Explore the Vintage Link-Belt Speeder LS-80 Machine from 1939 - Any Enthusiasts or Remaining Examples?

Question:

Recently acquired a brochure for a vintage machine from circa 1939, a time when Link-Belt acquired Speeder to create Link-Belt Speeder. This machine is a 3/4 cubic yard shovel, dragline, and crane, resembling the LS-85 model that came out after World War II. It was powered by either a Waukesha 6-SRK gas engine or a CAT D8800 diesel engine. Are there any enthusiasts of antique machinery familiar with this particular model? Are there any remaining examples of this machine still around today?

Top Replies

I recently spotted a Speeder in the county park close to my home, and I believe it is the same one you were referring to. Check out the picture by following this link.

Thank you for sharing the picture link wzz2! This Speeder machine appears to be about 3/4 cubic yards in size and is likely from around 1933. It is in good condition considering its age. Some models from that time period were equipped with the D7700 CAT engine. By 1939, Speeder had introduced a more streamlined cab design on their new LS-80 model, reminiscent of the Link-Belt Speeder models from the 1940s and early 1950s. In 1954, the LS-98 models were released, featuring the speed-o-matic control system introduced by Link-Belt in the K-series machines in the late 1930s. The LS-98 cab design was used in subsequent models such as the LS-58, -68, -78, -88, and more until the late 1980s.

Thank you for providing the information, it was difficult to find online. I would appreciate more details about the history of this abandoned item. My 4-year-old was curious about why it was left behind. Despite being vandalized, it still contains the engine and controls. The model number was located at the back, under the "speeder" logo, but is too corroded to read. It is a shame that parts of the engine have been damaged and stolen. It would have been fascinating to witness this equipment in operation. I have experience operating various mid-sized modern hydraulic excavators and backhoes.

Browse YouTube for videos of draglines, featuring popular brand names such as Link-Belt, Northwest, Bucyrus-Erie, Marion, Koehring, Insley, and more. As a dedicated collector of sales literature on heavy machinery, I consider myself a self-taught historian in this field. While I have only operated a Case 1450 dozer and a vintage Oshkosh snowplow with a Cummins engine and two-stick transmission from the 1940s, my passion for heavy equipment remains unwavering. Peace out!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: 1. What is the vintage Link-Belt Speeder LS-80 machine from 1939?

Answer: - The Link-Belt Speeder LS-80 machine from 1939 is a 3/4 cubic yard shovel, dragline, and crane created by Link-Belt after acquiring Speeder. It was powered by either a Waukesha 6-SRK gas engine or a CAT D8800 diesel engine.

FAQ: 2. What is the significance of the LS-85 model that came out after World War II?

Answer: - The LS-85 model was a successor to the LS-80 model and was released after World War II. It shared similarities with the LS-80 machine and was a popular choice for various construction and industrial applications.

FAQ: 3. Are there any enthusiasts of antique machinery familiar with the Link-Belt Speeder LS-80 model?

Answer: - It is possible that there are enthusiasts of antique machinery who are familiar with the Link-Belt Speeder LS-80 model due to its historical significance and unique features.

FAQ: 4. Are there any remaining examples of the Link-Belt Speeder LS-80 machine still around today?

Answer: - The availability of remaining examples of the Link-Belt Speeder LS-80 machine today may vary. Some enthusiasts or collectors may have preserved or restored these vintage machines, while others may be harder to find due to age and limited production numbers.

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