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1943 Ingersoll-Rand air compressor restored by grandson (Video)

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Harold Dotts and the Ingersoll-Rand air compressor he would one day own both served in the military during World War II.

Dotts was in the Navy until 1948 when he went back to work as a civilian boilermaker.

The 1943 Model D-60 two-stage air compressor was owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers until the 1960s when it was sold as military surplus.

In need of a more powerful machine for his air tools, Dotts traveled to California from Grants Pass, Oregon, to buy an air compressor at a military surplus sale.

The Ingersoll-Rand compressor caught his eye. It powered his tools until he retired in the late-1970s and was later used by his eldest son, also a boilermaker.

Over time, it was lost from the family, but then it was found and restored by Dotts’ grandson Mark. He recently saved it again after it was about to be sold for scrap.

Today, thanks to Mark Dotts, the 79-year-old compressor is still running. But getting it in shape the second time was a difficult project that kept him busy for seven months. (To watch him run it, check out the video at the end of this story.)

Saved from the scrapper’s torch

Harold Dotts, known later in life as “Pop,” sold his boiler repair business to his oldest son, Harold “Porky” Dotts Jr., in the late 1970s.

Mark worked some for his uncle who sold the business but kept the air compressor. It sat for a while and then went to another relative. It exchanged hands after that, and the family lost touch.

Then one day about 20 years ago, Mark was driving and saw an old air compressor in a field. It’s yellow paint was peeling off, exposing its original Army olive drab. He stopped and talked to the owner.

“I think this belonged to my grandfather,” Mark said.

“I asked him if I could examine it.

“And I looked at it, and there were certain things I remembered about it, one of which was the compressor had been separated from the engine at one time, and then when they reassembled it, they used clear silicone. … It just stuck in my memory.”

Mark offered the man $50, and he and his father, David Dotts, brought it home and began an extensive overhaul. After getting it back in running shape, though, it sat again.

“My grandfather’s rule was fire it up once a month,” Mark recalls.

But with the family no longer in the boiler repair business, there was not much reason to run it. Then his father passed away in 2014, and Mark had moved to Klamath Falls, Oregon, about 100 miles away.

In December 2021, Mark retired from the Air National Guard where he worked in the engine shop. He learned that if something wasn’t done with the air compressor, it would be sold for scrap.

“I wanted to save it from the scrapper’s torch,” he says.

Seven-month project

faded yellow 1943 Ingersoll-Rand air compressor before being restoredThe 1943 Ingersoll-Rand air compressor before being restoredMark DottsWhen Mark traveled the 100 miles last July to pick up the old air compressor, he found it needed work before he could even haul it home.

The wheel bearings on its trailer were stuck fast. “I had to use a bearing puller to remove them off the axle,” he says. “The axle grease was like the consistency of saltwater taffy.”

He eventually got it roadworthy and hauled it home. There, he painted it yellow so as not to cause the neighbors to complain about its appearance.

The gasoline engine, a 4-cylinder Waukesha FC, needed a new exhaust intake manifold. He knew where a similar engine might be located to get the part. Only problem was, the last time he had seen it was 20 years ago when he first restored the compressor with his dad.

“So I went to that place,” he says. “It was an old logging outfit. I got permission to go where I thought it was, and sure enough, it was there.”

It was connected to a pump on a trailer. There was also another older Waukesha engine with a Delco 32-volt generator. He bought the combined package for $200. (The 1920’s era generator will be his next restoration project.)

After he replaced the engine’s exhaust intake manifold, he needed a new exhaust pipe because the cast-iron one was cracked. He went to a muffler shop to have one made. “It never had a muffler,” he says. “It was just louder than hell.”

restored name plate on 1943 Ingersoll Rand air compressor Model D-60The air compressor’s restored model name plateMark DottsThe compressor side of the machine had seized up from lack of use. He separated the compressor from the engine and tore it down. He freed up the three seized compressor cylinders.

“I had to make a tool to begin the process of unsticking the seized pistons,” he says. “I was lucky enough to not break any of the piston rings, because I have no idea where on earth am I going to get these parts.”

The engine head bolts also needed to be replaced. He did some research and learned that the Ford Model A’s of the era used Grade 5 studs. “So I ended up making studs,” he says. “I would take a Grade 5 bolt, chuck it up on my lathe and machine down the head for the taper. I made 18 studs from Grade 5 bolts.”

The drain plug on the engine was pointed downward instead of to the side. He fixed that and also made a new aluminum gas tank out of 12-inch irrigation pipe.

He discovered some worn-out ID tags on the compressor. One had the cranking instructions and another had the ignition timing instructions. He restored them as best he could, but some of the wording had worn away.

He also saw that rust had gotten into the starter. He went off to a junkyard to look for another one. He also had to overhaul the compressor’s regulator valve.

“That was one of the last things I had to unstick,” he says.

Still runs after all these years

closeup photo of yellow restored 1943 Ingersoll Rand air compressorThe 79-year-old air compressor still runs.Mark DottsAfter seven months, the restoration was complete.

Now it was time to crank it up. His uncle had taught him how to run it. Mark had been working with him on a boiler repair job at a high school when he learned.

He recalls how the machine would run hard for the boiler repair business. “When my uncle had it, he would just dog that thing,” he says.

It can run at up to 125 pounds of pressure per square inch and has quick recovery. Mark set it at 100 pounds.

It can be started by crank or by electric starter.

Mark got it running.

“I was impressed with how it still functions pretty good,” he says.

“But the nice thing about is,” he adds, “it’s not just to fire it up and go ‘ooh, ahh.’ You can actually use it to run your air tools.”

Mark also sees it as preserving the historic past. He’s found little information about the compressor through online searches. Attempts to find out information from Ingersoll-Rand didn’t turn up any details on the 1943 compressor model. He has not been able to find any technical data or manuals on it.

“I’ve spent hours gleaning the internet for information, and I’ve only found one source,” he says. “And he was doing the same thing, looking for information.”

Along with preserving his grandfather’s legacy, Mark hopes to preserve the forgotten piece of history for future generations.

“I’d like for it to be saved as an example,” he says. “Based on so few of them out there, if there are any left, I think it has historical value.”

“I don’t really feel like I own it,” he adds. “I just feel like I’m taking care of it.”

To watch Mark Dotts run his restored 1943 Ingersoll-Rand Model D-60 air compressor, check out this video he submitted:

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Cat’s Next Generation 255 and 265 Get More Power, Lift Height

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Caterpillar is bidding farewell to its 259D3, 279D3 and 289D3 compact track loaders with the introduction of its new, next-generation 255 and 266 models.

The completely redesigned models debuted at media and customer events at Caterpillar’s Edwards, Illinois, Demonstration and Learning Center last week. The 255 and 265 offer improved engine performance, more lift height, a roomier cab and more standard technology than their predecessors.

“We kept the DNA of the D3 series while reimagining the possibilities of loader performance using voice of customer feedback to lead the way,” says Trevor Chase, product application specialist for Caterpillar. “Both next-generation models leverage the many benefits offered by the vertical lift design. The new Cat 255 replaces the 259D3, while the 265 replaces both the 279D3 and 289D3 machines.”

The CTLs are the last of Cat’s building and construction products to get the next-generation treatment and simplified nomenclature. The first number (2) represents the skid steer loader and compact track loader machine family; the middle number (5 or 6) designates the machine size; and the ending number (5) is the compact track loader identifier. Skid steers will be identified by a 0 end number. Additional new models will roll out in the coming months, the company says.

Caterpillar 265 compact track loader carrying a blockCaterpillarMore power and torque

Cat equipped the 255 with a C2.8T engine and the 265 with a C2.8TA engine, both at 74 horsepower. This gives the new machines a significant boost in torque – 13% for the 255 and 43% for the 256 – over their D3-Series predecessors. The engine and cooling package are mounted lower in the frame for added visibility out the rear window and stability while lifting heavy loads.

Customers attest that the added lift height makes truck loading easier. The 255 offers 10 feet 4 inches of lift height, while the 265 can reach 11 feet high.

“The lift height has made a big difference when loading trucks,” said Derrick Roger, owner of Coast to Coast Lawnscapes, who spent several months testing the 255. “You can get on top of that truck now and empty the bucket; whereas, before you would have to shake the bucket to try to get the material to fall out.”

The 255 delivers 36% more tilt breakout, 26% higher lift breakout force and a 24% increase in rated operating capacity (ROC). The 265 also delivers 19% higher tilt breakout force and 22% higher lift breakout force.

Standard hydraulic pressure has been increased to 3,500 psi, allowing the 255 and 265 to operate all Cat Smart Attachments with the standard auxiliary hydraulics provided.

If demanding attachments require additional hydraulic flow, customers can have their Cat dealer activate the high flow functionality on the machine or remotely via software update. This makes it possible for the CTLs to hit 30 gallons per minute of flow at the standard system pressure.

A High Flow XPS factory option increases auxiliary hydraulic system pressure to 4,061 psi for both models, while also increasing the hydraulic flow to 30 gallons per minute for the 255 and 34 gallons per minute for the 265.

The torsion suspension undercarriage delivers better operator comfort, track wear and material retention, plus the stiffer design results in smoother graded surfaces, Cat says. A new 12.6-inch bar-tread narrow track option is available on the 255.

A more spacious cab

Cat says it has increased the cab width by 2.75 inches without making the machines wider and the footwell-to-ceiling height by 1.8 inches. The larger cab gives operators an additional 1.5 inches of hip room and 1.1 inches more width between the joysticks.

A range of new mechanical and air-ride suspension seat options are available, including a ventilated and heated seat. A new automatic temperature control allows operators to set a specific temperature. Relocated vents help cool or heat the machine quickly.

The standard package includes the same 5-inch LCD monitor as the D3 Series CTLs, which offers Bluetooth connectivity and functionality for the rearview camera feed, creep, job clock, and maintenance reminders.

Customers can upgrade to a new 8-inch advanced touchscreen monitor, like the display found in Cat’s next-generation mini excavators and small loaders. It delivers advanced radio control and supports the 270-degree multicamera option. The advanced monitor pairs with the advanced joysticks for integrated control of all machine functions and adjustments.

“You can adjust the movement – or the aggressiveness or the conservativeness – of how your tracks and lift arms work through your advanced touchscreen display,” Dante Thomas, skid steer and CTL marketing manager, said. “And you can control of all of your display functions from the advanced joysticks. There are buttons with enter and select functions on those joysticks that you’re able to change any functionality that is possible.”

Cat also redesigned the entry, making the 255 and 265 easier to enter and exit. The cab door can be opened even when the lift arms are not fully lowered to the frame stops. It can be removed without tools in less than one minute.

Advanced technologies

Calling the 255 and 265 “one of the most attachment-friendly machines on the market,” Thomas says both the standard and advanced monitors can run Cat Smart Attachments, such as the dozer and grader blades and backhoe.

“It has attachment recognition that when you plug the attachment into the machine, it recognizes which attachment is connected. It adjusts your joystick pattern, so it gives you intuitive and simple control,” says Thomas.

The available Cat Product Link Elite system tracks machine hours, location, asset utilization, provides fault code details and delivers advanced monitoring and machine health, that is remotely accessible via VisionLink. In addition, Product Link Elite provides remote flash and troubleshooting capabilities and quickly enables the remote activation of the SEA High Flow feature.

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Quick Data: 2023 Top-Selling Wheel Loaders and Auction Trends

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Quick Data is a snapshot of new and used wheel loader sales trends from Randall Reilly’s EDA equipment financing data, TopBid auction price service and EquipmentWatch market trend reports.

Demand for wheel loaders has softened with new and used financed wheel loader sales down year-over-year from August 1, 2022 to July 31, 2023 according to Randall Reilly’s EDA equipment financing data.

Financed new wheel loader sales dropped 10%, while used financed wheel loader sales fell by 15% compared to the same period last year.

Cat (22.4%), Deere (21.0%) and Komatsu (12.4%) held their positions year-over-year as the top three sellers of new financed wheel loaders. Top models sold included the Deere 544 P-Tier (401), Deere 624 P-Tier (380) and the Komatsu WA270-8 (364).

[Watch: “A Really Solid Machine” – Test Run of Komatsu’s WA475-10 Wheel Loader]

Cat (28.5%) and Deere (22.9%) also snagged the No. 1 and 2 positions for the highest number of financed used units sold, with Case (14.7%) claiming the third spot. On the date we examined the data, the top-selling models were the Case 321F (340), Cat 926M (164) and the Case 621G (159). 

During this period, there were more buyers of new loaders in Florida (955) than in any other state. Buyers of new wheel loaders were also prevalent in Texas (893) and Illinois (665). Those states were also top buyers of used financed machines, with 712 units sold in Texas, 413 in Florida, and 412 in Illinois.

EDA data is compiled from state UCC-1 filings on financed construction equipment. EDA continually updates this data as information comes in from each state.

[Related Content: A Rundown of the Latest Wheel Loaders for 2023]

Used Wheel Loader Market

Used wheel loader prices rose 10.1% for the 12-month period from August 1, 2022 to July 31, 2023, according to Randall Reilly’s EquipmentWatch market trend data.

The average price for a used wheel loader was $137,465 in July 2022 compared to $151,367 in July 2023. The average age of used wheel loaders fell slightly during the period, dropping from 8.8 years to 8.3 years.

EquipmentWatch Used wheel loader price and age chartEquipmentWatchThe average age and price were calculated on 153,356 resale listings during the period in the EquipmentWatch database.

Over the last 12 months, prices for used wheel loaders have in general increased, with the largest gains in October 2022 (6.5%) and February 2023 (2.9%).

EquipmentWatch defines fair market value (FMV) as the monetary value of an asset that can be expected in a transaction with a single seller and single buyer, neither of whom is under any compulsion or time restriction to complete the transaction. FMV for heavy equipment is most closely associated with the private resale market, as opposed to the public auction market.

Wheel Loader Auction Prices

Caterpillar also dominated the auction charts, accounting for 18 of the top 20 wheel loaders sold in terms of price for the 12-month period of September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2023. Deere and Komatsu were the only other manufacturers to appear on the list.

The top auction price spot went to a 2021 Cat 966M with 2,188 hours. It sold for $400,000 at a Ritchie Bros. auction in Orlando, Fla., on September 21, 2022. The second-highest price paid was $315,000 for a 2019 Cat 980M with 7,836 hours at another Ritchie Bros. sale in Atlanta, on December 1, 2022. Rounding out the top three was a 2018 Deere 944K with 8,941 hours. It sold for $290,00 at a J.M. Wood Auction Co. sale in Montgomery, Ala., on March 21, 2023.

In total, there were 358 wheel loaders sold at auctions tracked by Top Bid during this time, with an average price of $99,747. (This does not include any units sold for less than $5,000.)

EDA, Top Bid and EquipmentWatch are owned by Randall Reilly, parent of Equipment World.

[Related Content: Heavy Equipment Auctions Set for Second Half of 2023

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Video: A closer look at Rokbak articulated dump trucks

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Volvo Construction Equipment bought Terex’s off-road truck line in 2014, and six years later, it rebranded its articulated haulers under the Rokbak name.

On this episode of The Dirt, we hear from Paul Douglas, Volvo vice president of rigid haulers, who explains the differences between the old Terex line and the Rokbak trucks. He also gives a hint at some of the new things coming from Rokbak, including redesigned cabs and replacing the current trucks with new models. There’s also the possibility of a new size truck to hit the market.

Rokbak, as with other construction equipment brands, is working toward a zero-emissions future. On this episode, he explains where the articulated dump truck market is heading in terms of alternative fuel. He adds that customers will see big changes in emissions and engines in the next five years, with the ultimate goal of reaching zero emissions within 10 years.

So to learn more about Rokbak and what the brand has in store for the future, check out this episode of The Dirt.  

Equipment World serves up weekly videos on the latest in construction equipment, work trucks and pickup trucks – everything contractors need to get their work done. Subscribe and visit us at equipmentworld.com!

In This Episode:

  • 00:00 – Rokbak Articulated Haulers
  • 00:30 – Is Rokbak More Reliable Than Terex?
  • 03:22 – Brand New Cab
  • 06:10 – More Changes to Upcoming Rokbak Trucks
  • 09:20 – What Will Rokbak Do in the Next 2-5 Years?
  • 11:24 – What Alternative Fuel Will Rokbak Haulers Use in the Future?
  • 14:53 – Final Thoughts

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