Restoring a 1963 Hough H50B Loader and Finding Parts in a Post-OEM World

[MikePhua]

The Hough H50B and Its Industrial Legacy
The Hough H50B was part of a lineage of wheel loaders produced by Hough Manufacturing, a company that pioneered the articulated loader concept before being acquired by International Harvester in the 1950s. By 1963, the H50B had become a staple in municipal yards, gravel pits, and industrial plants across North America. With a rated bucket capacity of 2.5 cubic yards and an operating weight of approximately 20,000 lbs, the H50B was powered by a gasoline or diesel inline six-cylinder engine, depending on configuration.
Its rigid frame, rear-wheel steering, and torque converter transmission made it ideal for heavy-duty loading and stockpiling. The machine featured mechanical linkages, open-center hydraulics, and a straightforward electrical system—making it serviceable even decades after production ceased.
Challenges in Parts Availability
Finding replacement parts for a 1963 Hough H50B presents several challenges:

• OEM support has long been discontinued since the International Harvester transition and later Navistar restructuring
  
• Many part numbers are obsolete or superseded multiple times
  
• Documentation is scarce, and service manuals may be incomplete or fragmented
  
• Salvage yards often lack inventory for pre-1970 machines
  
• Some components, like steering cylinders and transmission internals, were proprietary and not shared with other models
  

Despite these hurdles, restoration is possible with persistence and creative sourcing.
Strategies for Locating Critical Components
Owners seeking to restore or maintain an H50B can explore several avenues:

• Identify the serial number and engine model to narrow down compatible parts
  
• Cross-reference components with later IH loaders or agricultural tractors
  
• Contact vintage equipment specialists who stock NOS (new old stock) inventory
  
• Use industrial suppliers to match hydraulic seals, bearings, and bushings by dimension
  
• Fabricate brackets, linkages, or panels using original samples as templates
  
• Search for donor machines in rural yards or municipal auctions
  

Some operators have successfully adapted parts from Case W14 or Michigan 75 loaders, modifying mounting points and hydraulic fittings to match.
Commonly Needed Parts and Substitutes
Frequent wear items include:

• Hydraulic cylinder seals and wipers
  
• Steering linkages and tie rods
  
• Brake components (often drum-style with obsolete shoes)
  
• Starter motors and alternators
  
• Carburetor or injection pump rebuild kits
  
• Transmission clutch packs and torque converter seals
  
• Radiator hoses and fan belts
  

For electrical components, many restorers retrofit modern solenoids, relays, and fuse blocks while preserving the original wiring harness layout.
Fabrication and Reverse Engineering
When parts cannot be sourced, fabrication becomes essential. Key recommendations:

• Use 4140 or 1045 steel for linkages and shafts
  
• Match hydraulic cylinder bore and stroke precisely to avoid frame interference
  
• Reproduce bushings using bronze or UHMW polyethylene for durability
  
• Laser-cut panels and guards from 10-gauge steel for structural integrity
  
• Rebuild pivot pins with grease channels and hardened sleeves
  

A machinist in Ontario once rebuilt a steering cylinder for an H50B using a salvaged tie rod end and custom gland nut. The loader returned to service clearing snow for a local township.
Preventive Maintenance for Longevity
To keep the H50B running:

• Change engine oil every 100 hours or annually
  
• Flush hydraulic fluid and replace filters every 500 hours
  
• Inspect steering and loader pins quarterly for wear
  
• Grease all pivot points weekly
  
• Monitor tire pressure and tread depth monthly
  
• Clean radiator fins and inspect cooling hoses seasonally
  

Adding a maintenance logbook and labeling grease fittings can help operators track service intervals and avoid missed lubrication points.
A Story from the Yard
In 2015, a contractor in Minnesota inherited a 1963 Hough H50B from his grandfather’s gravel pit. The machine hadn’t run in over a decade. After replacing the starter, rebuilding the carburetor, and fabricating a new seat mount, the loader fired up and moved under its own power. Over the next year, the contractor sourced hydraulic seals from a local supplier and rebuilt the lift cylinders. The H50B now loads firewood and gravel on weekends, a testament to the durability of mid-century iron.
Conclusion
Restoring a 1963 Hough H50B is a journey through mechanical history. While parts may be scarce, the machine’s simplicity and robust design make it a viable candidate for revival. With careful cross-referencing, fabrication, and preventive care, the H50B can continue to serve decades after its last factory build. In vintage loaders, every bolt tells a story—and when the engine roars and the bucket lifts, the legacy of Hough lives on in steel, sweat, and determination.