The history of heavy equipment is fascinating, and there many different companies and people that contributed to its continuing development.  Here is just a sampling of some of the high points.  Let us know in the comments if you think something should be added!

1830s

William Otis developed the first steam shovel, known as the Otis Power Shovel, in the 1830s. The Power Shovel is the grandfather of the modern hydraulic excavator. This is also the time period in which the John Deere company was founded.

1840s

In 1849, John Deere began manufacturing the polished steel plows he had designed. It was designed to work with even the stickiest, thickest soils that farmers might face. This was also the decade in which CASE was founded.

1850s

The company that would later become Gehl, was founded in 1859 at West Bend, Wisconsin.

1880s

Caterpillar introduces an innovative horse-drawn combine in 1886.

1890s

It was in 1899 that Caterpillar began to manufacture steam-powered tractors.

1910s

Ingersoll Rand developed the game-changing jackhammer drill in 1912, and Hitachi was founded in 1910.

1930s

Komatsu released their very first agricultural tractor in 1931.

1940s

The leader of Ditch Witch, Ed Malzahn, recognized a need for a trenching machine that can be used for residential applications and shifted his company’s focus. It is also in the 1940s that Komatsu manufactured their first bulldozer and John Deere begins to manufacture military equipment.

1950s

The first skid-steer was designed in the 1950s in response to a turkey farmer’s need for an agile, lightweight machine. This would later develop into the Bobcat company. During this decade, CASE pioneered the loader/backhoe combination.

1960s

New Holland released its first backhoe loader in 1966 and Takeuchi was founded in 1963.

1970s

Takeuchi developed the first compact excavator.

1980s

ASV was founded in the 1980s when low snowfall affected the finances of its founders, who specialized in snowmobiles. Takeuchi manufactures the first compact track loader (CTL).

1990s

The Posi-track loader was introduced by ASV in the 1990s, which eventually led to the development of the multi-terrain loader, or MTL. Terex was falsely accused of supplying SCUD missiles ot the Iraqi military. This is also the decade when BOMAG switched to their trademark yellow color.

2000s

In 2007, New Holland manufactured its 200,000 skid steer loader.

2010s

The year 2017 saw an interesting new innovation: Built Robotics debuted their self-driving track loader. It can perform basic tasks, leaving the dangerous, complex tasks up to skilled operators. Unlike humans, it can work at night, too.

Texas Final Drive is your partner in providing new or remanufactured final drive hydraulic motors from a single mini-excavator to a fleet of heavy equipment. Call today so we can find the right final drive or hydraulic component for you, or check out our online store to find your O.E.M. manufacturer brand motor now.