steam shovel

a machine for digging or excavating, operated by its own engine and boiler.

Origin of steam shovel

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80

But strength plows its scornful way through temperament like a steam-shovel.

I, Mary MacLane |Mary MacLane
Mr. Mainwaring told the boys that there is keen rivalry among the steam-shovel men.

The Boy Scouts at the Panama Canal |John Henry Goldfrap
"We ought to have brought a steam-shovel along," said Rainey.

A Man to His Mate |J. Allan Dunn
The spirit of rivalry nowhere counted for more than among the steam-shovel men.

The Panama Canal |Frederic Jennings Haskin

A steam-shovel driven by a certain horse-power would be nearly three times as effective there as here.

Curiosities of the Sky |Garrett Serviss

steam-shovel

a steam-driven mechanical excavator, esp one having a large bucket or grab on a beam slung from a revolving jib