German Classic Machinery Gathering

Our great German friend Dirk Bömer is back again with another batch of interesting photos featuring vintage machines on display at a local historical equipment event.

This event is an annual gathering of like-minded enthusiasts, for not only construction machinery, but also vintage cars, motorbikes and tractors. All photos included in this post were taken by Dirk’s talented friend Reinhard Gerdes.

The O&K Motrak AS 100, was a 7 HP, 1 cylinder 2 stroke diesel powered forward tipping site dumper with a payload 1.000kg, the driver is wearing one of the popular period hats from those days!

The ATLAS AB-1500, is dated from the mid-1960’s, and tipped the scales at around the 9-tonne mark. Power came from either a Ford or Deutz engine offering a power output of 48hp. This machine featured a complicated one lever for each function control layout. This example features the single tyres that were rare to find in Germany at that time.

The 15-tonne class Wesehütte HW 70, was built in 1970, with power being provided by a 65 hp Deutz 4-cylinder engine offering a power output of 65hp. The machine had a unique design with short boom and long arm, and even back then featured a short tailswing design. Pilot joystick control was also fitted.

Weserhütte was well established with its rope excavators but was too late with hydraulics and sadly not many were sold. This particular machine was once saved by Dirk himself but is now owned by a young collector.

ATLAS 1302 D with Mercedes Benz tipper truck, very popular combination in Germany back in the day.

This late 1970’s model ATLAS 1302 D, was one of the manufacturers bestsellers they made over 15,000 across entire series range. The machine tipped the scales at around 12-tonnes, with power coming from a popular 63hp Deutz 4-cylinder diesel engine. Pilot controls were also fitted as standard.

The Poclain TX, 4x4 drive, model was primarily designed for customers in Germany who could not get used to the the TYS three wheeled model. This machine was once again powered by a Deutz engine, on this model a 3-cylinder 49hp example.

The Schmiedag tracked loader, featured a 12hp Hatz air-cooled diesel engine. This manufacturer was later acquired by O&K.

Talking with Dirk at a recent event, it became apparent that construction machinery really is his passion, Dirk by his own admission said all his life he has had no interest in such things as sport or music, just machinery. His knowledge of all the old brands and machinery models is incredible, and it’s a real credit to him.

As ever I would like to thank Dirk for sharing this material and his insightful knowledge about them.