# New (to Me) Vintage Erie Digger Toy Crane Arcade Machines Are Now Available **Source:** Knapp Arcade **Type:** article **Published:** 2022-12-29 **Beat:** Pinball **URL:** https://www.knapparcade.org/new-to-me-vintage-erie-digger-toy-crane-arcade-machines-are-now-available --- ## Analysis Knapp Arcade reviews a Nebraska-based distributor (Pinball Pro) offering custom-made reproductions of vintage 1930s Erie Digger mechanical claw arcade machines. Priced at $1,699.95 with 2-3 week lead time, these hand-built machines feature restored electromechanical mechanisms, skill knob controls, and come in red or green enamel cases. The author notes the pricing seems reasonable compared to modern pinball machines. ### Key Claims - [HIGH] Pinball Pro is a Nebraska pinball distributor and pinball speaker manufacturer — _Direct statement in article: 'In a message from the Nebraska pinball distributor and pinball speaker manufacturer, Pinball Pro'_ - [HIGH] Erie Digger reproductions are custom-made to order with 2-3 week lead time — _Stated twice in product description: 'Custom made to order allow 2-3 weeks'_ - [HIGH] Erie Digger machines are priced at $1,699.95 — _Direct quote: 'only $1,699.95 for a custom-made vintage differ claw machine'_ - [MEDIUM] New in box pinball machines cost approximately $8,000 — _Author's comparative statement: 'in an era where New In Box pinball machines cost $8,000'_ - [HIGH] The Erie Digger features a 'Skill Knob' that allows player control of claw in-and-out positioning — _Product description: 'It also features a desirable "Skill Knob" feature: Twist the dial to position the claw In-and-Out'_ ### Notable Quotes > "in an era where New In Box pinball machines cost $8,000, 'only' $1,699.95 for a custom-made vintage differ claw machine actually seems pretty reasonable to me" > — **Knapp Arcade (article author)** > _Price comparison framing: author contextualizes Erie Digger pricing against modern pinball market economics_ > "Beautiful over-restored condition, just like the vintage 1931 diggers. These are customs built, by hand, just as they were made in the 30's." > — **Pinball Pro product description** > _Marketing positioning emphasizing hand-built authenticity and period restoration quality_ > "The digger displays and plays wonderfully! It is guaranteed for life 100% for parts and labor." > — **Pinball Pro product description** > _Warranty claim: lifetime guarantee positioning product as premium reproduction_ ### Entities | Name | Type | Context | |------|------|---------| | Pinball Pro | company | Nebraska-based pinball distributor and pinball speaker manufacturer offering custom Erie Digger reproductions | | Erie Digger | product | Mechanical claw/digger arcade machine, originally from 1930s, now reproduced as hand-built custom machines | | Silverball Museum | organization | Arcade museum in Asbury Park, NJ where author has seen vintage digger machines | | Knapp Arcade | person | Article author and arcade enthusiast with experience visiting various arcades | ### Topics - **Primary:** Vintage arcade machine reproductions, Mechanical/electromechanical arcade machines - **Secondary:** Pinball machine pricing, Arcade distribution and retail ### Sentiment **Positive** (0.78) — Author expresses genuine enthusiasm about the Erie Digger reproductions ('How cool are these?'), appreciates the craftsmanship and attention to period detail, and finds the pricing reasonable relative to modern pinball machines. Tone is informational and promotional without criticism. ### Signals - **[community_signal]** Interest in vintage arcade machines and mechanical games remains active in enthusiast communities, driving demand for authentic reproductions (confidence: medium) — Author mentions regular arcade visits and recent vintage digger sighting at museum; product availability and advertising indicates market demand for these reproductions - **[market_signal]** Pinball distributor Pinball Pro diversifying into adjacent arcade collectible market by offering mechanical claw machine reproductions (confidence: high) — Pinball Pro explicitly identified as pinball distributor and speaker manufacturer now offering Erie Digger reproductions, indicating business expansion into vintage arcade machine market - **[market_signal]** Author positions $1,699.95 Erie Digger reproduction as 'reasonable' compared to $8,000+ pinball machine baseline, suggesting market price awareness and adjacent product positioning (confidence: medium) — Direct price comparison by author: 'in an era where New In Box pinball machines cost $8,000, "only" $1,699.95 for a custom-made vintage differ claw machine actually seems pretty reasonable to me' --- ## Transcript As someone who's going to a ton of arcades over the years, I'm very familiar with old-school digger mechanical claw machines. I just saw an antique one a week or two ago at the Silverball Museum in Asbury Park, NJ. While going through my e-mail this morning, I was surprised to see that a company is making reproductions of these cool mechanical arcade machines today. In a message from the Nebraska pinball distributor and pinball speaker manufacturer, Pinball Pro, I saw an advertisement for "Vintage Erie Toy Crane Arcade" games. How cool are these? Below is a description of the machines from the company's website: Custom made to order allow 2-3 weeks Beautiful over-restored condition, just like the vintage 1931 diggers. These are customs built, by hand, just as they were made in the 30’s. Shipping crate may serve as a stand The mechanical/electrical mechanism of this Erie Digger ‘Electramatic’ model features a new motor, switches, wiring, chains, and parts. The digger displays and plays wonderfully! It is guaranteed for life 100% for parts and labor. Available with a red or green enamel case with polished and plated trim It also features a desirable “Skill Knob” feature: Twist the dial to position the claw In-and-Out. The larger turning handle locates the claw position Left-to-Right. These combined positioning controls result in much more player control and satisfaction than the standard Erie Digger. The coin slide is the correct 3- bolt, 25c ABT, for a dime play, which was the standard in the 1930s-50s era. The merchandise in the digger is not included, but assortments are available for a small additional cost. The special replica shipping crate shown in the photos can also serve as a stand. Dimensions: 22″ x 25″ x 76″ high including stand and header signs. Digger by itself is 23.5″ x 19′ x 34″ high. Shipping weight is 148 lbs which includes a disposable pallet. Available in British Green or Red with lacquered Birch trim. Custom colors, or walnut are also available upon request. Terms: Subject to availability, no exports. 2-3 Week lead time. Items shipped via freight are not subject to the return Ryan Policky. These items are too large, however any and all issues will be resolved via the manufacturer warranty. Damages cause by shipment must be documented, do not sign for a truck freight shipment if damage is determined. Everything is expensive these days, but in an era where New In Box pinball machines cost $8,000, "only" $1,699.95 for a custom-made vintage differ claw machine actually seems pretty reasonable to me. Of course, I have no space for one right now, but if you do you can click on the link below to check it out: https://pinballpro.net/shop/vintage-erie-digger-toy-crane-arcade/ _(Acquisition: raw_text, Enrichment: v1)_ --- *Exported from Journalist Tool on 2026-04-13 | Item ID: 1a3fa6cf-d803-489e-b39a-1a6d4afab26b*