In an attempt to break into the larger elevating scraper market, Euclid, in cooperation with Hancock, began investigating a single-engined elevating scraper in 1966.
Tentatively rated at 32 cubic yards heaped capacity, the machine which used the tractor unit of an S-24 motor scraper was sent off to the company’s proving grounds at Milford, Michigan for evaluation.
Test results revealed that the machine, while effective, was underpowered so the decision was made to utilise the tractor unit from the larger S-32 open-bowl scraper instead.
This was a physically bigger machine than the S-24 and had almost 100 more horsepower which also permitted the use of a slightly higher load capacity.
Test results were very favourable and in August 1968 the machine was put into limited production as the Terex model S-35E elevating scraper (the Terex name having been introduced by General Motors in 1968 following an anti-trust lawsuit in the USA).
The S-35E entered a marketplace that was dominated by the Wabco 333F and Caterpillar 633.
Sales were, however, moderate and the S-35E was not really ever seen in great numbers.
A small horsepower increase was made in 1970, boosting output from 450 to 457 flywheel horsepower, but apart from this and the incorporation of other minor changes the S-35E remained essentially the same.
In 1980 a S-35E-B model was produced utilising the tractor unit of the TS-32B.
This machine featured the ‘Keystone’ styling first introduced on Terex scrapers with the TS-18.
It also had a slightly redesigned scraper with a new elevator drive motor.
However hardly any were manufactured before Terex discontinued the TS-32, S-35 and S-32 in 1981, citing high manufacturing costs due to a worldwide downturn in the sale of large scrapers.
All production of the S-35E was undertaken in the USA at Hudson, Ohio, meaning no units were produced by Terex (Great Britain) or Brazil.
The S-35E Described
As befitting a product of General Motors, the S-35E was powered with a Detroit Diesel model 12V-71T turbocharged V-12 diesel which put out 457 horsepower at the flywheel.
This was connected to an Allison VCLBT-5965 6-speed powershift transmission featuring a variable input torque converter that permitted more horsepower to the hydraulic pump for elevator loading and reduced wheelspin.
Interestingly, this powertrain combination was exactly the same as fitted to the S-35E’s major competitor, the Wabco 333F.
Brakes were air operated s-cam shoe type acting on all wheels and could be augmented by use of the in-built retarder in the Allison transmission.
Where the rubber meets the road, the S-35E used 37.5×33 tyres with a nominal E3 type tread pattern. Alternatively, the use of radial steel cord tyres was an option for severe conditions.
In standard operating configuration, the S-35E had a top speed of just over 34 miles per hour.
Steering followed the standard Terex layout with two single stage double acting hydraulic rams giving a 90° turn to either side.
As mentioned earlier, the business end of the machine, the bowl, was manufactured for Terex by Hancock (a division of Clark).
Hancock was credited with inventing the elevating scraper concept.
Without side boarding it held 35 cubic yards, a very healthy load in anyone’s terms.
It was constructed of high strength steel with external box section bracing in typical Hancock fashion.
The elevator motor and reduction gearbox was mounted on the right-hand side of the elevator frame which allowed fairly straightforward routing of all the necessary hydraulic lines.
Comprised of twenty 8’ flights, the elevator chain had two forward and one reverse speed.
A hydraulic adjuster located on the lower front portion of the ladder frame was used to maintain chain tension. This idea was far superior to its competitors’ chain adjustment methods that were carried out by the addition or subtraction of shims.
A three-section cutting edge was fitted, the centre portion of which could be used in a drop centre configuration for easier loading.
For the really tough stuff, six bolt-on teeth could be added.
Ejection was via sliding floor and bulldozer ejector with a fixed cutting edge.
The front of the sliding floor featured a drop down strike-off plate for even material spreading.
Early S-35Es featured twin straight exhaust pipes that must have sounded amazing!
By 1973 however, two large oval mufflers had been installed on the hood of the machine to reduce the sound level somewhat.
Operators were provided with the standard Terex air suspension seat made by Milsco and a full set of instrumentation on the dash panel.
Operation of the bowl was by three levers, one for raise/lower, one for the 2-speed elevator and the remaining lever controlled the ejector.
Pedals consisted of brake, throttle and retarder.
Visibility forward, to the cutting edge and to the left was very good, however, visibility to the right was severely restricted by the large oval mufflers and the extended height hydraulic tank.
This tank was much larger than on the S-32 and TS-32 due to the ravenous appetite of the elevator pump & motor.
Options
In order to equip the S-35E for operation in different environments, several options were offered by Terex.
These included a Cab, heater & defroster, ROPS structure, replacement of the Milsco seat with a Bostrum Norseman type, tyre options and full width rear fenders.
In standard operating configuration, the S-35E was known as a type 47LOT-90SH in General Motors’s parlance.
The New Zealand Connection.
Although no Terex S-35E’s were imported by the franchise holder, Clyde Engineering, it wasn’t for want of trying, but for whatever reason they didn’t quite come off.
For that matter there were no Cat 633s imported into New Zealand either. However the Wabco dealer did have some success and imported three of its slightly larger, twin powered, model 333FTs.
For the Diecast Model Collector
No one has produced a commercial scale model of the S-35E, or for that matter, either of its Terex stablemates, the S-32 and TS-32.
In fact, models of Euclid/Terex scrapers in general are practically non-existent, something that should be addressed by model manufacturers.
Brief Specifications – Terex S-35E
Engine: GM Detroit Diesel model 12V-71T, turbocharged V-12 diesel rated at 457 flywheel horsepower at 2100 rpm.
Transmission: Allison VCLBT5965 6-speed, full powershift with variable
input torque converter.
Top Speed: 34 mph
Brakes: Air operated S-Cam expanding shoe
Steering: Full hydraulic
Std.Tires: 37.5×33, 36 ply E3
Turning Circle: 42’
Bowl Capacity: 35 cubic yards heaped
Elevator: 2-speed full hydraulic with reduction gearbox
No.Flights: 20
Elevator Speed: 287 fpm at high speed setting
Length: 47’
Width: 12’
Height (with cab): 13’ 5” to top of elevator
Operating Weight: 49.5 tons empty, 91.5 tons loaded