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Hopto Loader – Model 82 – any interest?

DRRSB88 · 2023-09-21 12:12

Hello All, I have an old Hopto Loader (model 82) that has been parked indoors for a few decades. The backhoe is not attached but we still have it. Just looking for some feedback on what to do with this. Is there any market for this type of equipment? Or is it just something that should be scrapped? It’s located in Southern Maine so if anyone is interested please let me know. Thank you,

Replies9
  1. #1td14steve2023-09-22 07:15

    Put it on Craigslist and facebook marketplace someone will buy it . If it runs probably worth between 2 and 5k. beats scrapping it. Steve

  2. #2DRRSB882023-09-22 07:22

    Thanks Steve, appreciate the feedback

  3. #3JaredV2023-09-22 08:45

    Looks like a Minneapolis Moline tractor which might have collector value. Lots of old tractor/loaders like that still in use today even without the backhoe. If it's in as good a shape as it looks 5 grand is reasonable without the backhoe. If the hoe is in good shape that's probably another thousand or two.. Way too good to scrap, anyway. Look around for old backhoes and loader tractors and see what people are asking and figure they're being optimistic with their prices.

  4. #4DRRSB882023-09-22 08:57

    Thanks a lot Jared, really appreciate the input

  5. #5skyking12023-09-22 14:48

    cool iron. The advice above is sound. Not too much effort on your part. Good eye on the moline tractor, Jared. This is a newer one at Auggies on the way to Ephrata. That style of hood is distinctive. it was for sale a few years ago, a 60's diesel engine.

  6. #6Welder Dave2023-09-22 20:30

    The Warner & Swasey "Hopto" loader and backhoe may even be desirable for collectors. There can't have been that many made and it looks in great shape. I recently visited a site that had 2 of the biggest Hopto's made. The 103 ton Hopto 1900 with 8 drive motors. It was the largest American excavator when it came out in 1972. The standard bucket was 5 cu./yds. and it could pick up over 58,000lbs. at 15' radius. Henuset Pipelines had 5 of them they purchased at the completion of the Alaska pipeline. They even made a pipe support frame to raise them 10' and the tracks were wide enough to straddle the spoil pile from the 168 ton Polarbear trencher they designed and built.

  7. #7DRRSB882023-09-22 21:55

    Thanks for the detail Dave!

  8. #8skyking12023-09-22 21:58

    is it a diesel tractor?

  9. #9Truck Shop2023-09-22 22:16

    It looks like a carb-a-tater on the side.