Gradall to to display excavator invented during World War II at CONEXPO

The third Gradall hydraulic excavator ever, manufactured in 1945, will be on display at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2020. New Gradall models will also be featured, including crossover excavators, a two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive excavator collection, and the model XL 4330 V excavator designed for railway maintenance and track construction work.

Hydraulic excavator No. 3 – one of the original machines that introduced the Gradall brand name in 1945 – will be exhibited as part of Gradall's 75th anniversary celebration. America's first fully hydraulic excavator, the original Gradall machines were invented byroad contractors who were compensating for the hand labor shortage during World War II.

The No. 3 Gradall machine is operational using 90 percent of its original parts along with its Linn carrier and a rebuilt Waukesha engine and track drive. The control valves, hydraulic cylinders, hydraulic pumps and boom assembly are all restored to working order.

The new Gradall TrackStars are known for their exceptional stability, working at the front, rear and sides of the chassis without the need for outriggers. The rubber tire wheeled chassis is designed for travel on and off paved surfaces and is equipped with a guiderail system for rapid movement on tracks.

 The machine is also equipped with the versatile Gradall telescoping, tilting boom. With a low working profile, the machine can work in tunnels, under bridges and beneath catenary systems. The full boom tilts 220 degrees, with no loss of bucket force, making it highly productive for grading, tie replacement and spreading material.

 Also on display will be the latest Gradall Discovery Series model, a two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive excavator collection that features traditional Gradall versatility designed for tight government and contractor budgets. The industry's first crossover excavators, Discovery Series models are built on a Freightliner chassis for fast, over-the-road mobility.  The Gradall upperstructure features the tilting, telescoping, low-profile boom making it ideal for ditching, grading, culvert replacement, vegetation control, and curb, gutter and sidewalk work.