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P&H and the Rise of Truck Cranes
The P&H 215TC was part of a lineage of mobile cranes produced by Pawling & Harnischfeger, a company founded in 1884 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Originally focused on electric motors and overhead cranes, P&H expanded into mobile lifting equipment in the early 20th century. By the 1960s, their truck-mounted cranes had become a staple on infrastructure projects across North America. The 215TC, introduced in the mid-1960s, was one of the smallest truck cranes in their lineup, earning the nickname “Mighty Mite” for its compact size and surprising lifting power.
Mounted on an FWD carrier, the 215TC combined mechanical simplicity with field versatility. It was commonly used for bridge construction, roof truss setting, and utility work. Its direct-drive transmission and manually configured boom made it a favorite among operators who valued tactile control over electronic complexity.
Core Specifications and Mechanical Features
In Alberta, a contractor recalled using a 215TC to set precast panels on a highway overpass. The crane’s ability to travel with the jib stowed and boom lowered allowed it to move between job sites without a trailer, saving hours of mobilization.
Engine and Powertrain Characteristics
The crane portion was powered by a Chrysler flathead engine, known for its reliability and ease of maintenance. The carrier engine, an International Harvester BD308, was a six-cylinder gasoline engine that provided adequate torque for highway travel and jobsite maneuvering.
Key engine traits:
Operational Techniques and Field Adaptations
The 215TC was known for its straightforward operation. With no outriggers required for light lifts, operators could boom out over the side and perform tasks without extensive setup. The crane’s mechanical controls allowed fine adjustment of boom angle, swing, and winch speed.
Field adaptations included:
Preservation and Restoration Challenges
Restoring a 215TC requires attention to:
Cultural Impact and Operator Stories
The 215TC played a role in shaping mid-century infrastructure. From freeway bridges to industrial rooftops, it was a common sight on job sites. Operators often developed a deep connection with these machines, appreciating their predictability and mechanical feedback.
In Shanghai, a contractor reminisced about setting steel beams with a 215TC in the 1980s. The crane’s manual controls allowed him to “feel” the load and adjust swing speed intuitively—something he missed in modern joystick-operated units.
Conclusion
The 1966 P&H 215TC crane represents a bygone era of mobile lifting where mechanical simplicity met field ingenuity. Its compact design, reliable engines, and direct control systems made it a favorite among operators and a fixture on job sites across continents. Today, restored units serve as living tributes to the craftsmanship and practicality of mid-century engineering. In the world of old iron, the 215TC remains a mighty mite with a mighty legacy.
The P&H 215TC was part of a lineage of mobile cranes produced by Pawling & Harnischfeger, a company founded in 1884 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Originally focused on electric motors and overhead cranes, P&H expanded into mobile lifting equipment in the early 20th century. By the 1960s, their truck-mounted cranes had become a staple on infrastructure projects across North America. The 215TC, introduced in the mid-1960s, was one of the smallest truck cranes in their lineup, earning the nickname “Mighty Mite” for its compact size and surprising lifting power.
Mounted on an FWD carrier, the 215TC combined mechanical simplicity with field versatility. It was commonly used for bridge construction, roof truss setting, and utility work. Its direct-drive transmission and manually configured boom made it a favorite among operators who valued tactile control over electronic complexity.
Core Specifications and Mechanical Features
- Rated lifting capacity: approx. 22 tons
- Boom length: 90 ft main boom, optional 40 ft jib
- Engine: Chrysler flathead six-cylinder (crane), IHC BD308 (carrier)
- Transmission: direct drive with manual gear selection
- Carrier: FWD chassis with dual-axle configuration
- Brakes: air-over-hydraulic system
- Controls: mechanical levers with cable-actuated clutch and brake systems
In Alberta, a contractor recalled using a 215TC to set precast panels on a highway overpass. The crane’s ability to travel with the jib stowed and boom lowered allowed it to move between job sites without a trailer, saving hours of mobilization.
Engine and Powertrain Characteristics
The crane portion was powered by a Chrysler flathead engine, known for its reliability and ease of maintenance. The carrier engine, an International Harvester BD308, was a six-cylinder gasoline engine that provided adequate torque for highway travel and jobsite maneuvering.
Key engine traits:
- Flathead design with low compression
- Mechanical fuel pump and carburetor
- Manual choke and throttle linkage
- Spark ignition with distributor cap and coil
- Cooling via belt-driven fan and radiator
Operational Techniques and Field Adaptations
The 215TC was known for its straightforward operation. With no outriggers required for light lifts, operators could boom out over the side and perform tasks without extensive setup. The crane’s mechanical controls allowed fine adjustment of boom angle, swing, and winch speed.
Field adaptations included:
- Custom rigging brackets for unusual loads
- Auxiliary fuel tanks for extended operation
- Reinforced boom sections for heavy-duty lifting
- Manual override levers for clutch engagement
- Onboard toolboxes for rigging gear and spare parts
Preservation and Restoration Challenges
Restoring a 215TC requires attention to:
- Brake system integrity and air line condition
- Boom cable wear and sheave alignment
- Hydraulic seals and fluid contamination
- Engine ignition components and fuel delivery
- Carrier frame rust and suspension wear
- Vintage Chrysler engine rebuild kits
- Seagrave archives for FWD carrier documentation
- Specialty crane salvage yards for boom sections
- Custom fabrication for obsolete brackets and mounts
Cultural Impact and Operator Stories
The 215TC played a role in shaping mid-century infrastructure. From freeway bridges to industrial rooftops, it was a common sight on job sites. Operators often developed a deep connection with these machines, appreciating their predictability and mechanical feedback.
In Shanghai, a contractor reminisced about setting steel beams with a 215TC in the 1980s. The crane’s manual controls allowed him to “feel” the load and adjust swing speed intuitively—something he missed in modern joystick-operated units.
Conclusion
The 1966 P&H 215TC crane represents a bygone era of mobile lifting where mechanical simplicity met field ingenuity. Its compact design, reliable engines, and direct control systems made it a favorite among operators and a fixture on job sites across continents. Today, restored units serve as living tributes to the craftsmanship and practicality of mid-century engineering. In the world of old iron, the 215TC remains a mighty mite with a mighty legacy.
