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    1. Earthmoving

    The Evolution of Euclid's Motor Scrapers

    Jan. 28, 2025
    Euclid experimented with bottom and side dump prototypes.
    Raymond Q. Armington Collection, HCEA Archives
    The unique scraper wheel steering is demonstrated by what is believed to be a 1MDT-6SH. Rated at 10 yards, it was powered by an International Harvester TDRM diesel.
    The unique scraper wheel steering is demonstrated by what is believed to be a 1MDT-6SH. Rated at 10 yards, it was powered by an International Harvester TDRM diesel.

    In October 1938, Euclid started testing a newly designed motor scraper, the 1SH. Pulled by a 4FDT tractor, this 12-yard unit marked Euclid’s return to the scraper business after the discontinuance of the rotary and wheeled scrapers of the 1920s. After other experiments, including an ungainly double-bowl, rear-engine affair, the truly overhung 10-yard 1MGT-5SH was built in 1940, followed by the 2MDT-7SH. These introduced Euclid’s practice of the tractor and scraper having different model numbers. Bottom-dump and side dump prototypes were also tried.

    Though the 1940 designs looked modern, they were rigid with no articulation. They relied on rear-wheel steering, which caused the scraper or wagon to drift side to side and sweep out over the edge of embankments, hanging the rig up. It wasn’t until after World War II that Euclid re-entered the motor scraper market, more conventionally and successfully.   

    Raymond Q. Armington Collection, HCEA Archives
    Although it certainly looked “conventional” with its overhung appearance, the 1940 1MGT-5SH was far from it. It had a rigid frame and steered hydraulically at the scraper wheels. It was powered by a Waukesha gas engine and sported a front push plate and 10-yard capacity.
    Although it certainly looked “conventional” with its overhung appearance, the 1940 1MGT-5SH was far from it. It had a rigid frame and steered hydraulically at the scraper wheels. It was powered by a Waukesha gas engine and sported a front push plate and 10-yard capacity.
    Raymond Q. Armington Collection, HCEA Archives
    The third variant of the rear-steer design was the 150-horsepower 3MDT-6SH, powered by a Cummins 6HBID. A total of eight rear-steers were built before the program was terminated by developing wartime demands plus their own complexity and performance issues.
    The third variant of the rear-steer design was the 150-horsepower 3MDT-6SH, powered by a Cummins 6HBID. A total of eight rear-steers were built before the program was terminated by developing wartime demands plus their own complexity and performance issues.
    Raymond Q. Armington Collection, HCEA Archives
    And how about a rear-steer side dump? It was converted in July 1940 from the 1MGT-W bottom dump. It too was unsuccessful and was scrapped in January 1941.
    And how about a rear-steer side dump? It was converted in July 1940 from the 1MGT-W bottom dump. It too was unsuccessful and was scrapped in January 1941.
    Raymond Q. Armington Collection, HCEA Archives
    Euclid also experimented with the rear-steer concept on one 1MGT-W bottom dump, powered again by a Waukesha 6SRKR series engine. It was built in 1940. Note the array of hydraulic lines, typical of the rear-steers.
    Euclid also experimented with the rear-steer concept on one 1MGT-W bottom dump, powered again by a Waukesha 6SRKR series engine. It was built in 1940. Note the array of hydraulic lines, typical of the rear-steers.
    Scan this QR code for information on joining the Historical Construction Equipment Association.
    Scan this QR code for information on joining the Historical Construction Equipment Association.

    About the HCEA

    The Historical Construction Equipment Association (HCEA) is a 501(c )3 nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the history of the construction, dredging and surface mining equipment industries. With over 3,500 members in a dozen countries, our activities include operation of National Construction Equipment Museum and archives in Bowling Green, Ohio; publication of a quarterly magazine, Equipment Echoes, from which this text is adapted from an upcoming article, and hosting an annual working exhibition of restored construction equipment. Individual annual memberships are $45.00 within the USA and Canada, and $65.00 US elsewhere. Our next International Convention and Old Equipment Exposition will be September 18-20, 2025, at our Museum. We seek to develop relationships in the equipment manufacturing industry, and we offer a college scholarship for engineering students. Information is available at www.hcea.net or by calling 419.352.5616 or e-mailing [email protected].

    About the Author

    Tom Berry

    Tom Berry is archivist for the Historical Construction Equipment Association (HCEA). Information is available at www.hcea. net, or by calling 419.352.5616 or e-mailing [email protected].