Pictured here is a new International TD 35 crawler tractor at work in the Fort Frances region of North Western Ontario in the winter of 1937.
Although similar to the gas-powered T 35 model, these crawlers were powered by a 30-kW four-cylinder diesel engine that started on gas before switching over to diesel operation.
More than 5,000 units were manufactured over a two-year period ending in 1939. With a selling price about $3,000, these machines became increasing popular with the logging and construction industries in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia.
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Such mechanization enabled logging operations to increase output to the pulp and paper mills, lumber producers and construction sites.
Loggers and operators of that era had to be hardy. No cabs or heaters for the winters of old. The only option appears to be the work lights seen attached on the hood of this crawler!
The Historical Construction Equipment Association HCEA Canada 2024 events include Wheels & Tracks in June and the Last Blast on October 19. Both events are held at the Simcoe County Museum, near Barrie.
To see more than 60 pieces of vintage construction equipment in action be sure to attend. HCEA Canada is a proud Heritage Partner of the Simcoe County Museum. For more information, visit www.hceacanada.org.
