What is this thing? M71 3 Ton Crane

[hrbergeron]

Looking for info on this crane. I've searched all over the internet and can't even get the NSN to return. 1971 3 ton "M71 Crane, Wheel Mounted" made by Anthony Co. Havent been able to find a Anthony Co either except for some models from the 1950s. NSN 3810-00-426-5392. It does run and drive but needs a good bot of work.

 

[fuzzytoaster]

Judging by the age of manufacture there may truly be nothing out there. There wouldn't have been digital records of it nor does it seem to have been widely produced for info and parts to exist today. I did see one at auction last month at a diesel college in a field and supposedly it ran. It too was marked USMC so maybe it was purchased on an as needed basis. They're odd ducks for sure!!

Anthony Co. made several other forklifts over that 50's-70s era to include the MTL-6 better known by the RTL-10 made by Pettibone. They both fit the Army Model MHE 230 (Material Handling Equipment). Maybe Anthony Co. was bought out by Pettibone? Pure guess since those models I mentioned are VERY much the same machines. Maybe Pettibone took over manufacturing of that unit? Try to find an MHE number on your unit and back track it that way. I tried the contract number on the data plate but only picked up a DRMO funds division statement.

 

[hrbergeron]

I did see one at auction last month at a diesel college in a field and supposedly it ran.

This is the one from that auction. Auction price was great, shipping was a bit much because its 9' wide.

Anthony Co. made several other forklifts over that 50's-70s era to include the MTL-6 better known by the RTL-10 made by Pettibone. They both fit the Army Model MHE 230 (Material Handling Equipment).

It's funny you say that because I own one of the MTL-6 made by Athey in 1972. There are scanned manuals available for the MTL-6 series. General Motors, Athey, and Pettibone all made them with varying parts compatibility. The GM ones have barely any parts compatability with the others



Honestly with most equipment this age I've dealt with they use commercial parts, its just the frame/structure that is manufacturer name specific.

The serial number on this crane is 398, so I guess they probably made at least 400 of them?

 

[NDT]

I think Memphis Equipment has or had one of those as a yard picker.

 

[Guyfang]

The TM you want is SL-4-03197. Its was Marine Corps equipment.