Wabco's 101F elevating scraper: an overview by Richard Campbell

An entirely new design for Wabco, the 101F bore no family resemblance to any other scraper in the Wabco range and was entirely hydraulically (rather than electrically) controlled.

Instead of replacing the company’s existing 11 cubic yard model 111A elevating scraper, the slightly smaller nine cubic yard 101F complemented it. It wasn’t until the model 101G was introduced in 1976 that the model 111A (which was first introduced in 1960) was finally discontinued.

Design studies on the 101F were undertaken in 1968 and the first prototypes put into test in the same year.

Remarkably simple in design, the 101F boasted outstanding visibility for the operator.

At only eight feet wide (2.4 metres) and only 27,900lb (12,600kg) in tare weight, a 101F could be legally driven from job to job under its own steam, making it a most versatile tool.

Although there was a little market resistance to the machine at first, no doubt caused by the machine’s unusual appearance, pretty soon the 101F began to sell in quantity and was especially popular with land development, irrigation, landscaping and utility contractors.

As mentioned, during 1976 Wabco undertook an upgrade of the 101F which resulted in the model 101G. Principal improvements included a completely redesigned, higher capacity bowl, which now had a rating of 11 cubic yards.

Other changes were largely system improvements that had been brought to light during the production run of the 101F. Many of these later machines were delivered in all-white paint with red trim which made an unusual looking machine even more striking.

The Wabco 101F was directly competitive with the Michigan 110-9, John Deere 760A and International E200, while the later model 101G counted the Caterpillar 613B, International 412, Terex S11E, John Deere 762 and Michigan 110-11 as adversaries.

Wabco pulled the plug on 101 production in 1984 when it sold its construction equipment division to Dresser Industries. Regrettably Dresser did not reintroduce the machine (or any others of the Wabco scraper line for that matter) under its own brand.

The Wabco 101F described
Wabco chose Cummins rather than the traditional GM-Detroit Diesel to provide the engine for the model 101F.

The engine selected was the 178 horsepower Cummins V-504, an industrial version of Cummins’ V-555 truck engine. This was a lightweight, high output naturally aspirated V8 similar to the Caterpillar 3208 and gave the 101F a particularly good power to weight ratio for an elevating scraper.

In a further departure from normal practice, a Clark (rather than Allison) powershift transmission was installed featuring eight forward and one reverse speed. This allowed the 101F to move along at approximately 28 mph in top gear. This was mated to a Wabco differential and final drives to complete the power train.

Air operated, hydraulically actuated shoe type brakes were used on both axles.

Standard tyres were listed as 18.00 x 25 but most New Zealand machines were delivered on the optional wide base 23.5 x 25 tyre, giving them a larger ‘footprint’ and better flotation.

Steering was via twin, double acting hydraulic cylinders attached low down on the scraper universal hitch. As well as maintaining a low centre of gravity, this made them readily accessible for service if need be.

The pump used to provide steering pressure was one of the first generation variable displacement types that are now so common on machinery. This produced 21 gallons per minute at rated engine speed.

Wabco designed and built the bowl and elevator assembly (rather than Hancock) and this was rated at nine cubic yards. It featured a 15-flight hydraulically powered two speed elevator and the usual sliding floor with bulldozer ejector.

Contrary to usual Wabco practice, the cutting edge was not a fixed item and retracted with the floor, doing away with the normal drop down strike off levelling plate, an item which Wabco had formerly promoted.

Four bolt-on cutting edge teeth could be fitted to aid in penetrating hard to load materials.

The operator enjoyed control tower visibility and was provided with a Milsco air suspension seat.

The operator’s deck was mounted above the engine and radiator assemblies. Instrumentation was located on a panel in front of the operator on a tubular frame, which also supported the steering column. To the operator’s right were the bowl, elevator, ejector and transmission levers, all closely grouped and within easy reach. These levers had a short throw and required little
effort to use, a plus over a day’s work.

Thanks for checking out NZ Contractor magazine's Wabco 101F clip.
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