Many of you own or have worked with CASE equipment, including their compact track loaders and mini-excavators. Here's a chance to learn some more history and trivia about CASE!

In this Shop Talk Blog post, we'll discuss the development of CASE equipment from its beginnings in Racine, WI and throw in some fun trivia.

Here are a few other Shop Talk Blog posts you might find interesting:

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• Field Repairs on Compact Equipment

By postcard photographer - postcard from about 1905, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1...

CASE is a well-known manufacturer of a variety of equipment, including skid steer loaders, compact track loaders, backhoes, excavators, wheel loaders, crawler dozers, motor graders, and telescopic handlers. How much do you know about their history?

Early Beginnings of CASE

The company's roots can be traced back to 1842 when Jerome Increase Case (who was 23 years old at the time) founded the Racine Threshing Machine Works in Racine, Wisconsin. Initially, the company specialized in threshing machines used in agriculture (including threshers that could separate the grain from the straw). Jerome Case would go on to become the mayor of Racine and later two-term member of the Wisconsin State Senate.

Source: Wikipedia

CASE Expansion into Construction Equipment

As the demand for mechanized equipment grew in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, CASE expanded its product line to include construction equipment. They started manufacturing steam engines, (becoming the largest manufacturer in 1886), road rollers, and other machinery for construction and earthmoving tasks. CASE was also the first company to build a gasoline-powered tractor (1892) and he worked to diversify the energy sources for farming and construction equipment.

Old Abe

The most famous symbol for CASE is the bald eagle known as Old Abe. This mascot was chosen in 1865 was inspired by a bald eagle mascot for a Union company during the American Civil War. He's been portrayed as sitting on a branch and later on a globe, as shown below.

By Sfsorrow2 at English Wikipedia - Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons by Oxyman using CommonsHelper., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7140831

CASE Merger and Acquisitions

Over the years, CASE went through various mergers and acquisitions. In 1957, CASE merged with International Harvester, forming the International Harvester Company, hence the name CASE IH. However, the construction equipment division continued to operate under the CASE name.

Expansion and Innovation

Throughout the 20th century, CASE expanded its product offerings and introduced several innovations in construction equipment. This included the development of compact excavators, loaders, backhoes, and other machinery designed for efficiency and productivity on construction sites. For example, CASE built the first all-steel thresher in 1904 and the first large diesel tractor in the 1950s, the CASE 500.

CASE Merger with New Holland

In 1999, CASE merged with New Holland N.V. to form CNH Global, creating one of the world's largest agricultural and construction equipment manufacturers. This $6 billion deal allowed CASE to leverage the resources and expertise of New Holland while continuing to develop and produce its line of construction machinery.

Source

Modern Era of CASE

In recent years, CASE Construction Equipment has continued to innovate, introducing advanced technologies such as telematics, GPS guidance systems, and autonomous machinery (such as the CASE IH Trident 5550 with RAVEN autonomy). These technologies aim to improve construction operations' efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability.

Conclusion

CASE Construction Equipment remains a prominent player in the construction machinery industry and continue to focus on innovation and sustainability to meet the evolving needs of the construction sector. And if you need a final drive motor for a CASE machine, you've come to the right place. You can fill out a Rapid Response Quote and we'll get back with you ASAP.