Before mines were ruled by touchscreen trucks, radar systems, and onboard computers, machines thrived on simplicity, torque, and brute force. One such steel titan was the Wabco 35 – a dump truck that spent decades hauling rock by the ton, day in and day out, with no complaints and zero electronics. Today, it may seem old-school, but back in its prime, it was the top dog in heavy-duty hauling.
Model History
The Wabco 35 was born from the American engineering powerhouse WABCO (Westinghouse Air Brake Company), later absorbed by Dresser Industries. The “Haulpak” series was WABCO’s answer to the mining industry’s growing appetite for durable off-road dump trucks.
Released in the 1960s, the Wabco 35 quickly became a favorite among operators. Why? Because it was tough, relatively simple to maintain, and capable of running for decades with basic servicing. Production continued under Dresser and later Komatsu, which acquired the Haulpak brand and incorporated many of its features into its modern dump trucks.
Technical Specifications (Wabco 35)
Engine Options: Detroit Diesel 12V71 – V12, two-stroke, Roots-blown; also available with Cummins KTA-1150-C (~700 HP)
Power Output: Approx. 700–760 HP
Payload Capacity: 30–36 tons
Drivetrain: 6×4 (sometimes 6×6)
Curb Weight: ~27,000–30,000 kg
Transmission: Manual or powershift, depending on version
Cabin: Basic, spartan, no electronics
Suspension: Heavy-duty leaf spring suspension
Tires: Standard 21.00×35 mining tires
Applications
The Wabco 35 was built to work. You’d find it in open-pit mines, rock quarries, and massive infrastructure projects. Its job? Transport bulk materials like gravel, ore, coal, and stone – with payloads reaching up to 36 tons. Not fast, not fancy, but incredibly reliable. In places like New Zealand, Wabco 35s were widely used in quarry operations well into the 1990s.
Key Features
1. Two-Stroke Engine – Yes, you read that right. The 12-cylinder Detroit Diesel runs on a two-stroke cycle, delivering massive torque and that unforgettable scream. It sounds like a chainsaw on steroids – in the best way possible.
2. Built Like a Tank – A heavy-duty frame, simple hydraulics, and zero fluff. This meant field repairs were possible – no laptops required.
3. Air-over-Hydraulic Braking System – A hybrid braking setup that combines the power of compressed air with hydraulic precision. Rugged and reliable.
4. Global Workhorse – Widely used in mining regions worldwide, from the U.S. to Australia and New Zealand, the Wabco 35 proved itself in climates and terrains of all kinds.
Why This Machine Still Matters
The Wabco 35 isn’t just a truck – it’s a relic of an era where steel, sweat, and mechanical grit ruled the job site. In a time before microchips and emission sensors, machines like this got the job done, no questions asked.
Some Wabco 35s are still alive today. In fact, one known as “Wally” is currently being brought back to life – and you’ll get to see the full resurrection in our next post.
Stick around to witness the revival of this steel legend!
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A locked Cummins, a frozen cab, and a tree growing through the frame make this 4070 revival one brutal challenge.