1916 Erie Ball Steam Shovel

1916 Type B Erie Shovel made by Ball Engine Company of Erie, Pa. See the rest of these pix in my photostream. Found in Harrisonburg Va. Drerlict and used as a sign for a stone quarry. Weight is 41000 lbs, dipper hold 3/4 of a cubic yard, boom is 17 1/2 ft and height is 18 ft, cab is 8'2" wide and 12' 10" long, the boiler is 45 inches in diameter and 88 inches high with a heating surface of 364 squar inches and holding 275 gal of water. Ordinary working pressure is 125 lbs designes for 143 and tested to 213. Used double reversing boilers for hoisting, digging, swinging. It can be self propelled on steel wheels.

[@brucejensen2693]

This is just fantastic! Thanks so much!

[@tommycharles9117]

Great data! Thanks for posting this. Adds much to the video.

[@jaymillerracingtrainsmachi7865]

Timmi, there is a fireman and they have actually added a steam powered fan for it.

[@user-hi6pr6xl5m]

왠지 정겹다...장비가ㅎ

[@The.Real.Timmii]

I bet it's hot inside! does the operator tend the boiler too?

[@nightlightabcd]

I'm pretty sure the mechanic is inside tending the boiler with the operator at the controls!

[@smh9902]

How do these old shovels compare to modern excavators in terms of effectiveness?

[@rotunda57]

+Joe Schmoe - That would be a good question for Mike Mulligan if he was still around.

[@smh9902]

rotunda57
Either way, the steam shovels still have some advantages, such as reliability and cheap fuel (wood is often times free in my area) which is a lot cheaper than diesel.

[@samanli-tw3id]

Br!an Delta V These machines are way quieter than diesel equipment so maybe they should bring back steam-powered heavy equipment.