Heavy Equipment | Construction Forklifts in 1958
We recently came across a promotional article from 1958 that highlighted our use of a new type of heavy equipment. It was an innovative way to showcase our bold and efficient Midwestern work ethic, adaptable use of new technology, operational excellence and safety-first mentality. Of course, a lot has changed since 1958, but many of the most important things have stayed the same.
The article discussed the primary reasons for purchasing the equipment, citing improved safety and faster work progress as key benefits. This material handling equipment was designed to save time and labor. The crawler/rough terrain forklifts were purchased for unloading, stockpiling and moving materials on commercial construction sites. Headlines throughout the construction equipment case study highlighted slashed concrete costs, reduced material damage, mechanized construction operations, avoided delays and beaten deadlines through profitable machine scheduling. The best and most important benefit was mentioned throughout the article, with particular emphasis at the end. Our most important asset was and will always be our team, so it was great to see safety as more than just another consideration. It's been a priority throughout our company's history.
Proper material handling helps keep jobsites neater, which eliminates hazards and reduces incidents. With this equipment, it was said that heavy equipment operators had the engine power and maneuverability for better material placement, which eliminated heavy lifting and offered some ergonomic enhancements for our hardworking teams of construction workers. Efficient stockpiling and material distribution with less man-handling of materials made for easier accessibility and greater safety overall.
Shown above: 1300-ton crane featured Beneath the Hard Hat® in Feb-2021 blog at left and 1958 forklift at right.
But you don't have to take our word for it. You can view the article by clicking to the PDF below. It was also interesting to see the list of jobs and material types and quantities (concrete, concrete block, common brick, face brick, structural glazed tile, structural steel, steel joists, steel/wood/pre-cast roof deck, metal decking, wood timbers and laminated wood beams) being used in combination with CASE Construction Equipment's capabilities at that time.
Though our heavy equipment fleet, material handling capabilities and commercial construction operations have come a long way since 1958, we remain driven by a true boots-on-the-ground mentality. Our commitment to implementing best practices, unparalleled quality control, a strong work ethic and our Think Safe. Work Safe.® culture has only grown over the years. This is why today, we're celebrating 85 years of proven success as an industry leader in safely providing the highest quality commercial construction services.
Date: May 11, 2021 | Author: Tracy Lisowe
1Link to more recent heavy equipment posts by scrolling down or clicking here: 300-ton Crane | Telescopic Crawler Crane.
Learn more about more recent and impressive firsts for C.D. Smith Construction's heavy equipment fleets below.
Construction cranes are typically transported and delivered on semis. But earlier this month, we documented one of the first instances of a C.D. Smith Construction crane being shipped by barge. In this case, the best way to get the right equipment on the jobsite was using the nearby waterway...click to go to the original blog post.
Construction cranes are feats of structural engineering, and the Link-Belt 300-ton 348 Series 2 is a prime example with impressive stats. The maximum boom height is 430 feet - about 1.2 times the length of a football field. Its luffing jib can reach out up to...click to go to the original blog post.
Beneath the Hard Hat®, our company press and blog, offers an intimate look at the people and stories that make C.D. Smith Construction. With the latest industry news and project updates, we share insights on the superior spaces we are safely delivering year-round. Planning your next project? Our team of technical experts provides useful tips and topics to help any organization planning its next commercial construction project.
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