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Veteran US Operator Rides Again!

by Nick Drew  |  Mon 25 Jul 2022

Veteran US Operator Rides Again!

One of the star attractions at the Zagray Farm Museum in Colchester, Connecticut, USA is a North West Model 80-D rope-controlled face shovel which was built in 1953. Built at the North West factory in Green Bay, the model remained in production for an incredible 40 years with various modifications during that time, but essentially looked the same from the outside.

This model, which was equipped with a 2.5 cubic yard front shovel, had an operating weight of 78 tonnes and was powered by a 6-cylinder Murphy diesel engine which offered a power output rating of some 160hp @1100rpm.

What is so amazing to see is that the former operator of this machine, George Jarvis who is now 93 years young, is often seen at the museum and never misses a chance to be reunited with the old girl and to spend some time in the seat of this venerable old machine that still sports his name under the cab window.

Quite understandably, George now needs a little assistance to get on board, but once back in the seat its like he’s never been away from her, as he puts the machine through her paces for the gathering visitors to see in action, which is just fantastic to see! Its no mean feat to operate one of these machines, and imagine pulling and pushing those levers and foot pedals for 10 -12 hours a day. men were made of tough stuff back in those days! 

I trawled around You Tube to find some footage of this machine in action, and incredibly I came across this old video from 2013 which also shows George in the seat, possibly with a young relative with him in the cabin.

Thanks again must go to the original poster of these photos Brian Bystrek, and Anthony Lucibello for the share.

 

 

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