Warner & Swasey 8445 crane restoration and parts sourcing challenges

[MikePhua]

Quick answer
The Warner & Swasey 8445 crane is a legacy rough-terrain model with limited parts availability. Restoration requires creative sourcing, mechanical inspection, and familiarity with mid-20th century hydraulic and brake systems.
Warner & Swasey company history and crane development
Founded in 1880 in Cleveland, Ohio, Warner & Swasey began as a precision instrument manufacturer before expanding into turret lathes and military optics. By the mid-20th century, the company had entered the construction equipment market, producing cranes and excavators under the Hopto and Warner & Swasey brands. The 8445 crane was part of their rough-terrain lineup, designed for pipeline, industrial, and utility work.
Production of the 8445 peaked in the 1970s, with hundreds of units deployed across North America. These cranes featured mechanical simplicity, robust steel frames, and analog control systems, making them popular among independent contractors and municipal fleets.
Mechanical overview and restoration priorities
The 8445 crane typically includes:

• A diesel engine, often Detroit Diesel or Cummins, mounted mid-frame
  
• Mechanical drum brakes with hydraulic assist
  
• Cable-operated boom and winch systems
  
• Manual outriggers and swing gear
  
• Open cab with analog gauges and lever controls
  

Restoration begins with brake inspection, as many units sit idle for years and develop seized cylinders or rusted drums. The engine should be evaluated for compression, injector function, and cooling system integrity. Hydraulic lines often require replacement due to age-related cracking.
Parts sourcing and compatibility strategies
Finding original parts for the 8445 is difficult due to the company’s dissolution and lack of digital catalogs. However, several strategies can help:

• Cross-reference brake components with military surplus or agricultural machinery
  
• Use engine serial numbers to source parts directly from Detroit Diesel or Cummins
  
• Replace hydraulic hoses with custom-fabricated assemblies using modern fittings
  
• Retrofit gauges and switches with aftermarket equivalents while preserving panel layout
  
• Salvage compatible parts from Hopto excavators or other Warner & Swasey models
  

One operator in Manitoba successfully rebuilt his 8445’s brake system using parts from a vintage fire truck, matching bore sizes and drum diameters. Another technician in California replaced the winch clutch using a marine-grade friction disc sourced from a tugboat supplier.
Transport and towing considerations
Before towing a Warner & Swasey 8445, verify:

• Brake function and fluid levels
  
• Steering linkage integrity
  
• Tire condition and inflation
  
• Boom lockout and swing brake engagement
  

If brakes are inoperative, use a lowboy trailer or flatbed with winch assist. Avoid towing on public roads without functioning lights and brakes, as the crane’s weight and wheelbase exceed typical tow limits.
Preservation and collector interest
While not widely known in mainstream equipment circles, Warner & Swasey cranes have gained interest among vintage machinery collectors. Their industrial aesthetic, mechanical accessibility, and historical significance make them attractive restoration projects. Some units have appeared in museum exhibits or vintage equipment shows, often alongside Hopto excavators and early lattice boom cranes.
Conclusion
Restoring a Warner & Swasey 8445 crane is a rewarding challenge for mechanically inclined operators and collectors. With limited parts availability, success depends on creative sourcing, cross-referencing, and hands-on problem-solving. These cranes represent a bygone era of American industrial design, and with care, they can return to service or stand proudly as historical artifacts.