Anybody have any experience with Bucyrus Erie machines? I know very little about and have never operated a dragline but have always liked seeing them. I ran across a 15B that looks to be pretty decent and has a Caterpillar D315 engine which would be my first choice for engines. I am somewhat interested in the machine but would like to know what I'm getting into.

I'm just like you, I have no experience with draglines, but I love watching them. As such, I have nothing to add for you as far as knowledge and advice.

I was able to run the 22RB briefly at the Santa Margarita show. I really didn't do any digging to speak of, but Russell Turner, who posts on here, was kind enough to come over and offer some advice which helped me and might help you if you decide to get this machine.

His advice was to set the machine and boom up on level ground and get all ready to work. Once you're ready, spend some time practicing holding the bucket just a few inches above the ground while pulling it toward you and swinging it back out to under the boom sheave.

In order to do this, you'll have to work the clutches and brakes to release the lift cable at the right rate and you pull in the drag cable to keep the bucket in the same relationship to the flat ground. When you're swinging it back out, the same applies, but opposite, release the drag cable at the right rate as you reel in the lift cable at the right rate.

This feat is very difficult to do for a while because you have to coordinate both hands and both feet, remembering to lock or unlock the brake pedals at the right time and getting the feel of the hoist levers. After a while, you'll start to get the feel and begin building that muscle memory.

I didn't get enough practice to become very good yet, but I plan to spend more time on that machine over the next year practicing and practicing.

I can say that his exercise was enlightening and very helpful in beginning to educate my mind in an organized fashion. I think you'll like it and find it helpful if you try it.

Pete.

Grab it. All simple mechanical stuff to make it move. Are you going to be able to make the Nowthen show this weekend. I hope you can.

"old-iron-habit" wrote:

Grab it. All simple mechanical stuff to make it move. Are you going to be able to make the Nowthen show this weekend. I hope you can.

I saw your post about the show. That's the first Iv heard of it. I might have to see if I don't have anything going on this weekend. Otherwise Pioneer Power is coming up and I always make that one. I may also try the WMSTR up in Rollag. I have never been to that one either.

-Jeremy

Thank Goodness someone had the good sense to lower the boom down thereby closing the covers over the hoisting drums. I have seen so many cranes like that ruined because the last operator left the boom in the raised position and the covers were up allowing the rain and snow in on all the drum and mechanisms rusting them into a solid mass. I looked at a Bucyrus 10B locally a couple years ago. The boom was left up and there wasn't a single moving part in the house that wasn't rusted fast. What a shame!

Poor ole girls been put out to pasture! lol

Hi, Seyser.
These were good,solid, reliable machines, simple and pretty easy to work on, although there would be times when you are learning to handle it that you might wish you had an octopus for a co-pilot. Once you get it all sorted out though and establish a rhythm, they are not difficult to operate, just require some muscle power here and there. Proper adjustments will help to reduce that.

if you choose to inspect it with a view to purchase/acquisition, I would suggest getting the engine running and then GENTLY engaging the master clutch to see if anything might be stuck or binding. Once that is achieved, try each individual control, again gently, to see that they all run freely. You don't hafta pull them into full engagement, just enough to check that they free.

There are a good few lube points, zerks and oil cups, and they all deserve proper attention, including 'blackjack' on the slew ring gear and the boom tip and fairlead sheaves.

Hope this helps.

Just my 0.02.

Nice tidy looking machine and in great shape,seems to be all intact,looks from the pictures that you could have a little trouble with the clutches as they have gone dry and are rusting and will need cleaning up,be careful on start up that they are not engaged and pull the boom over centre,I would buy it but I am too far away.
TS

"seyser" wrote:

I saw your post about the show. That's the first Iv heard of it. I might have to see if I don't have anything going on this weekend. Otherwise Pioneer Power is coming up and I always make that one. I may also try the WMSTR up in Rollag. I have never been to that one either.

-Jeremy

Chapter 3 will be having a meeting on Saturday afternoon during the show. Ask a member when and what time. Guests are welcome.

My only experience was on a 22B, 30B and best of all, a 38B with air! Both the 22 and the 30 were all hand frictions. All three were log loading shovels. the 22 had a dipperstick with tongs, the other two were heelbooms. If I could run them at the age I was then, they must have been pretty bullet proof. They are fun machines to run.