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A personal collection of rare and retired construction equipment in upstate New York reveals the enduring presence of Galion graders, Koehring hoes, Akerman excavators, and Keystone skimmers—machines that shaped mid-century infrastructure but now sit quietly in pits and yards, preserved by memory and rust.
Galion Graders and the Standard Premier Line
Galion Iron Works, founded in Ohio in 1907, became one of the most recognized names in motor graders. The Standard Premier series, including the 218A and 5110B, was known for its mechanical simplicity and robust frame. These machines were often used in county road maintenance and fine grading before laser and GPS systems became standard.
One 5110B was recently refurbished and placed in semi-retirement, still dressed in fresh paint and wax. Its mechanical blade control and open cab evoke a time when grading was done by feel and sight, not by satellite.
CMI Super 500 and Highway Fine Grading
The CMI Super 500 was a specialized fine grading machine used for multi-lane highway construction. It operated on string line guidance and featured a conveyor system that expelled excess gravel beyond the grading line. This material was then collected by Caterpillar 615 scrapers, streamlining the grading and cleanup process.
Though rare today, the Super 500 was once a staple on DOT projects across the Midwest. Its wide frame and precise control made it ideal for final passes before paving.
Akerman Excavators and Volvo’s Acquisition
Akerman, a Swedish brand known for its hydraulic excavators, was acquired by Volvo in the late 1990s. The H14 and H7MB models were popular in Europe and made limited appearances in North America. The H7MB, a rubber-tired excavator, featured a Volvo diesel engine and was used for trenching and utility work.
Two H14s were spotted in a contractor’s yard in New York, still intact but retired. These machines were praised for their swing speed and digging force, often outperforming newer models in tight quarters.
Keystone Skimmer and Cable Hoe Nostalgia
The Keystone Skimmer, a cable-operated excavator, represents an era before hydraulics dominated the industry. One unit was found with wooden cab remnants and steel-plated wooden track pads. Though restoration would be a challenge, the machine’s presence is a reminder of early mechanized digging.
Cable hoes like the Bantam and Koehring 1066 also appeared in the collection. The Bantam, once used for utility trenching, was parked alongside a 1085B, a hydraulic model that marked the transition from cable to fluid power.
Paving Trains and Forgotten Iron
A John Deere HSD764 and a concrete paving train were photographed in a local pit, still operational. These machines laid concrete slabs for highways and industrial yards, using synchronized conveyors and vibrators. Though modern slipform pavers have replaced them, the older trains still function in niche applications.
Other sightings included a Case 780CK backhoe, a Galion 4600 freshly redone, and a Koehring 1266—massive machines that once moved mountains of earth but now rest in the weeds.
Personal Connection and Preservation Challenges
The collector, standing 6'6" tall, used his height to illustrate the scale of these machines. Many belonged to his current or former employers, and some were used in the site preparation for his own home in 2010. Snow was piled over sod to prevent frost, allowing excavation in subfreezing temperatures.
While restoration is often impractical due to distance and condition, the emotional connection remains strong. These machines are more than steel—they are memories of hard work, craftsmanship, and the evolution of an industry.
Conclusion
The scattered remnants of Galion, Akerman, Koehring, and Keystone machines across upstate New York tell a story of industrial heritage and personal dedication. Though many are retired, their legacy lives on in the hands of those who operated, maintained, and admired them. In an age of automation and electronics, these mechanical giants remind us of a time when skill and grit built the roads we still travel today.
Galion Graders and the Standard Premier Line
Galion Iron Works, founded in Ohio in 1907, became one of the most recognized names in motor graders. The Standard Premier series, including the 218A and 5110B, was known for its mechanical simplicity and robust frame. These machines were often used in county road maintenance and fine grading before laser and GPS systems became standard.
One 5110B was recently refurbished and placed in semi-retirement, still dressed in fresh paint and wax. Its mechanical blade control and open cab evoke a time when grading was done by feel and sight, not by satellite.
CMI Super 500 and Highway Fine Grading
The CMI Super 500 was a specialized fine grading machine used for multi-lane highway construction. It operated on string line guidance and featured a conveyor system that expelled excess gravel beyond the grading line. This material was then collected by Caterpillar 615 scrapers, streamlining the grading and cleanup process.
Though rare today, the Super 500 was once a staple on DOT projects across the Midwest. Its wide frame and precise control made it ideal for final passes before paving.
Akerman Excavators and Volvo’s Acquisition
Akerman, a Swedish brand known for its hydraulic excavators, was acquired by Volvo in the late 1990s. The H14 and H7MB models were popular in Europe and made limited appearances in North America. The H7MB, a rubber-tired excavator, featured a Volvo diesel engine and was used for trenching and utility work.
Two H14s were spotted in a contractor’s yard in New York, still intact but retired. These machines were praised for their swing speed and digging force, often outperforming newer models in tight quarters.
Keystone Skimmer and Cable Hoe Nostalgia
The Keystone Skimmer, a cable-operated excavator, represents an era before hydraulics dominated the industry. One unit was found with wooden cab remnants and steel-plated wooden track pads. Though restoration would be a challenge, the machine’s presence is a reminder of early mechanized digging.
Cable hoes like the Bantam and Koehring 1066 also appeared in the collection. The Bantam, once used for utility trenching, was parked alongside a 1085B, a hydraulic model that marked the transition from cable to fluid power.
Paving Trains and Forgotten Iron
A John Deere HSD764 and a concrete paving train were photographed in a local pit, still operational. These machines laid concrete slabs for highways and industrial yards, using synchronized conveyors and vibrators. Though modern slipform pavers have replaced them, the older trains still function in niche applications.
Other sightings included a Case 780CK backhoe, a Galion 4600 freshly redone, and a Koehring 1266—massive machines that once moved mountains of earth but now rest in the weeds.
Personal Connection and Preservation Challenges
The collector, standing 6'6" tall, used his height to illustrate the scale of these machines. Many belonged to his current or former employers, and some were used in the site preparation for his own home in 2010. Snow was piled over sod to prevent frost, allowing excavation in subfreezing temperatures.
While restoration is often impractical due to distance and condition, the emotional connection remains strong. These machines are more than steel—they are memories of hard work, craftsmanship, and the evolution of an industry.
Conclusion
The scattered remnants of Galion, Akerman, Koehring, and Keystone machines across upstate New York tell a story of industrial heritage and personal dedication. Though many are retired, their legacy lives on in the hands of those who operated, maintained, and admired them. In an age of automation and electronics, these mechanical giants remind us of a time when skill and grit built the roads we still travel today.
