Glenn has a friend working on a restoration of a Scheneker Backhoe. Due to the lack of information about these, he wondered if anyone out there in Willysland had any additional information about them. You can either comment or contact me if you want to email me (d@ewillys.com).
He writes, “A local friend is working on a ’55 Willys Pickup with a Schnecker Iron Works BackHoe mounted on back. It looks just like the one in the Willys Special Equipment Catalog. We have been playing with this unit for several years and have never seen another.
We would like to communicate with anyone knowledgeable about these. Probably not many were built as it was not strong enough to take the beating.
As this is being dismantled, it is obvious that much rewelding was required after each use. Complete replacement of the frame is the only answer and a California pickup is here. Frame reinforcements were everywhere and we are trying to find any information as to what was done at the Buffalo Factory.
Somewhere there must be another of these in order for owners to compare notes. This is totally different from the Ottawa on the FC170 later in the 50’s, and also different from the half cab FC170 shown in the current AACA Club Magazine “Antique Automobile” There are many special parts on this vehicle including heavy duty split rim 15″ wheels and a banjo type rear end housing.”
Here are the few brochures found so far:
