Long Backhoe
Backhoe loaders represent the most popular piece of construction equipment with only the skid steer representing as many sales. The birth of the backhoe loader can be traced to a Long backhoe. Elton Blackburn Long who died at the age of 81 in 2003 pioneered the modern loader backhoe in1957.
Prior to 1957 and the Long backhoe, based on a growing construction industry need, Case and other companies developed kits that would combine agricultural tractors, farm loaders and backhoe attachments. These designs were, to say the least, not easily adaptable. Much time was spent on assembly and no single supplier warranty was offered. The Long backhoe merged these separate technologies to create the Case 320, the first fully integrated loader/backhoe made and warranted by one company.
Technology is always bettering itself and with the demand for backhoe loaders manufacturers are trying innovations such as hydraulic systems, increasing the capacity of a loader, backhoes drive systems and cab features to swing business their way. This leads to greater choices for a backhoe loader than ever before. The Long backhoe has also been used to extend its reach for taller and higher job requirements.
Many equipment manufacturers that might not have produced an inspired Long backhoe loader in the past are scrambling to add them to their product line in order to satisfy their dealers' needs and prevent them from filling that need with a competitors' model. This healthy competition has brought such manufacturers as Komatsu, Terex and Volvo into the North American large machine and backhoe loader category.
The father of the Long backhoe loader continued to improve and add innovations to his designs as Vice President of Engineering for Case, until he retired in 1984 after 29 years of dedicated service. His first Long backhoe was one of the most productive pieces of construction equipment ever designed, forever changing the worldwide construction industry.
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