He sounds like an amazing individual, however I believe a small correction should be pointed out. In regards to Grove bringing to market hydraulically operated lattice boom cranes “…years before any other US crane maker moved in this direction” I think it is safe to say Bucyrus Erie Co. had at least two machines of this type beginning in 1968 or 1969. The 55-C, at 45 tons capacity, and the 65-C, at 70 tons capacity, had a number of innovative features. Indeed, B-E was an innovator in many areas of crane technology and manufacturing, both lattice boom as well as hydraulic.
The lattice booms had lugs on top and pinned at the bottom to ease assembly, a sliding boom foot for travel with up to 70 ft on board and full hydraulic controls with infinitely variable drive. These machines were very smooth to operate. The hydraulic cranes had swingaway jib options as far back as the H-5 Hydrocranes in the late 50’s, with extendable jibs as well as lattice jibs available on various models. My uncle was a tool designer at B-E in Erie, PA his whole career, my mother worked at the Erie office during WWII and my dad used and owned B-E cranes and draglines since at least the mid 50’s. I still currently own an H-5 Hydrocrane on a factory 6×6 drive carrier. It was used regularly up until the last few years, and intermittently still. It requires a unique touch to operate. High pressure hydraulics? How about 6600 psi main relief pressure on a machine whose designs dated to the late 40’s!
I have read your magazine since the late 80’s and thoroughly enjoy it.
Chuck Mostert
Mostert Cranes and Equipment
Prescott Valley, Arizona, USA
Mostert’s 1972 Bucyrus Erie H-5 Hydrocrane, equipped with 50 ft of main boom and 20ft-30ft telescoping jib. Bucyrus-Erie H5 Hydrocrane
