Shot on my parents' farm in Minnesota, a hydraulic ram from a 1958 John Deer 440 Industrial Crawler. This piston tips the bucket forward and back, hence the relatively short throw.

I don't think this piece of equipment has moved since I left for college 18 years ago, which probably helps cinch it in the "ruin" category.

EXIF:
Camera: Canon Canon EOS 40D
Date and Time: 2008:12:20 18:20:34
Aperture: f/5.0
ISO Speed: 200
Focal length: 65 mm
Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Exposure: 1/100 (0.010 sec)
Exposure Program: Manual
Metering Mode: Pattern