Yesterday, 05:40 PM
The Search for Mid-Century Machines
Northern Ontario remains a quiet haven for vintage heavy equipment, especially along the corridors of Highway 17, 11, and 101. Between Timmins, Wawa, and Thunder Bay, scattered yards and logging outfits still house relics from the 1960s to 1980s—machines that shaped the region’s mining, forestry, and infrastructure boom. While Caterpillar gear is still common, collectors and enthusiasts often seek rarer brands like Insley, Terex, Euclid, Wabco, Michigan, Fiat-Allis, Link-Belt, Koehring, Bucyrus-Erie, and American Hoist.
These machines, whether parked in the bush or still working, offer a glimpse into the industrial backbone of Ontario’s north. Many were brought in during the pulp and paper expansion era, when remote roadbuilding and mill construction demanded robust, American-built iron.
Terminology Notes
One collector recalled finding a Terex 82-30 dozer behind a sawmill near Kapuskasing. It hadn’t run in 15 years, but the Detroit Diesel engine turned over with a fresh battery and ether. Another enthusiast discovered a Bucyrus-Erie 30-B cable shovel in a gravel pit near Marathon, still intact with its original operator’s manual in the cab.
A retired grader operator in Wawa shared that his town once ran a fleet of Wabco 444 graders for snow removal. He still keeps one in his barn, using it to clear his driveway each winter.
Preservation Tips and Restoration Advice
Northern Ontario offers a rich landscape for discovering classic American heavy equipment. From Insley excavators in Thunder Bay to Euclid trucks near Timmins, the region’s industrial past lives on in rusted frames and forgotten yards. For those willing to explore gravel roads and ask the right questions, the hunt for old iron becomes a journey through history—one machine at a time.
Northern Ontario remains a quiet haven for vintage heavy equipment, especially along the corridors of Highway 17, 11, and 101. Between Timmins, Wawa, and Thunder Bay, scattered yards and logging outfits still house relics from the 1960s to 1980s—machines that shaped the region’s mining, forestry, and infrastructure boom. While Caterpillar gear is still common, collectors and enthusiasts often seek rarer brands like Insley, Terex, Euclid, Wabco, Michigan, Fiat-Allis, Link-Belt, Koehring, Bucyrus-Erie, and American Hoist.
These machines, whether parked in the bush or still working, offer a glimpse into the industrial backbone of Ontario’s north. Many were brought in during the pulp and paper expansion era, when remote roadbuilding and mill construction demanded robust, American-built iron.
Terminology Notes
- Insley Excavator: A line of hydraulic excavators known for their rugged frames and early adoption of swing booms.
- Euclid Rock Truck: Heavy-duty dump trucks used in mining and quarry operations, often with twin-stick manual transmissions.
- Fiat-Allis Loader: A merger of Italian and American engineering, producing versatile wheel loaders with torque converter drive.
- Bucyrus-Erie Cable Shovel: A mechanical excavator using wire rope systems, common in pre-hydraulic mining operations.
- Thunder Bay: Logging outfits near the city still operate or store Insley hydraulic excavators. Some are used for road maintenance or snow clearing in winter.
- Timmins to Wawa Corridor: Highway 101 cuts through old mining towns and logging camps. Abandoned yards often contain Michigan loaders and Wabco graders.
- Highway 11 North: Between Hearst and Nipigon, small contractors and municipal depots may have Link-Belt or Koehring units tucked behind sheds.
- Look for faded signage or gravel driveways leading to repair shops.
- Ask local mechanics or mill workers—they often know where machines are parked.
- Visit during summer when snow is gone and yards are accessible.
One collector recalled finding a Terex 82-30 dozer behind a sawmill near Kapuskasing. It hadn’t run in 15 years, but the Detroit Diesel engine turned over with a fresh battery and ether. Another enthusiast discovered a Bucyrus-Erie 30-B cable shovel in a gravel pit near Marathon, still intact with its original operator’s manual in the cab.
A retired grader operator in Wawa shared that his town once ran a fleet of Wabco 444 graders for snow removal. He still keeps one in his barn, using it to clear his driveway each winter.
Preservation Tips and Restoration Advice
- Document Serial Numbers: Helps trace parts and production history.
- Use Industrial Suppliers: Motion Industries and local hydraulic shops can cross-reference seals and bearings.
- Avoid Starting Cold Engines Without Prep: Drain old fuel, check injectors, and inspect wiring before cranking.
- Photograph Before Disassembly: Many of these machines lack digital manuals.
- Join Regional Collector Networks: Ontario has vintage equipment clubs that share leads and restoration tips.
Northern Ontario offers a rich landscape for discovering classic American heavy equipment. From Insley excavators in Thunder Bay to Euclid trucks near Timmins, the region’s industrial past lives on in rusted frames and forgotten yards. For those willing to explore gravel roads and ask the right questions, the hunt for old iron becomes a journey through history—one machine at a time.
