At one time, Ingersoll Rand manufactured a wide variety of construction equipment. Their product line up included asphalt pavers, compactors, excavators, hoists, loader backhoes, motor graders, rollers and skid steer loaders. Times have changed but their history remains fascinating -- and their impact on tunneling, mining, and highway construction is undeniable.
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Beginnings
The Ingersoll Rand company resulted from the merger of two companies founded in the early 1870s. One was the Ingersoll Rock and Drill Company, responsible for inventing the steam-powered rock drill and founded by Simon Ingersoll. The other was the Rand & Waring Drill & Compressor Company, which introduced the portable air compressor to the world. The merger would take place in 1905 and both companies were located in New York.
Ingersoll Rand Innovations
Ingersoll Rand invented the jackhammer drill in 1912, and would supply their jackhammers for use in creating Mount Rushmore in 1925. However, that wasn’t the first time their drills were used in a major construction project. They also provided drills and jackhammers used in building the Panama Canal.
Another notable use Ingersoll Rand equipment involved clearing New York’s Hell Gate channel using Rand drills. Their drills were perhaps their most disruptive technology. It provided a lightweight, productive, rugged replacement to the old rock and chisel approach. It would become vital to the construction of roads, railroads, and tunnels, as well as in the mining industry.
Also in 1925, they developed the first successful diesel electric locomotive engine. The first pneumatic impact tool in 1934 was yet another major innovation by Ingersoll Rand. Then, in 1942, Ingersoll Rand won an Army-Navy “E” award because of its wartime contributions and efforts. Their next major innovation was known as the Quarrymaster. This was a self-contained, air-powered, mobile rock drill for achieving large-diameter blast holes in 1948. The Quarrymaster was followed by the downhole drill in 1955.
In 1977, Ingersoll Rand successfully built the world’s fastest rescue drill. In later years they become known for their line of double drum vibratory compactors and automated pavers.
Changes Through the Years
Through the years there were many acquisitions and mergers that expanded their product offerings. Ingersoll Rand acquired Imperial Pneumatic Tool in 1907, which had a tremendous impact on the development of air compressors. This was followed by J.G. Leyner Engineering Works Company in 1912. In 1968, they acquired the Torrington Company, a manufacturer of motion control technology and bearings.
Later they acquired the Clark Equipment Co., which included Bobcat. Another major acquisition occurred in 2006 with Geith International, known for their attachments. In 2005 they acquired the US distribution rights to Trarmac hydraulic breakers.
Ingersoll Rand sold Bobcat, their utility equipment division, and their attachments division to Doosan Infracore in 2007. In that same year Volvo purchased their road construction division. This included asphalt paving, compaction, milling, and material handling equipment. Currently, Ingersoll Rand no longer manufactures compact or heavy equipment. Yet, they still do manufacture one of their original products: jackhammers and rock drills.
Conclusion
Since its founding in the 1870s, Ingersoll Rand has won many awards. They have been known for innovative, durable designs that dramatically increased productivity. Although they no longer manufacturer heavy equipment, their legacy remains.
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