Pictured here in the winter of 1919 is a Wehr “One-Man Power Grader” on snow plow duty clearing Richmond Road near Ottawa, Ontario.
In an effort to replace manpower and horse drawn graders, the Ottawa Suburban Roads Commission purchased this unit. Although primarily intended for road construction and maintenance, it was pressed into action when significant snowfall occurred.
Built by the Wehr Manufacturing Co. of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the grader was basically an attachment for a Fordson tractor. Based on this same concept, Wehr manufactured the road roller for the Fordson power unit. This grader was also equipped with an optional Trackson-built crawler conversion for winter operations.
The Trackson Company also made dozer blades, winches and other attachments for Caterpillar.
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No doubt it would have a hardy grader operator to deal with the elements without a cab or heater. The only options appear to be a couple of lights, a coal oil lamp and a workout with all the mechanical levers and wheels. So, grader operators … be happy!
The Historical Construction Equipment Association (HCEA) Canada 2024 events, include Wheels & Tracks in June and the Last Blast event on Oct. 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. Visit hceacanada.org for updates
