R.G. LeTourneau dozer blade

[ashes]

I am working a job here in Northern California, and have found a dozer blade that was manufactured by R.G. LeTourneau that was left along a road in the project area. Does anyone here know if these are still used today. After a little searching I have determined that the site was originally logged in the late 1950's to early 1960's which would put this item as old enough to qualify as an archaeological historic item, potentially needing some protection.

Any input would be appreciated as to how common/rare, or anything else.

I have the serial number and other info at work, and could get some pictures if they would be of more assistance, although I'm not sure I have ever figured out how to load one on this site. ;D

[York Woodwright]

I don't know about your blade, but LeTourneau's earth-moving machinery was reputed to be the best in the world at one time, and made a significant contribution to the Allied efforts in WWII.

LeTourneau sold his company to Westinghouse in 1953, and a few years later started up another company making equipment that used electric wheel hub motors. I muse as to whether your blade antedates the 1953 equipment sale.

Charles

[beenthere]

ashes
Sounds like an interesting find... I think you can post pics... as you have almost 70 of them in your gallery.

[ashes]

I am mostly curious about the likelihood of those blades being used in more modern tractor operations. The time frame when the area was logged of old growth corresponds to the piece found.

I just don't understand why it was left behind. It doesn't seem in that bad of shape. It was (at least according to the info on the blade) fitted for a D8.

And yes, I can post pictures to my album, I have at one time posted them onto a thread....Never again since :D

[ScottAR]

The company he founded is still around.  They build large mining loaders and offshore oil platforms among other things.  The market for this blade is someone restoring a D8 tractor of that era. 

[starmac]

It was probably left there because they had hauled the dozer to a shop and scrapped it

[ScottAR]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9-sO5GCMZU

[BEEMERS]

Back in the day a track machine was manufactured as a pulling machine for different tools. They were also fitted with after market dozer blades sometimes..Le Tourneau being one of many companies at the time. You would buy a D8 or whatever machine and the dozer blade was an option...of which you might have a dozen or so different options as to the manufacturer...as time passed the blade became an increasingly accepted option until companies started making the blade a standard feature putting companies like Letourneau out of the dozer blade business.

[treeslayer2003]

Back in the day a track machine was manufactured as a pulling machine for different tools. They were also fitted with after market dozer blades sometimes..Le Tourneau being one of many companies at the time. You would buy a D8 or whatever machine and the dozer blade was an option...of which you might have a dozen or so different options as to the manufacturer...as time passed the blade became an increasingly accepted option until companies started making the blade a standard feature putting companies like Letourneau out of the dozer blade business.

beucyrus erie was another. seen them on old IH crawlers

[ashes]

Thankyou for the information. This particular blade is not looking for a buyer. I am just fascinated by old logging, and have pondered many things found in the woods, and how/why they got there or are still there. This blade will likely stay put where it is for many years to come.

I will post some pictures when I visit that site again. That will be before the rain sets in here.