Miller’s Huber Steam Engine

The storied history of Huber tractors began 150 years ago. In 1863, while still a young man, Edwin Huber gained a patent for his revolving hay rake made of wood. Huber’s residence was Indiana at that time. Through his brother-in-law, Huber learned that his preferred wood of ash and hickory to build the hay rake was abundant around the small  community of Marion, Ohio. Huber subsequently relocated there in 1865 to establish manufacturing.

In 1874, after successfully manufacturing the hay rake, Huber incorporated the Huber Manufacturing Co. By 1875, Huber had taken on a new enterprise producing a portable steam engine. That venture grew into manufacturing the “New Huber” line of steam traction engines. An important and patented innovation by Huber was a return flue boiler, which Delbert will explain in detail later.

The Huber Co. produced popular and successful steam traction engines for the next 40 years. Throughout that period, it added varied horsepower and innovations to its line.

Steam traction engines became difficult to operate due to their increased size to gain horsepower. This created the need to downsize with more affordable field power. In 1898, Huber acquired the Van Duzen Engine Co. to enter the fledgling gas traction engine business. After building only 30 Van Duzen  related machines, the company reverted to its successful steam traction engines.

Following advances in gas engine technology, Huber reentered that business in 1911, now referred to as tractors. Its first introduction was a model line called the “Farmers’ Tractor.” The company eventually found its stride with the introduction of the two-cylinder Model 15-30 in 1912. In subsequent years, Huber built numerous models with sales in every state east of the Rocky Mountains and  central Canada.

Following World War II, the Huber Co. concentrated on road building along with maintenance equipment. This led to the abandonment of farm tractors and machinery. Huber was acquired by A-T-O Inc. in 1969 and moved to Charleston, South Carolina. A-T-O terminated manufacturing of all Huber products in 1984.

Mechanical Aptitude

Delbert grew up in Becks Mills, Ohio, with limited mechanical experience. “While I didn’t grow up on a farm, I helped make hay on my sister’s farm. I also husked corn by hand for a neighbor,” Delbert said.

He noted further, “I’ve had some experience working on small engines and tractors. During my 15-year  employment at a sawmill, there was hands-on mechanical work. I assisted my son restoring his 10hp Huber steam engine. In addition, another son acquired a John Deere Model B tractor that I helped restore.”

Tackling the Huber 16 with its many worn parts required additional help. Delbert said, “With my limited steam engine experience, I got help from my dad. My older brothers and nephews have experience working around steam engines, so they were helpful. I also sought advice from friends who  owned them.”

Huber’s Unique Features

Delbert provided information regarding unique features of the Huber steam engine. The boiler is different from most steam engines as the smokestack is attached at the rear. The heat and smoke move forward through the middle of the boiler. It then returns to the rear through flue pipes located along the sides where it travels up  the smokestack.

Huber claimed this process is 40 percent more efficient as the heat is used twice to heat the water. In addition, gases that are emitted are burned more thoroughly. This results in lighter-colored exhaust or smoke than other steam engine brands.

“My 1896 Model 16hp has the pulley on the left side, a feature of the early Huber models. Huber switched the pulley to the right side on the later models. The Huber Rollers built for maintenance work also had the pulley installed on the left side.

“For guiding, the steering wheel is on the right side when standing on the operator’s platform. This arrangement makes it challenging to view and line up the belt on the pulley — steering wheel on the right and pulley on the left,” Delbert said.

Restoration & Challenges

Delbert detailed the restoration and challenges that were encountered. The boiler was in bad condition, so he replaced it with a new one. The remaining engine was in running condition but needed a lot of machining. That included new shafts, bored piston cylinder, and a new piston. Everything was sandblasted and repainted except the brass parts.

Replacing the ring around the front of the boiler was the biggest obstacle. The boiler shop finally made it work after several trials and errors. Additionally, getting all the brackets aligned and in place was a challenge. All the major parts were fastened to the boiler, which required drilling and threading dozens of holes. Eventually, everything fit together nicely.

“The restoration process was enjoyable as my sons, brothers, and nephews provided help. The process required six years since we worked on it part-time. And then, teaching my sons to operate the old Huber added further enjoyment,” Delbert said.

Operation Concerns

There has been great concern regarding the safety of steam engine operations in Ohio. “This concern is valid as accidents can happen. The main safety issue is maintaining the proper water level in the boiler. This can be achieved by adding water with an injector or a pump,”  Delbert said.

“There’s a lead plug in the boiler just above the firebox. If the water level is too low and the fire is hot enough, the plug is melted. With this design, the possibility of an explosion is virtually eliminated. Another safety feature is the pressure relief valve, called a “pop valve,” which blows off steam if the pressure gets too high.”

Ohio requires steam engine boilers operated in an open public location to be inspected by an Ohio State boiler  inspector every three years. In addition, Ohio requires operators to pass the Historical Boiler Operators License Exam, or an operator may be an apprentice under a licensed Historical Boiler  Operator with a required 100 hours of  experience to qualify for a license.

You are encouraged to check your state’s steam engine regulations.  Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Conclusion

Operating steam engines are displayed at numerous events throughout Ohio. “We enjoy displaying and operating the Huber steam engine and Rumely Oil Pull at local events. They include the Doughty Valley Steam Days near Charm and the Holmes County Steam and Engine Show at Mount Hope. We have taken them to other shows on occasion,”  Delbert said.

Commenting on his hobby, Delbert said, “There is something special about operating a steam engine. For me, I enjoy the challenge of coordinating the fire and water level and steam pressure. And then, I like to hear them work.

“I have a few pieces that I want to restore before adding more engines. My hobby has been a wonderful pastime. It provides the opportunity to learn and develop friendships with other like-minded collectors.” FC

For those who would like more information about Delbert Miller’s Huber steam engine or his collection, you may phone: 330.852.0705 or  email: millersfootwear@ibyfax.com.

Freelance writer Fred Hendricks of Mansfield, Ohio, covers a vast array of subjects relating to agriculture. You may contact Fred at fwhendricks@gmail.com