Hough's first wheel loader came to market in 1939. It was rear engined to add a higher bucket load capacity. It operated with a gravity powered latch mechanism. Over the next decade, Hough introduced numerous innovations. In 1941, Hough released the world's first wheel loader with hydraulically-operated arms. In 1944, they released the first wheel loader with hydraulically-actuated bucket tilt, which allowed operators to tilt the bucket while approaching a pile of dirt to obtain a full load, a common practice today. Three years later, in 1947, Hough released the world's first hydraulic four wheel drive bucket loader. In 1950, Hough released the first wheel loader with planetary axles, a torque converter and a power shift semi auto transmission. In 1952, the Frank G. Hough Company was sold to International Harvester. For the next 30 years, International Harvester would produce it's Canadian Wheels loaders under the Hough brand name. In 1982, the International Harvester Company was acquired by Dresser Industries. Dresser would then merge with Komatsu in 1984, forming the Komatsu - North American Company. Early power was Hercules gassers post WW II they were Detroit powered after 1952 they were all I.H powered