Old Nevada Cable Shovel

RedMF40 · Mar 11, 2020

Was surfing the net, found this. I'm fond of these old shovels. Of course whoever posted it called it a "steam shovel." Then someone else corrected them and said it was a Cat-powered diesel. That didn't sound right, either. Anyone think this has a Cat peeking out of the engine bay?

SVcummins · Mar 11, 2020

No idea but I?ve always thought those old shovels
were near as well

LarrySTN · Mar 11, 2020

I think it's powered by a Detroit Diesel.

showcrop · Mar 12, 2020

I never had full confidence in those when they were lowering concrete pipe down into the ditch.

Part Time Pete · Mar 12, 2020

I'm guessing Detroit also

RedMF40 · Mar 12, 2020

The shovels I've seen from that era used mostly gas engines, and it looks like you can't really see much of the power plant in this one--just the transmission or whatever gearing they used off the back of the engine. Big cone-shaped thing is usually what it was. I'll forward the photo to a local guy who knows these shovels, has fixed up quite a few.

NC Wayne · Mar 12, 2020

I've seen them powered by Detroits, Budas,
Murphys, CATs, Fords, etc.

Most mfgs had a variety of options for the
powertrain on those, depending upon the
expected use. In other words, a shovel or
dragline needed more lugging ability than
a lifting crane, so the choice of engine
and transmission/torque converter was
typically made with that idea in mind.

With that in mind they were also available
with other attachments like a front
shovel, pull shovel, or a boom for
dragline, crane, or clamshell work.

There are still cable shovels in
operation, and those using them understand
that they will beat a hydraulic machine
all day long....with an experienced
operator. Finding an operator for these
type machines, in an age when most want an
AC and a joystick, is the big problem.

37 chief · Mar 12, 2020

Looks like with a fresh battery, and some clean fuel, and it could start right up. Stan

Brian G. NY · Mar 12, 2020

Back in '50 or '51 when I was 9 or 10 years old I remember a power shovel about that size being used to clean out a "crik" bed after a flood.
Don't remember too much about it except I'm pretty sure it was a "Link-Belt Speeder"....that name stuck in my mind all these years.

Mike M · Mar 12, 2020

Please clarify why it is that they beat a hyd. operated machine ? Are they able to move faster speed ? or have stronger lift ? Just wondering as I have watched my late uncle operate these old cable machines. It was something to watch too. Seemed smooth and effortless little to no jerking. His arms and feet sure were busy ! lol.

RedMF40 · Mar 12, 2020

There are still cable shovels in
operation, and those using them understand
that they will beat a hydraulic machine
all day long....with an experienced
operator. Finding an operator for these
type machines, in an age when most want an
AC and a joystick, is the big problem.[/quote]

That's interesting. I was also wondering how the old cable machines could out-work those with hydraulics. Faster? Fewer things to go wrong? I guess if you broke a hyd hose you'd be out of business for awhile. But with an all-mechanical machine maybe you could figure out a work-around out in the field. The man who knows these machines told me that if you have one that's over a certain shovel capacity, maybe 3/4 yard, don't hold me to that--you'd also have an oiler on board to keep the machine lubed up. With the little machine in the picture, the operator could probably take care of any oiling and greasing.

pcsaw · Mar 12, 2020

They have one just about like this one they operate
out in Portland Ind engine show it is powered by a
cummins

37 chief · Mar 12, 2020

I guess hydraulic is just easier to repair, and has a quicker response. I believe the cables needed to be replaced often. Same as the cable operated dozers. Stan

Ken Macfarlane · Mar 12, 2020

I think they are romanticizing a little bit. The cable rigs aren't all parked rusting because they're too awesome.

showcrop · Mar 12, 2020

I agree with NC Wayne. A cable machine COULD be faster than an hydraulic unit. Hydraulic hoes are fast, and they are not difficult to operate. But if you watch a cable machine operate you should notice that when gravity is helping to extend the boom or dipper that it moves very quickly, faster than you will see an hydraulic machine move. Then if the operator is experienced, and uses the momentum of movement he can pull the dipper and boom in very quickly as well. Ken, Wayne already addressed your comment.

Weldon K · Mar 13, 2020

Picture of a steam cable shovel at Denton Steam Park , Denton , NC

RedMF40 · Mar 13, 2020

A real steam shovel! I like that the man operating it might have remembered a few of them still around when he was a kid. Any idea if that machine would have drive wheels?

Old Nevada Cable Shovel

RedMF40

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SVcummins

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LarrySTN

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showcrop

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Part Time Pete

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RedMF40

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NC Wayne

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37 chief

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Brian G. NY

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Mike M

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RedMF40

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pcsaw

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Ken Macfarlane

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