From Tanks to Drills: The Story Behind the Traxxon T-800H Tank Drill
- Traxxon Rock Drills
- Apr 7
- 2 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
We’ve seen the conversations online. Photos shared, questions asked, and one common theme: there’s not much information out there.
So here’s a look behind the scenes.
Traxxon T-800H Tank Drill | Behind the Build & Engineering Story
There’s an old phrase, “beating swords into plowshares,” about turning tools of war into something constructive.
No two T-800H tank drills were ever exactly alike. Each one evolved over time, shaped by product improvements and customer needs in the field.
The earliest builds were based on components from the M4 Sherman undercarriage. As development progressed, we began integrating parts from the M48 Patton, combining the best of both machines.
Sherman components handled the track system, including bogies, idlers, and rollers, while the Patton contributed final drives and differentials. This gave the drill improved steering, braking, and overall durability.
We used a combination of components for the drive system on the T-800. The final drives and differential were G226, and the transmission was G104. Everything was coupled together using custom-designed components, making the layout quite different from the original Sherman configuration. The original engine used in the Sherman was never part of our design.
We fabricated our own hulls using 3/8" steel plate and sourced unused components from Europe and Israel. It was a true blend of engineering and resourcefulness.
Power for the drill came from a Caterpillar 3306 direct injection turbo engine which was coupled to a splitter drive which directed the power to transmission or an 800 CFM compressor. The operator could pick one or the other with a series of air operated clutches.
For context, the predecessor to the T-800, the T-750, used a Detroit Diesel 6V71 engine.
One of the most defining features was the boom design. Instead of relying on hydraulic cylinders like many others at the time, the T-800 used a worm-drive system. This allowed for greater articulation, precision, and control in the field.
Components once built for war were being repurposed into something practical and productive in peacetime.
The T-800H stands as a clear example of that approach in action. What began as military engineering was transformed into a machine built to support real-world applications in some of the toughest conditions.
It’s a design that stood apart then and continues to get people talking today.
Even years after its original build, the T-800H continues to generate interest within the broader equipment and enthusiast community.
We recently came across a detailed scale model of the T-800H being built and shared online—highlighting the unique design and lasting impression this machine has made beyond the job site.
It’s a reminder that some machines don’t just do the job, they leave a legacy.
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