Diorama-rama!

Posted on January 3, 2013 by Eric

The crane in the photo below is not a miniature or scale model. It probably has a working height of around 230 feet which is absolutely dwarfed by the 390 combined feet of the wind tower and blade assembly standing nearby. The tower below is part of the Maple Ridge Wind Farm and is just one of a 195 that dot a 12 by 3 mile stretch of land outside of Lowville, NY. More fun facts about the farm can be found here.

*Reader Update*

Richard helps fill us in on the details..

The crane is NOT a 555, it IS a Manitowoc 16000, on Maple Ridge it is set up with 295′ of main boom plus the “wind tip”, series 3 counter weights. Total operating weight of the crane 882,000 pounds. In heavy lift configuration it can hoist 440 tons (roughly it’s own weight). In this configuration it can hoist approx 195,000 lbs to the tip.

To move the crane over the highway, it takes 5 guys, a 75 or 90 ton RT crane, 2 days and 19 tractor trailers to have it road ready.

COOL!

Click to Enlarge

Posted in Heavy Equipment | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

On The Job – Big Red Towing

Posted on January 1, 2013 by Eric

This International 9400 was just about done dropping of a Freightliner at the local dealer when I passed by. An International towing a Freightliner? The natural order of things or maybe a rare occurrence? The answer would probably change depending on the person questioned.

Big Red Towing – Click to Enlarge

Related Topic

Big Red Towing Paystar5000

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CSX Crane Trucks

Posted on December 31, 2012 by Eric

Vocational rigs like these crane trucks from CSX don’t receive much love or attention. Most of the time they fly under the radar. The white paint and slap on company stickers really don’t do much to enhance their visual appeal. But some of us know better and like this kind of stuff. I assume you are one of those types because you are at this website! Dan submitted these MOW (Maintenance of Way) trucks and identifies them as a Freightliner 1080SD and a Volvo VHD. I agree with his assessment.

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2013 New Year’s Resolution

Posted on December 29, 2012 by Eric

The year is almost over so that can only mean one thing…RESOLUTIONS! For 2013 the resolution of this website will be to catch more plow trucks in action. That’s right, the trucks of the new year will be wearing their blades and plowing snow. Don’t worry, I have no intention of giving up on the low hanging fruit of the local truck dealers and repair shops.

To prove my commitment I’m not even going to wait till 2013 to start. Below are some trucks operated by the City of Syracuse DPW. The first truck in the gallery is setup to handle some serious snow with Marmon-Herrington drivetrain components. Truck number 2 is a hard looking International Paystar that was actively cutting back the snow banks when photographed. Finally, the last truck in the gallery was seen at the local Price Chopper as the driver stocked up on necessities for a long shift.

awddpw
dpwpaystar
freshcatch1
freshcatch2
freshcatch3

[Show as slideshow]

And of course there is video!

 

Posted in On the Job, Snow Plows | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Lost and Found – Old Tow Trucks

Posted on December 27, 2012 by Eric

These two old tow trucks stand guard to the gates of Dobbins Auto Parts in Adams, NY. I’ve seen a few photos of the treasures that lie within and I have to say they are nothing short of impressive for the old car and truck obsessed. Even though I stopped by during the middle of a weekday they appeared to be closed. Just as well seeing as I was on my way back to work but I have heard they are actively crushing much of their collection so a return trip is on the bucket list. Can you identify the truck at the forefront of the photo? Chevy?

Click to Enlarge

To see a great collection of photos from Dobbins check out the Facebook group IN THE WEEDS.

Know of any old trucks or heavy equipment in hiding?  Email Me!

Posted in Lost and Found | Tagged , | 5 Comments

Snow is Coming

Posted on December 26, 2012 by Eric

Winter has arrived in part of the world. In fact, by this time Thursday I should be able to look out my window at nearly a foot of freshly fallen snow. I’m sure at some point I’ll wish I had access to this Oshkosh blower. Rest assured this truck will see good use as it is located on a farm in the infamous Tug Hill Plateau region of Upstate, NY. Quick fact, the Town of Montague once saw 77″ inches of snow fall in a 24 hour period. For more info visit tughill.org.

Oshkosh Snow Blower – Click to Enlarge

I didn’t notice when I grabbed this photo but I believe the hood on this Oshkosh is nothing more than a thick rubber pad held in place with rubber bungee cords. If it works, it works.

 

Posted in Heavy Equipment, Snow Plows | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

The Night They Saved Christmas

Posted on December 24, 2012 by Eric

It wouldn’t be the holiday season without Christmas movie specials. With that in mind I bring you The Night They Saved Christmas, a TV movie event from 1984 staring June Lockhart and Art Carney. The plot of the movie revolves around the idea that Santa’s workshop is under threat from nearby oil exploration at the North Pole. Can Santa and his helpers convince the workers to stop drilling in time to save Christmas? I remember this movie from my youth and specifically remember the opening scene in which we are treated to shot after shot of heavy equipment used to discover oil in the Arctic. Check the video below to jump right to the special moment.

Merry Christmas!

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The Wait is Over – Komatsu PC600LC

Posted on December 23, 2012 by Eric

After months of waiting I finally caught the Komatsu long reach in action. The jaws on the end of this machine tear through the concrete and steel of this building with ease. Notice how the cab tilts back to make the life of the operator that much more enjoyable.

Posted in Heavy Equipment | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Did Anyone Order Some Lumber?

Posted on December 22, 2012 by Eric

A friend of mine is in the process of building a new home. I’m pretty sure he stops by the job site every morning on the way into work to check on the progress. Some may think this borders on a obession but it did result in this neat video of the lumber for his future home being delivered. It may not look like much but everything needed for the construction of the house is now onsite. Remember, if you have it, a trucker brought it.

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Can You Guess The Price?

Posted on December 20, 2012 by Eric

Whenever I had a day off from school I always made it a point to watch the Price Is Right. I always enjoyed the showcases that contained a car as a prize. When else will you see someone loose their mind at the prospect of winning a basic model Toyota Corolla or Nissan Sentra? During the 47 year run of the show a wide variety of vehicles have been offered to the lucky person who can name the price. I haven’t seen every episode but I bet they never had a prize like the Freightliner 114SD below. Can you guess the price? It may help if you read the specs below in your best Rod Roddy voice.

  • 350 HP DD13 (Detroit)
  • 8LL transmission
  • Springs all around with 18lbs up front, 26lbs in the rear
  • 183″ wheelbase
  • 16 miles on the odometer
  • Everest plow frame and dump body
  • Steel wheels.

This fabulous prize can be yours! But only if the price is right!*

* You will not win the actual truck but instead receive the admiration of your peers.

Posted in At the Dealer, Snow Plows | Tagged , | Leave a comment