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The Legacy of LeTourneau and the C-Arrayall Series
R.G. LeTourneau Inc., founded in the 1920s by Robert Gilmour LeTourneau, was a pioneering force in the development of earthmoving equipment. Known for its electrically driven machines and massive scrapers, the company revolutionized large-scale land development, particularly during World War II and the postwar infrastructure boom. The C-Arrayall LS pull scraper was one of the company’s mid-century innovations, designed to be towed by large tractors and capable of moving substantial volumes of soil with minimal operator effort.
The “C-Arrayall” designation refers to a series of pull-type scrapers that emphasized high capacity and efficient loading through a cable or hydraulic actuated bowl. The LS variant was tailored for lighter-duty applications compared to the larger Tournapull or Super C-Arrayall models, making it a popular choice for contractors working on highways, levees, and agricultural land leveling.
Overall Width and Transport Considerations
One of the most critical specifications for any pull scraper—especially vintage models like the LS—is its overall width. This measurement determines whether the unit can be legally transported on public roads without special permits or escorts.
While original technical manuals such as TM5-1210 list the width of the LS model, discrepancies often arise between documented specs and real-world measurements. For example, the inside width of the bowl may be listed as narrower than the actual outside-to-outside width when accounting for tires, axle hubs, or structural overhangs.
Typical dimensions for the LeTourneau C-Arrayall LS include:
Key Features of the LS Pull Scraper
Though no longer in production, the LS pull scraper remains in use among small contractors and landowners due to its simplicity and ruggedness. It is particularly valued in regions with expansive farmland or where modern motor scrapers are cost-prohibitive.
In one case from South Dakota, a landowner acquired an LS model from an online auction and needed to determine its transport width before arranging shipment. The manual provided one figure, but the auction listing showed a wider bowl dimension, prompting a physical measurement to resolve the discrepancy. This highlights the importance of verifying specs on legacy equipment.
Maintenance and Restoration Tips
The LeTourneau C-Arrayall LS pull scraper is a testament to mid-century American engineering, offering a blend of simplicity, strength, and utility. While its exact width may vary slightly from manual to machine, understanding its dimensions is essential for safe transport and effective use. For collectors, restorers, and operators alike, the LS remains a functional piece of earthmoving history that continues to serve well beyond its production era.
R.G. LeTourneau Inc., founded in the 1920s by Robert Gilmour LeTourneau, was a pioneering force in the development of earthmoving equipment. Known for its electrically driven machines and massive scrapers, the company revolutionized large-scale land development, particularly during World War II and the postwar infrastructure boom. The C-Arrayall LS pull scraper was one of the company’s mid-century innovations, designed to be towed by large tractors and capable of moving substantial volumes of soil with minimal operator effort.
The “C-Arrayall” designation refers to a series of pull-type scrapers that emphasized high capacity and efficient loading through a cable or hydraulic actuated bowl. The LS variant was tailored for lighter-duty applications compared to the larger Tournapull or Super C-Arrayall models, making it a popular choice for contractors working on highways, levees, and agricultural land leveling.
Overall Width and Transport Considerations
One of the most critical specifications for any pull scraper—especially vintage models like the LS—is its overall width. This measurement determines whether the unit can be legally transported on public roads without special permits or escorts.
While original technical manuals such as TM5-1210 list the width of the LS model, discrepancies often arise between documented specs and real-world measurements. For example, the inside width of the bowl may be listed as narrower than the actual outside-to-outside width when accounting for tires, axle hubs, or structural overhangs.
Typical dimensions for the LeTourneau C-Arrayall LS include:
- Bowl width (inside): approximately 8 feet
- Overall width (outside): estimated between 9.5 to 10.5 feet depending on tire configuration
- Length: around 25 to 30 feet including tongue
- Height: roughly 8 feet at the highest point
Key Features of the LS Pull Scraper
- Cable-operated or hydraulic bowl lift depending on production year
- Single-axle design with tandem wheels for better flotation
- Fixed tongue with clevis hitch for tractor attachment
- Steel bowl with cutting edge and apron for controlled loading and dumping
- Manual or mechanical gate control
Though no longer in production, the LS pull scraper remains in use among small contractors and landowners due to its simplicity and ruggedness. It is particularly valued in regions with expansive farmland or where modern motor scrapers are cost-prohibitive.
In one case from South Dakota, a landowner acquired an LS model from an online auction and needed to determine its transport width before arranging shipment. The manual provided one figure, but the auction listing showed a wider bowl dimension, prompting a physical measurement to resolve the discrepancy. This highlights the importance of verifying specs on legacy equipment.
Maintenance and Restoration Tips
- Inspect cable drums and sheaves for wear if using a cable-operated model
- Replace cutting edges with modern equivalents to improve performance
- Grease all pivot points and check for frame cracks, especially near the hitch
- Consider retrofitting with hydraulic cylinders if original cable system is inoperable
The LeTourneau C-Arrayall LS pull scraper is a testament to mid-century American engineering, offering a blend of simplicity, strength, and utility. While its exact width may vary slightly from manual to machine, understanding its dimensions is essential for safe transport and effective use. For collectors, restorers, and operators alike, the LS remains a functional piece of earthmoving history that continues to serve well beyond its production era.
