For more than ten years, the Ruston-Bucyrus RB22 sat forgotten near a quiet Devon pond—its engine silent, its body rusting, its story paused. But then a crew of determined tinkerers showed up with a Foden wrecker, a handful of tools, and a deep respect for old-school diesel machines. What followed was a journey of grit, trial, and mechanical resurrection.
Origins of a Mechanical Ruston-Bucyrus RB22
Born from a British-American partnership, the Ruston-Bucyrus RB22 was produced in the 1950s and ’60s during the golden age of analog construction equipment. Ruston & Hornsby teamed up with American powerhouse Bucyrus-Erie to create cable-operated excavators that could chew through earth with unmatched reliability.
What made the RB22 a mechanical marvel?
- Powerplant: Diesel engine, likely an inline-six Gardner or equivalent
- Function: Cable-operated dragline with no hydraulic systems
- Controls: Winches, levers, clutches, and brakes—all mechanical
It was the type of machine you could fix in the field using nothing but tools, experience, and a good ear. This made it a favorite across post-war Britain and in rugged places like outback Australia, where diesel culture means keeping things running with spanners and sweat.
Resting by the Pond
The RB22 wasn’t stored under cover or in a shed. It was left out in the elements, parked beside a pond, slowly succumbing to rust and time. Rain had filled the engine block with water. The oil had long vanished. Nature had done its best to claim the old digger.
And yet—the machine wasn’t broken. Just dormant. No cracked block, no destroyed gears. Its steel bones were intact. The revival started not in a workshop but in the mud, with a screwdriver, pry bar, and blind faith in diesel engineering.
Similar Machines Still Roaming
Hydraulics may rule today’s job sites, but mechanical excavators like the RB22 are still clanking away in museums, rallies, and a few stubborn workyards.
Machines that share the RB22’s DNA:
- Bucyrus-Erie 15B — A close American cousin
- Priestman Mustang and Cub — Classic British draglines
- O&K RH series — Germany’s answer to mechanical digging power
Though they lack speed and comfort, these machines offer something irreplaceable: a direct, physical connection between operator and machine.
What Was Fixed and How
Before the RB22 could move, a long list of issues needed tackling. Here’s what the team addressed:
- Crankshaft freed manually with a pry bar
- Water removed from the engine block and cylinders
- Diesel flushed through the engine to clear out rust and sludge
- Fuel system bled to remove air and stale diesel
- Fresh batteries installed
- New oil added after the flush
- Cooling system and filters checked for damage
With the engine flushed and re-oiled, it was time to test fire. A few coughs, some smoke—and then, to everyone’s surprise, it ran.
Transport and Future Plans
Once freed, the RB22 was carefully loaded onto a trailer and taken back to the yard for deeper cleaning and checks. With limited steering and mechanical brakes, the loading process was anything but easy.
The destination? The Welland Steam Rally, one of the UK’s premier vintage machinery events. There, the RB22 will be demonstrated in action—digging, swinging, and showing crowds how things were done in the mid-20th century.
And beyond that? The team hopes to keep it operational as part of a living historic fleet. It may appear at other vintage shows—or even tackle occasional digging jobs, just to prove it still can.
Final Thoughts
The RB22 is more than just scrap on tracks. It’s a monument to durability, simplicity, and the kind of engineering that trusted the hands of its operator.
This remarkable revival was led by the YouTube team from Mr Hewes, known for bringing vintage machines back to life with hands-on skill and a touch of humor. Their videos showcase the realities of real-world recovery work—mud, rust, diesel, and all.
Watch the full resurrection on YouTube and follow the journey for more diesel-fueled restorations.