Scrapers have a long and fascinating history that dates back hundreds of years. In the 18th century, horse-drawn scrapers were introduced, where a bucket was dragged along the ground by horses over short distances—typically around 15 to 50 meters. By 1883, the first wheeled, all-metal scraper was developed, marking a significant step forward in design and durability. In 1910, the United States created a specialized scraper designed for tractor use, which improved efficiency and versatility. Following this, the Soviet Union began mass-producing tire-mounted scrapers in the 1920s, further expanding their application in construction and earthmoving.
The evolution of scrapers continued rapidly. In 1938, the U.S. introduced the first self-propelled scraper, which allowed for greater mobility and productivity. A twin-engine model followed in 1949, and by the 1960s, chain-loaded scrapers were being developed, bringing new levels of performance to the industry. Today, the largest scraper available has a bucket capacity of up to 200 cubic meters, showcasing the incredible advancements in size and power.
Compared to the first-generation self-propelled scrapers, the CL7 model marked a major leap in quality and technology. It represented a new era for Chinese engineering, setting a high standard for future developments. This machine not only improved efficiency but also demonstrated China’s growing capability in heavy machinery production.
China's journey in developing scrapers began in the 1960s. In April 1961, several key institutions, including Zhengzhou Construction Machinery Manufacturing Plant, the First Machinery Engineering Machinery Research Institute, and Xiamen Engineering Machinery Plant (now Yutong Heavy Industry and Xiagong Group), formed a joint design team. They worked based on foreign prototypes to create China's first self-propelled scraper. The design was completed in August 1961, and by December 22, 1962, the C-6106 prototype was successfully built in Zhengzhou.
This early model could perform both digging and transporting tasks, making it highly efficient for medium-distance hauls—between 2 to 120 kilometers. Due to its economic benefits, scrapers gained significant attention from national authorities during the 1960s and 1970s. In 1963, under the National Science and Technology Commission’s "New Product Key Control Project of 1964," Zhengzhou Construction Machinery Manufacturing Plant and the First Machinery Engineering Machinery Research Institute collaborated again to develop the CL7 self-propelled scraper. This model, prototyped in 1972, featured hydraulic drive systems and hydraulically controlled buckets, representing a major technological upgrade.
The CL7 model was a milestone in Chinese scraper development. It brought about a qualitative improvement in product quality and set the stage for a new era in domestic construction machinery. The machine was considered one of the most advanced mechanical and electrical products at the time. In June 1975, it was showcased at an international exhibition in Cologne, Germany, and in 1978, it won the National Science and Technology Conference Award. Later that year, two CL7 models were used for the first industrial test of construction machinery on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, demonstrating its capability in extreme conditions.
Today, while scrapers are still valued for their efficiency in certain applications, they have largely been replaced by combinations of excavators or loaders with dump trucks. However, in countries like the United States, scrapers still account for about 40% of total earthwork operations, proving their lasting relevance. Despite the rise of newer technologies, the legacy of the scraper remains strong, carrying the mission and honor of its pioneering past.
Solar Pole Light,Solar Street Light Pole,Solar Post Lantern,Solar Led Pole Lights
Ningbo Royalux Lighting Co., Ltd. , https://www.royaluxlite.com