bulldozer

In the early days of truck haulage following World War I, the Linn tractor truck was able to keep loads moving in impassible conditions where roads barely existed. Beginning in 1916, Linn Manufacturing of Morris, N.Y., built a series of heavy-duty haul trucks up to 12 tons capacity designed to overcome the problems of hauling large loads over nonexistent roads. The secret of Linn's success lay in its patented rear-end, crawler-type traction unit. Unlike regular trucks of the day prone to mire with their narrow solid rubber tires, and unlike most rigid crawler designs of the day, the Linn crawler assembly featured a flexible track-roller design. The gear-driven assembly incorporated trunion-mounted track rollers able to follow irregular ground surfaces ensuring positive traction. And with the added advantage of lower ground pressure imposed by the tracks, the Linn was able to pull through adverse conditions which sidelined other vehicles. The "County and Township Special" included a spreader-type tailgate and was specially designed for towing road machines such as pull-type graders. Northern loggers favored the "Logging Special" which included an enclosed cab as standard and optional sled runners to replace the front steering axle. Loggers used them to drag logs out of the woods, often making up trains of three or four sleds loaded with logs. The train sometimes included a caboose for crew living quarters when working in remote areas. Other models were customized for levee work with the side-dumping body or came equipped with a special 14-yard body for hauling coal or culm in the coalfields. The Linn also made a rugged and stable carrier for mounting mobile cranes and excavators. After building a few more unusual vehicles in the 1940s, including one model equipped with rear wheels that could be lowered for use on paved surfaces, the short-lived Linn Manufacturing went out of business in 1950. Source: www.constructionequipment.com/topical/historical-equipmen...

It is believed that the first internal combustion engine tractor to be used in Australia was an Ivel from England in about 1903. A H McDonald began making engines in Melbourne in the early 1900s and in 1908 made Australia's first tractor, the Imperial Oil Tractor EA. The EB, EAA, and some lightweight models followed, they were all powered by their own kerosene-fueled, spark ignition engines. They began experimenting with their Super Diesel engines before ceasing local tractor production during the 1920s and imported the Emmerson-Brantingham from America and the Advance from Sweden. They resumed production again with the Imperial Super Diesel T series in the 1930s, these tractors ran on crude oil, and their sales brochures stated "Cheaper Power Every Hour" The TWB became a popular model, and McDonald continued producing tractors until 1955. Kelly & Lewis who go back to the early 1900s made the KL Bulldog. They were mainly involved with engines and in the 1930s became the agent for Lanz Bulldog. Due to the war production of these German tractors ceased and Kelly & Lewis decided to make their own version of the 40hp Bulldog. The first bulldogs came out of their Springvale factory in 1949 and continued until about 1954. By this time the German company began to produce improved versions of the tractor and K & L found it hard to sell their stock, a total of about 900 were made. J Deere took a controlling interest in Lanz in 1956. Source: www.yesterdaystractors.com/articles/artint208.htm

Basic equipment (brooms) is always useful, but more can be done when heavy machinery is engaged.