Everyone has a favorite something.
It may not be the world’s most attractive item but you like it because it performed well or felt good or you liked the look of it, just struck a chord, or all of the above.
Take the Supermarine Spitfire as an example.
It may not have shot down the most aircraft during the Battle of Britain, but it was a fine piece of engineering and it looked and sounded superb.
Pilots loved it because it felt like they were a part of it and it fitted them like a glove.
It was, and still is, a favorite aircraft with many people.
Then there is earthmoving equipment.
During my 40+ years in the industry I have had the pleasure (and displeasure) of operating a considerable variety of equipment.
Some of the machines were mundane, others cantankerous and some downright scary!
But there were favorites.
Among my personal “Top 10”, and in no particular order, I include the following machines which were either a delight to operate, look at and listen to:
The Wabco 111A elevating scraper, Caterpillar D6C track type tractor, Caterpillar D8H track type tractor (the sound of that exhaust bark at full rpm when pushing a big load is something else), Caterpillar 922A wheel loader, Allis-Chalmers HD-6 track type tractor, Caterpillar 140G motor grader, Volvo A40F articulated dumper, International TD-25B with a towed cable scraper and the older Euclid/Terex TS-14 and TS-24 twin powered scrapers – not only did the last two meet the above criteria, they also smelled good as well!
You may also have a favorite piece of equipment that brings back pleasant memories either to operate or just watch operating.
I would be keen to hear what it is that makes it a favorite.
Email me c/- Charles Fairbairn [charles@contrafed.co.nz]
It would be really interesting to see what makes you smile!
