, sheaves, and cables for rust, fraying, or seizure. Rewinding and lubricating may be necessary.
  
• Swing Mechanism: Check for gear wear, bearing play, and lubrication channels.
  
• Hydraulic Conversion: Some restorers retrofit hydraulic cylinders to replace cable systems for smoother operation and safety.
  

In one notable case, a 1947 Lima shovel abandoned in a swamp was revived with two batteries and a fuel flush. It started and walked itself onto a lowboy trailer, surprising even the previous owner who assumed it was scrap.
Historical Significance and Cultural Value
Truck-mounted shovels like this represent a transitional phase in construction equipment history. Before the rise of dedicated hydraulic excavators, contractors relied on modular machines that could be transported easily and adapted to different job sites. These machines laid the groundwork for today’s loader backhoes and articulated wheel loaders.
Their presence at vintage shows and parades offers a glimpse into mid-century engineering ingenuity. Enthusiasts often restore them not for profit, but for the satisfaction of preserving a piece of industrial heritage.
Conclusion
The unidentified truck-mounted shovel is likely a modified Bantam unit, possibly mounted on a surplus military or custom-built carrier. While its configuration may not match factory photos, such adaptations were common and reflect the practical creativity of past operators. Restoration would be a labor of passion, not profit—but for those drawn to the legacy of old iron, it’s a project worth pursuing. With patience, research, and mechanical skill, this machine could once again turn heads—this time at a car show instead of a job site.