First there was the Tonka Regular line of trucks followed by the Mini Tonka series in 1963. The small and medium sized categories were pretty well covered. What Tonka needed was a series of trucks that screamed I'm big--- I'm tough--- I'M A TONKA. Charles Groschen, at the time Tonka's Vice President of Manufacturing, is given credit as the creative mind behind the development of the Mighty Tonka Dump that in turn was the stepping stone for an entire Mighty series. Mighty Tonka trucks are very collectible, especially the first generation Mightys, 1964-1972. Keep in mind that Tonka has over the years, manufactured millions of Mighty Tonka models. However, there are some models that were only around for a couple of years or produced in limited quantities. Because of the lower manufactured quantities, certain models can command higher prices in the collector market.

This section on the Mighty Tonka series will touch on many of the models produced but will go into a little more detail on the Mighty Dump. There are a couple of reference books on the Mighty Tonka series that are in the works...UPDATE: I was informed by the authors in mid 2006, their respective books WILL NOT be published.

Before I go any further, a few kudos are in order. I needed help in putting this Mighty Tonka section together. Mama didn't raise no dummy. However, there are far more knowledgeable Mighty Tonka enthusiasts than I. In alphabetical order, thanks to Bill Darr, Lloyd Laumann and his series of articles in Toy Trucker and Contractor magazine and Mark Vaught. These guys know Mighty Tonka.

The Mighty Tonka trucks featured here were manufactured in the U.S.A. Tonka also assembled the Mighty Tonka series in Canada for distribution to the Canadian market. The Mighty trucks assembled in Canada in a given year were identical to their U.S.A. counterparts except for possibly a decal on the truck and dual language packaging; French and English; that would ID Canada as the manufacturing source. There may also have been instances where, for a given model in a given year, there may have been a paint color variation. And, to add to the potential confusion, for a given year, a given model Mighty truck could have been assembled and available in the U.S.A but not in Canada and vice versa. So, rather than muddy the water, this website will stick to the "Made in the U.S.A" variety.

Where you see this logo following the year below, click it and you will be linked to photos of the complete Mighty Tonka series OR selected models for the year specified.

1964

Shown for the first time at New York's Toy Fair in 1964, as the Tonka model #900 Mighty Dump, it has, since its introduction, become THE recognized symbol of what Tonka trucks are all about; sturdy, tough, durable and made with steel. "Tonka Tough" and "Guaranteed for Life" were but a few of the marketing hooks used over the years.

How to identify the 1964 Mighty Dump: The 1964 issue had one very unique feature. The decal on the nose of the cab just above the grille reads "Tonka" in block black letters on a transparent background. 1964 was the only year this decal appeared on the nose of the Mighty Dump. Another decal was placed on both sides of the cab, above the wheelwells that read "Mighty-Tonka" also in black on a transparent background. This decal would remain the same in 1965 and 1966. Also of interest are the tires that were made of real rubber. Each tire had fourteen (14) 3/8 inch holes located on the back side wall that reduced the weight of the tire. Even so, this big brute of a toy truck still weighed in at a hefty 11 pounds.

1965

Tonka expanded the Mighty Tonka series in 1965 by adding the #2905 Mighty Tonka Clam and the #2940 Mighty Mobile Crane. The model number designation for the Mighty Dump also changed in 1965 to the #2900.

How to identify the 1965 Mighty Dump: The decal on the nose of the cab just above the grille reads "Tonka" in block yellow letters on a black background. The black background is in the basic shape of a pentagon. An interesting change that will help ID the difference between early 1965 and later 1965 Mighty Dumps took place where the rubber meets the road. Tonka used the same heavy rubber tire as introduced on the 1964 model for about the first 3 months of the 1965 model year. For the last 9 months of 1965, Tonka used a lighter weight, two piece, heat sealed, injection molded tire to replace the much heavier rubber tire. The new tire was basically the same size and similar in appearance.

1966

For the 1966 model year, one new Mighty Tonka was added to the growing series, the #2930 Mighty Tonka Shovel.

How to identify the 1966 Mighty Dump: The #2900 Mighty Dump carried over untouched into 1966.

1967

To keep moms and dads coming back for more, Tonka added significantly to its popular Mighty Tonka series in 1967. The #2900 Mighty Dump, #2930 Mighty Shovel and the #2940 Mighty Mobile Crane were still a part of the Tonka lineup. New additions included the #2920 Mighty Loader, #2935 Mighty Scraper and the huge and heavy, 34¾ inch long #2990 Mighty Car Carrier. Just a note on the Mighty Car Carrier. In the same box as the car carrier were 3 Mini-Tonka series trucks, 2 Jeep® Gladiator pickups and 1 Jeep Wagon. Little Johnny ended up with 4 cool Tonkas for the price of one. Not a bad haul. Missing from the 1967 Mighty lineup was the #2905 Mighty Tonka Clam. Collectors and enthusiasts should make a mental note that the Mighty Tonka Clam was only around for 2 years. Compared with many other Mightys, the #2905 is far more scarce and should be considered highly collectible.

How to identify the 1967 Mighty Dump: The Mighty Dump looks identical to the prior year's offering except for changes in the design of the decals. The decal on the cab nose above the grille is now an oval, multi-color design featuring the word "Tonka" in block style letters in the top half of the oval and "Mound, Minn" in the lower half. The decal on the cab sides also changed from "Mighty-Tonka" to "Mighty-Dump".

1968

The model lineup for 1968 included the #3900 Mighty Dump, #3920 Mighty Loader, #3930 Mighty Shovel, #3935 Mighty Scraper, #3940 Mighty Mobile Crane and the #3990 Mighty Car Carrier. New to the Mighty series was the #3906 Mighty Bulldozer and the #4000 Mighty Tonka Construction Set. If you thought little Johnny was thrilled when the #3990 Car Carrier showed up as the big gift, the Mighty Construction Set would surely row his boat! Included is this set was: #3900 Mighty Dump, #3920 Mighty Loader, #3935 Mighty Scraper and a cool looking yellow hard hat. Just about everything required for the toughest sandbox construction projects.

Did you notice that the model numbers for the individual Mighty Tonkas changed from the 29xx series to 39xx? As the Tonka product line continued to grow, adjustments were made in the series model numbers. The 39xx model number designation continues into 2003 for the Mighty stamped steel toys still being manufactured.

How to identify the 1968 Mighty Dump: Decals and the familiar yellow and black paint scheme are unchanged. However, there was another change where the plastic met the road. The familiar injection molded plastic tire that first appeared in early 1965 was replaced with what Tonka called their TX-500 lifetime, deep cleated, balloon tire. Though the tire was still injection molded, it was 1 3/8 inches larger in diameter and about 1/8 of an inch wider with smooth sidewalls (no letters or numbers). This tire was first used on the #2920 Mighty Loader and #2935 Mighty Scraper in 1967. The new balloon tire really filled up the wheel well, giving the Mighty Dump a more massive, brutish, in your face look.

1969

First let's cover what did not change. The #3900 Mighty Dump, #3906 Mighty Dozer, #3920 Mighty Loader, #3930 Mighty Shovel, #3935 Mighty Scraper, #3940 Mighty Crane, #3990 Mighty Car Carrier and the #4000 Mighty Construction Set continued forward. Now let's cover what did change. New in 1969 was the #3915 Mighty Tonka Wrecker. This bright white wrecker with red twin booms and red bumper would be the first Mighty model to break with the traditional yellow paint scheme found on all Mighty models produced since 1964.

How to identify the 1969 Mighty Dump: Looks the same as the 1968 issue.

1970

The following models appear on toy shelves across the USA in 1970. The #3900 Mighty Dump, #3906 Mighty Dozer, #3915 Mighty Wrecker, #3920 Mighty Loader, #3930 Mighty Shovel, #3935 Mighty Scraper, #3940 Mighty Crane, #3990 Mighty Car Carrier and the #4000 Mighty Construction Set. Do you notice any similarity to the 1969 models? If you answered, looks the same to me, you win a gold star. Good observation. All of the previous years models returned with no new models added.

To add a little more input to the 1970 models, there were few note worthy changes on specific models. For starters, the #3915 Mighty Wrecker was shod with the TX-500 balloon tire. Gone were the tires first introduced to the Mighty series in early 1965. The Mighty Wrecker will wear the TX-500 tire through 1971. The 1969 Mighty Wrecker with the one year issue tire should certainly be a keeper for the enthusiast/collector.

Another change was a new color for the #3930 Mighty Shovel. Euclid green replaced all parts of the Mighty Shovel that, since its introduction back in 1965, were yellow.

One more way cool thing to mention. Volkswagen® Bug. Not the New Beetle®. The original, numero uno. The #3990 Mighty Car Carrier now sports a blue and a green Bug instead of the Jeep pickups.

How to identify the 1970 Mighty Dump: The #3900 is still yellow and black in all the same places. A change took place with the decals that should help you ID the 1970 model from the 1968/69 Mighty Dump. The decal on the cab nose above the grille is still an oval with the word "Tonka" in block style letters in the top half of the oval. However, "U.S.A." now appeared in the lower half of the oval. And the decals on the cab sides also changed from "Mighty-Dump" to "Mighty Tonka Dump".

1971

A year of changes. And for the buying public, well worth the wait. First the models that carried forward. #3900 Mighty Dump, #3906 Mighty Dozer, #3915 Mighty Wrecker, #3920 Mighty Loader, #3930 Mighty Shovel, #3935 Mighty Scraper, #3940 Mighty Crane and the #3990 Mighty Car Carrier. No longer appearing in the model lineup was the #4000 Mighty Construction Set. Now for the new models and they were prolific. The #3902 Mighty Hydraulic Dump, #3910 Mighty Roller, #3938 Mighty Bottom Dump, #3950 Mighty Mixer, #4002 Mighty Loadmaster and the #4006 Mighty Construction Set. Mentioned earlier was the demise of the #4000 Construction Set. The #4006 replaced it with the following models all in one big box: #3900 Mighty Dump, #3920 Mighty Loader, #4002 Mighty Loadmaster and the ever popular hard hat.

How to identify the 1971 Mighty Dump: Same familiar paint scheme and decals as the 1970 issue. However, there was a difference. 1971 saw a shift in Tonka's philosophy when it came to realism. Since 1964, the Mighty Dump featured saddle gas tanks. Take a look at some of the photos on this website and you'll see what I'm talking about. Probably in a move to help reduce the cost of the Mighty Dump, the saddle tanks went the way of the Gooney bird and totally disappeared in the 1971 model year. However, saddle gas tanks continued to be used on selected Mighty Tonka trucks into the early 1980's.

1972

Models carrying over for 1972 included the #3900 Mighty Dump, #3902 Mighty Hydraulic Dump, #3906 Mighty Dozer, #3910 Mighty Roller, #3915 Mighty Wrecker, #3920 Mighty Loader, #3930 Mighty Shovel, #3935 Mighty Scraper, #3938 Mighty Bottom Dump, #3940 Mighty Crane, #3950 Mighty Mixer, #3990 Mighty Car Carrier, #4002 Mighty Loadmaster and the #4006 Mighty Construction Set. A new model Mighty made it's debut in 1972, and was it ever huge. The #3945 Mighty Grader, with it's side mounted "wing" blade in addition to a smaller center mounted blade, was a hit with consumers.

At some point in 1972, Tonka began replacing the TX-500 injection molded, balloon tire with a blow molded, balloon tire. Easily recognizable by the raised XMB-975 on the sidewalls, this tire continues to be used into the 21st century. The transition from the injection molded TX-500 tire to the blow molded XMB-975 tire was not a January 1, 1972 change. In fact, a review of the 1972 Tonka Dealer Catalog pictures Mightys with the TX-500 tire. So 1972 was a transition year. Therefore, you will find some 1972 Mighty Tonkas with the injection molded tire and some with the blow molded tire.

This may also be the time to note that Tonka began to make their Dealer Catalogs for the next model year available to Tonka dealers late into the current production year. In all fairness, the 1972 Tonka Dealer Catalog was probably published well before the blow molding equipment was up and running and producing tires.

How to identify the 1972 Mighty Dump: OK. I know this fact is getting a little boring. However, just in case someone missed it, the color of the Mighty Dump is still the familiar yellow with a black steel chassis. The decals remain the same as in 1971. There was a change however that makes the 1972 model stand out from the pack. Since the Mighty Dump's introduction back in 1964, the front bumper sported vinyl bumper blocks. For 1972 only, the vinyl bumper blocks were removed and in their place, a simulated bumper block was embossed into the front bumper.

1973

Models in the 1973 line up were the #3900 Mighty Dump, #3902 Mighty Hydraulic Dump, #3906 Mighty Dozer, #3910 Mighty Roller, #3915 Mighty Wrecker, #3920 Mighty Loader, #3930 Mighty Shovel, #3935 Mighty Scraper, #3938 Mighty Bottom Dump, #3940 Mighty Crane, #3945 Mighty Grader, #3950 Mighty Mixer, #3990 Mighty Car Carrier and the #4006 Mighty Construction Set. Tonka deleted the #4002 Mighty Loadmaster but added the way cool #3885 Mighty Winnebago.

How to identify the 1973 Mighty Dump: The first obvious; it's still yellow and black and it carries the same oval decal on the nose of the cab as the 1972. The really big second obvious; beginning in 1973 a less realistic and cheaper one piece plastic bumper/grille now adorned the front of the cab. Even the headlight buckets, vertically stacked, two per side, were now a part of the bumper/grille. (By the way, the headlights themselves were separate molded parts, white in color and inserted into the grille.)

1974

Tonka made some fairly significant changes to the Mighty series for 1974. First the bad news. Models deleted for this new year included the #3906 Mighty Dozer, #3938 Mighty Bottom Dump, #3990 Mighty Car Carrier and the #4006 Mighty Construction Set. Models continuing forward were the #3885 Mighty Winnebago, #3900 Mighty Dump, #3902 Mighty Hydraulic Dump, #3910 Mighty Roller, #3915 Mighty Wrecker, #3920 Mighty Loader, #3930 Mighty Shovel. #3935 Mighty Scraper (the name changed to Mighty Earth Mover), #3940 Mighty Crane, #3945 Mighty Grader and the #3950 Mighty Mixer. And now more good news. What Tonka taketh away, Tonka giveth back. Four new Mighty models hit sandboxes in 1974. They were the #3875 Mighty Rescue Vehicle, #3907 Mighty Dozer, #3991 Mighty Car Carrier and the #4005 Mighty Construction Set.

How to identify the 1974 Mighty Dump: There was a significant change in the graphics that will help identify the 1974 Mighty Dump. The letters U.S.A. were replaced with a yellow field in the bottom portion of the oval label on the nose of the cab. Also note worthy, in 1974 Tonka began to tinker with paint formulations. What this means to me and you is that the Mighty Dump will appear to have a deeper, more vibrant color as compared with previous years. Good luck on this one.

1975

Tonka deleted three models from the Mighty series in 1975. Gone were the #3910 Mighty Roller, #3930 Mighty Shovel and the #4005 Mighty Construction Set. Staying in the 1975 catalog were the #3875 Mighty Rescue Vehicle, #3885 Mighty Winnebago, #3900 Mighty Dump, #3902 Mighty Hydraulic Dump, #3907 Mighty Dozer, #3915 Mighty Wrecker, #3920 Mighty Loader, #3935 Mighty Earth Mover, #3940 Mighty Crane, #3945 Mighty Grader, #3950 Mighty Mixer and the #3991 Mighty Car Carrier. Two new additions were added to the Mighty line up. The #3881 Mighty School Bus and the #3996 Mighty Forklift.

An editorial comment is in order. (It's my website you see.) How in the world did the #3875 and #3881 get to be classified as Mighty Tonkas? Tonka's Regular series would have seemed the more appropriate family. The wheels and tires are the same and the relative scale is close. This is a little confusing. Let's ponder together. By the way, if you really know the thought process that went into this decision, let me know and I will post it to this website.

How to identify the 1975 Mighty Dump: Identical to the 1974 offering, vibrant colors and all.

1976

Changes were in the wind for 1976. There were the changes in colors and graphics on most all Mighty Tonkas and a couple of Mighty Tonka models exited the line up. Sticking around for 1976 were the #3875 Mighty Rescue Vehicle, #3881 Mighty School Bus, #3885 Mighty Winnebago, #3900 Mighty Dump, #3915 Mighty Wrecker, #3920 Mighty Loader, #3940 Mighty Crane, #3945 Mighty Grader, #3950 Mighty Mixer and the #3991 Mighty Car Carrier. The models not making the cut were the #3902 Mighty Hydraulic Dump, #3935 Earth Mover and the #3996 Mighty Forklift (After only one year?) There was one new Mighty added in 1976, the #3989 Mighty Forklift with Container. With the mere addition of a container, for added play value, the #3996 changed to the #3989. Marketing at its finest.

How to identify the 1976 Mighty Dump: It's all in the graphics. The oval label was removed from the nose as was the "Mighty Tonka" decal on the doors of the cab. Now adorning the cab doors was a single graphic with the word "Mighty" in black letters followed by a red oval with a white border and the word "Tonka" in white letters centered in the oval.

1977

Tonka trucks aren't just for boys anymore. More on that a little later. Mighty Tonkas available in 1977 were as follows: #3875 Mighty Rescue Vehicle, #3885 Mighty Winnebago, #3900 Mighty Dump, #3907 Mighty Bulldozer, #3915 Mighty Wrecker, #3920 Mighty Loader, #3940 Mighty Crane, #3945 Mighty Grader, #3950 Mighty Mixer, #3989 Mighty Forklift and #3991 Mighty Car Carrier. New (again) to the Mighty line up was the #3984 Mighty Hydraulic Dump. All new in 1977 were the #3985 Mighty Custom Van, available in either a copper or blue color scheme and the #3986 Mighty Adventure Buggy, available in either a hot pink for the girls or blue for the guys. One model did not make the grade. The #3881 Mighty School Bus was expelled in 1977.

How to identify the 1977 Mighty Dump: Color and all graphics are just like the 1976.

1978

Mighty Tonka models included on the shelves of your favorite toy store in 1978 included the #3885 Mighty Winnebago, #3900 Mighty Dump, #3907 Mighty Dozer, #3915 Mighty Wrecker, #3920 Mighty Loader, #3940 Mighty Crane, #3945 Mighty Grader, #3950 Mighty Mixer, #3984 Mighty Hydraulic Dump, #3985 Mighty Custom Van (2 variations), #3989 Mighty Forklift and the #3991 Mighty Car Carrier. Additions to the Mighty line up for 1978 were the #3953 Mighty Fashion Fun Buggy (sort of a Bronco for Barbie) and the #3954 Mighty Off-Road Adventure Buggy (sort of a Bronco for Ken). Deleted for the 1978 model year was the #3875 Mighty Rescue Vehicle.

Remember the #3875 and the #3885 mentioned above that were deleted from the Mighty line up in 1978? They really didn't go away. They were reassigned into a new series Tonka called Play People. No longer officially Mightys, they were reincarnated as the #3875 Para-Medic Unit and the #3885 Winnebago Camper. I personally think calling these trucks Mightys is not a problem. Don't lose sleep over it.

If you have a #3956 Utility Truck, issued new in 1978, it was also assigned to the Play People series. If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it ought to be a duck. Not so with the Utility Truck.

The 1978 Mighty Tonka Hydraulic Dump, #3984, was issued for one year only with the ocher body color and the colorful graphics on either side of the cab. Single year issues tend to make for very desirable collectibles.

How to identify the 1978 Mighty Dump: The paint scheme is still the same. The identifiable change was in the graphics. A decal that boldly stated "Tonka" in bright red letters now adorned the either side of the cab just above the wheel wells.

1979

Changes were the order of the day in 1979. Mighty models offered in 1979 were the #3900 Mighty Dump, #3907 Mighty Dozer, #3915 Mighty Wrecker, #3920 Mighty Loader, #3940 Mighty Crane, #3950 Mighty Mixer, #3953 Fashion Buggy, #3954 Mighty Off-Road Adventure Buggy, #3984 Mighty Hydraulic Dump, #3985 Mighty Custom Van (2 variations) and the #3991 Mighty Car Carrier. Models deleted for 1979 included the #3885 Mighty Winnebago, #3945 Mighty Grader and the #3989 Mighty Forklift. There were no new models added to the Mighty series during 1979.

While 1979 was a carry over year for the #3984 Mighty Tonka Hydraulic Dump, the truck consumers found on the shelves at their favorite toy store was uniquely different than the #3984 issued in 1978. For starters, ochre gave way to red for the cab and dump box. And, brand new graphics adorned the sides of the cab. Another one year only issue that could keep the Mighty Tonka collector busy looking for that elusive example to add to a collection.

In 1979, Tonka replaced the #3956 Utility Truck with the #3956 Bell Telephone Truck and it too was assigned to the Play People series.

How to identify the 1979 Mighty Dump: Looks the same as the 1978 issue.

1980

Mighty Tonka models that Moms and Dads could find on the shelves at their favorite sales outlet in 1980 were the #3900 Mighty Dump, #3907 Mighty Dozer, #3915 Mighty Wrecker, #3920 Mighty Loader, #3940 Mighty Crane, #3950 Mighty Mixer, #3953 Mighty Fashion Buggy, #3954 Mighty Off-Road Adventure Buggy, #3985 Mighty Custom Van (2 variations) and the #3991 Mighty Car Carrier. The only model removed for 1980 was the #3984 Mighty Hydraulic Dump.

There was a change in the one piece bumper/grille for all 1980 Mightys. The individual white headlights were removed. The headlights were now molded as part of the black bumper/grille.

Most all Tonka literature, including Tonka Dealer catalogs, show the Mightys with white headlights for the 1980 model year. That's what happens when a catalog photo-shoot takes place before an engineering change in implimented.

How to identify the 1980 Mighty Dump: Color and all graphics are the same as the 1979 model. The difference is in the grille as noted above.

1981

Tonka's popular Mighty series carried the following models over into 1981. #3900 Mighty Dump, #3907 Mighty Dozer, #3915 Mighty Wrecker, #3920 Mighty Loader, #3940 Mighty Crane, #3953 Mighty Fashion Buggy, #3954 Mighty Off-Road Adventure Buggy and the #3991 Mighty Car Carrier. There were no new models added. However, deleted for model year 1981 were the #3950 Mighty Mixer and the #3985 Mighty Custom Vans.

How to identify the 1981 Mighty Dump: Color and all graphics are just like the 1980.

1982

1982 marked the last year for the old look Mighty Tonka line. The basic design had remained the same since 1964. Models offered during 1982 were the #3900 Mighty Dump, #3920 Mighty Loader, #3940 Mighty Crane and the #3953 Fashion Buggy. New for 1982 was the #3965 Mighty Off-Road Adventure Buggy.

How to identify the 1982 Mighty Dump: The really big difference was in the graphics. A highly detailed and colorful decal located just above the front wheel well included the name "Tonka" in bright red letters and in smaller letters, centered under Tonka, was "Turbo Diesel". This decal, used for only one year, was unique to the 1982 Mighty Dump and Mighty Crane.

1983

First, a little history. In 1982, Tonka began to move its Mighty Tonka truck manufacturing capabilities from Mound, Minnesota to El Paso, Texas. The move coordinated with a major redesign of the Mighty Tonka series that would be offered as 1983 models. Beginning in about July of 1983, a slightly leaner, more modern looking Mighty series started rolling of the El Paso assemby lines. These construction trucks became the basic building block for the Mighty series that are still being manufactured into the 21st century. Models of the new look Mightys were the #3901 Mighty Dump, #3903 Construction Pickup, #3905 Mighty Mixer, #3920 Mighty Loader, #3925 Mighty Crane and the #3931 Mighty Backhoe.

How to identify the 1983 Mighty Dump: All new look for 1983. Unfortunately, changes made to the Mighty Dump into the mid 1990's are so minor, if the toy is not in its original consumer carton, identifying the year of production will be very difficult, even the 1983 issue.

1984

Continuing into 1984 were the #3901 Mighty Dump, #3920 Mighty Loader, #3925 Mighty Crane and the #3931 Mighty Backhoe. New models added to the new look Mighty series were the #3905 Mighty Mixer, #3907 Mighty Dozer (same as the old T-9), #3945 Mighty Grader (back again), #3954 Mighty Adventure Buggy and the #4002 Mighty Loadmaster. Not appearing in 1984 was the one year only, #3903 Construction Pickup.

How to identify the 1984 Mighty Dump: Color and graphics are identical to the 1983 issue.

1985

Tonkas advertising pitch for 1985 was "The Magic is Here." The Mighty series continued to grow, but not at break neck speed. In 1985, Tonka was busy introducing several non-truck toy series like Pound Puppies and Star Fairies. Mighty Tonka models continuing into 1985 were the #3901 Mighty Dump, #3905 Mighty Mixer, #3907 Mighty Dozer, #3920 Mighty Loader, #3925 Mighty Crane, #3931 Mighty Backhoe, #3945 Mighty Grader and the #4002 Mighty Loadmaster. New models added to the 1985 line up included the #3904 Mighty Tower Boom, #5202 Mighty Car Carrier and the #6395 Mighty Strongarm Loader. One model disappeared for 1985. The #3954 Adventure Buggy was no long part of the model line up.

The first thought about the #5202 Mighty Car Carrier should be, why doesn't the model number follow the established 39xx designation as it applies to the other Mighty Tonka trucks. Possibly because it is not a construction vehicle? And that funky looking #6395 is really a child's push/action toy. Whole other scale. Tonka was also making Mighty 3 wheel cycles, to compete with the Matell Big Wheel. Looks like things were starting to get out of hand.

How to identify the 1985 Mighty Dump: Color and graphics are identical to the 1983 and 1984 issues.

1986

Models continuing for 1986 were the #3901 Mighty Dump, #3904 Mighty Tower Boom, 3905 Mighty Mixer, #3907 Mighty Dozer, #3920 Mighty Loader, #3925 Mighty Crane, #3931 Backhoe, #3945 Mighty Grader, #4002 Mighty Loadmaster and the #5202 Mighty Car Carrier. Deleted in 1986 was the #6395 Strongarm Loader.

How to identify the 1986 Mighty Dump: Color and graphics are identical to the 1983, '84 and '85 issues. If you were selling in the neighborhood of one million Mighty Dumps a year, would you mess with the golden goose? I think not!

1987

"Where Innovation is Child's Play" was the advertising campaign for 1987. However, innovation was not to be a part of the Mighty vehicles for 1987. This line up may sound vaguely familiar. Offered were the #3901 Mighty Dump, #3905 Mighty Mixer, #3907 Mighty Dozer, #3920 Mighty Loader, #3931 Backhoe, #4002 Mighty Loadmaster and the #5202 Mighty Car Carrier. Removed from the model line up for 1987 was the #3904 Mighty Tower Boom, #3925 Mighty Crane and the #3945 Mighty Grader. New models added were the #3926 Mighty Crane and the #3966 Mighty Adventure Buggy

The #3925 Mighty Crane was deleted and the #3926 Mighty Crane was introduced, all in the same year. Take a look at the differences. Most of the steel on the back part of the #3926 version is gone, replaced by plastic. Take a look at the boom and bucket frame. All plastic on the newer #3926 Mighty Crane. Was this trend a sign of things to come for the rest of the Mighty Tonka construction vehicles? Unfortunately, the answer was yes. Plastic was and is THE manufacturing medium replacing steel where ever possible.

How to identify the 1987 Mighty Dump: Color and graphics are identical to the 1983 through 1986 issues.

1988

"Tonka Takes You There" was the new hook for 1988. For the Mighty series, it took the consumer to a couple of new models, finally. Firstly though, the models that continued were the #3901 Mighty Dump, #3905 Mighty Mixer, #3907 Mighty Dozer, #3920 Mighty Loader, #3926 Mighty Crane and the #3931 Mighty Backhoe. Not to be found in the 1988 line up were the #3966 Mighty Adventure Buggy and the #5202 Mighty Car Carrier. And new for 1988 were the #3909 Mighty Tow Truck, #3977 Mighty Hook and Ladder Fire Truck, #4010 Mighty Power Kit, #4902 Motorized Mighty Dump and lastly the #4909 Motorized Mighty Tow Truck.

Yes! The 1988 Tonka Dealer catalog clearly states the #3977 is part of the Mighty Tonka series. Why wasn't it placed in the Large vehicle series?

A quick word about the Mighty Power Kit. The kit could only be used on Mighty trucks manufactured from 1983 through 1996 that had the steel chassis. How can you tell if your Mighty has the required steel chassis? Turn your vehicle over and look for the number 054782A or 054782B stamped into what Tonka called the truck chassis. If 054782 can be seen, the power kit will work.

How to identify the 1988 Mighty Dump: Color and graphics are identical to the 1983 through 1987 issues.

1989

"The Tradition Continues" and let's see if possibly part of this tradition included a little innovation for the Mighty series. Available in 1989 were the #3901 Mighty Dump, #3905 Mighty Mixer, #3907 Mighty Dozer, #3909 Mighty Wrecker, #3920 Mighty Loader, #3926 Mighty Crane, #3931 Mighty Backhoe, #4010 Mighty Power Kit, #4902 Motorized Mighty Dump and the #4909 Mighty Tow Truck. Score 1 for tradition and 0 for innovation for 1989. Deleted from the Mighty line up was the #3977 Hook and Ladder. Surprise!

The #3977 Hook and Ladder was still around in 1989. It was a super toy. However, it was reclassified as a Large vehicle and assigned to that series, even though it still carried the familiar 39xx model number designation of a Mighty Tonka.

How to identify the 1989 Mighty Dump: Color and graphics are the same as previous years, however, there was a subtle change that will at least identify the Mighty Dump as being made starting in 1989. Take a close look at the yellow tire hubs. Notice that on the 1989 Mighty Dump, the lug nuts are well recessed into the hub. Now take a look at the 1983 through 1988 hubs. The lug nuts are almost even with the hub rim. There you have it.

1990

"Today's Tonka Tomorrow's Tradition" was the marketing theme for 1990. 1990 marked the silver anniversary for the Mighty Tonka series and Tonka celebrated this milestone by issuing a 25th Anniversary Silver Edition Mighty Dump, all decked out in faux chrome. A very impressive piece. There were also changes in the Mighty line up so let's get to it. Continuing were the #3901 Mighty Dump, #3905 Mighty Mixer, #3907 Mighty Dozer, #3909 Mighty Tow Truck, #3920 Loader, #3926 Crane and the #3931 Backhoe. New for 1990, was the #3908 Mighty Power Treads, a more modern looking bulldozer that would soon replace the aging #3907. Removed for 1990 was the #4010 Mighty Power Kit, #4902 Motorized Mighty Dump and the #4909 Motorized Mighty Tow Truck.

The #3931 Mighty Backhoe went through some changes for 1990 but unlike the Mighty Crane in 1987, did not receive a different model number. Compare the backhoe portion of the 1990 to previous years. Note the increased use of plastic and a redesign of the backhoe cab.

The model #2500 25th Anniversary Mighty Dump was not pictured in the 1990 Tonka Dealer Catalog. Well.........it was and it wasn't. If you collect Tonka Dealer catalogs, the Silver Dump was featured as an addendum. There's a pocket on the inside of the back cover of the catalog. A picture of the Silver Anniversary Dump was inserted into the pocket. Here's a picture of the very special Mighty Dump. (I've got three 1990 catalogs and none have the picture. I was robbed!)

How to identify the 1990 Mighty Dump: Color and graphics are identical to the 1989 release.

1991 to Present Mighty Tonkas

The traditional "STEEL" Mighty Tonka Dump along with a few other Mightys, continued to be manufactured into the new millennium, with basically the same design elements as introduced in 1983. Changes since the introduction of the "ALL NEW 1983 DESIGN" were more evolutionary than revolutionary. The series was but a shell of its former vibrant self. Plastic content continued to increase, steel content continued to decrease. How much longer can the stamped steel Mighty Tonka survive?

UPDATE: Tonka stopped manufacturing the traditional Mighty Tonka series in late 2005. However, in late 2006, just in time for the holidays, Tonka reintroduced the traditional Mighty Tonka series as the now "Classic Mighty Tonka." The classics included the Backhoe, Crane, Loader and Dump.

Even as the "Classic Mighty Tonka" was being reintroduced, Hasbro had already attached the "Mighty Tonka" moniker to other toys being manufactured. While still "Tonka Toughest Mighty", I personally view them as a pretender rather than a contender, in the Mighty Tonka series as envisioned by Mr. Groschen.

Before you head out to find that elusive Mighty Tonka truck, I offer the following, practical advice. Never, ever buy your Mighty, or anything else, sight unseen. Check out these examples of Mighty Tonka Dumps that were listed on the eBay auction website in August, 2003. The listing information is as found, unfortunately. If you can't personally touchy, feely, the next best thing is to review actual photos.