A Classic Publication: Earthmovers In Classic Mining Machines

Globally respected heavy machinery journalist David Wylie is back with his latest and arguably his best book, the 5th in his Earthmovers In collection.

For anyone with an interest in some of the most significant mining machines ever built, David Wylie’s new book Earthmovers In Classic Mining Machines will be an essential addition to an enthusiast’s book collection. Having recently received my copy from David, I thought it would be a good idea to share a little more insight into what you can expect from this fascinating publication.

The book contains over 441 pages, and features 17 individual and highly detailed chapters, with 450 stunning photographs from David’s personal archives, and contributors from around the world, including Eric C. Orlemann, a world-renowned author on the topic of heavy earthmoving and mining equipment, who’s significant private collection of photographs, is undoubtably one of the best in world. Mr Orlemann has also written the foreword in the book, which I’m sure is a great honour for David.

The first four chapters are dedicated to the old O&K brand featuring David’s unique in-depth coverage of the development of these famous and legendary German built mining excavators, ranging from the RH120 right up to the massive RH400 which tipped the scales at over 950-Tonnes.

Other machines featured include what is currently the world’s biggest hydraulic excavator, the 1000t class Cat 6090 FS face shovel. Liebherr’s equally legendary R 996 is also featured as David reports on its development over the years to become the R 9600 that we all know today.

Dozer fans will also be delighted with David’s in-depth coverage on the development of Caterpillar’s D10, which was the manufacturers very first Hi-Drive dozer. The Komatsu D575A Super Dozer is also featured, and in Chapter 17 David looks back on the evolution of Liebherr’s largest dozers from the PR 751 to the PR 776 G8.

Large wheeled loaders are also covered with Caterpillar’s 992 and 994/995 models and the massive LeTourneau/Komatsu L2350.

Many of the amazing images in the book have never been seen in public before, with over 70 of them appearing across two-page spreads, which makes it all the more interesting, and as usual David’s attention to the detail on each topic is quite simply outstanding.

I think what stands out more than anything is David’s overwhelming passion for the topic, he doesn’t do these books for the money, but it’s more a labour of love and a willingness to share his material for the greater good of the industry and likeminded enthusiasts.

A mind-blowing amount of research work must go in to putting these epic books together, a task I could not imagine undertaking, so all credit goes to David for putting in the hard miles for us all to enjoy.

The book itself is a little to big to take on holiday with me, but I hope to be able to find some time to dig deeper into it in due course. The print run is for this epic book is just 300-copies, so if you want your own copy contact David ASAP via his social media platforms.