When BIGGER Really Means Better… ▶ R.G. LeTourneau's Giant Machines History

[@patryan8531]

Fun fact , the vw bug was rg's personal car that was backed over by one of his loaders in longview, the story go's that RG was having problems with that loader & told the operator to back up forgetting about his car. That story had been handed down over a couple of generations of employees.

[@GearTechHD]

Thanks for sharing that fun fact! It's fascinating how stories like these get woven into the fabric of a company’s culture and history.

[@raymondbailey4538]

I heard that from my cousin Ken who worked there a couple of years after graduating from the college. See my post above!

[@GeorgeSTANFIELD-ju5gd]

Yes, RG was a down to earth man. When he flew into his private airport close to the Toccoa plant at night he would radio and have his workers with cars to line up with their lights on so he could land. He later gave the airport to Stephens County. My dad and his crew painted the old building before WABCO. When it was scrapped a few years ago it still had that paint. RG always used the best of everything.

[@scroungasworkshop4663]

Very interesting. When I was a lad living in Canberra, Australia, my mates and I were lucky enough to be living near a part of the city undergoing major development including multi lane roads ect. We would spend our school holidays watching these huge machines operating and their maintenance yards were only a few hundred metres from my house. We always called scrapers “Tournapulls” and for years that’s what I thought they were called. We got to watch up close lots of massive machinery working hard and I think my favourite was the double engined Terex scrapers. A lot of the scrapers back then were elevating scrapers but I don’t see those anymore. Being a kid where I lived was fun.

[@GearTechHD]

Thank you for sharing such a vivid slice of your childhood! It sounds like watching those huge machines was a real adventure.

[@scroungasworkshop4663]

@@GearTechHD It sure was👍

[@stevennewman8276]

I live in Vicksburg,MS where he had a place on the river that built jack-up oil rigs. I worked for Vicksburg Marine & we traveled the glode working on em. That man was a freaking genious. The electric motors that power the cranes,jacking system & cantalever on the rigs are the strongest motors u will ever come across. They have the power to literally tear a rig in half. They WILL NOT stop pulling,period! Motors are his design. Nobody could build em like he wanted so he built his own. They have square windings in em. I could go on & on with facts about what he did just for the oil industry. There was a book written about him. Highly recommend reading it

[@patryan8531]

Yep his motors were unique, I think they would run underwater? I know they will work when wet & I've have seen them catch on fire, you put the fire out & the motor was fine ! , rg's thinking was if 1/4" steel would work he would make it out of 1" material,& his book is very interesting.

[@GearTechHD]

Thank you for sharing your personal experience and insights into R.G. LeTourneau’s impact on the oil industry. It's always fascinating to hear firsthand accounts of his innovations.

[@raymondbailey4538]

My cousin, Ken Bailey graduated from LeTourneu in 1968. His graduation thesis was building a 4 wheel electric drive car. It was a Lincoln Continental, and he reversed the car making the engine in the back and the generator in the "back" seat area. It had independant 4-wheel hydraulic stearing driving two front axles out of junked front four wheel drive trucks. It could turn a circle in nearly its own length! I had a blast driving it! So I drove an electric car long before Tesla! Ken now owns a company making a pulp chip wood "flinger" for loading rail cars enabling maximum weight loading by laying the chips in without added air space being jumbled up.

[@GearTechHD]

That’s quite a story about your cousin Ken and his work on the electric car. Thanks for sharing this fascinating bit of family history!

[@L.A.Concrete]

He was also a devout Christian and tithed 90%of his earnings. When he died the board decided that the company couldn’t sustain 90%tithe and thus the demise of the company 😢😢😢

[@GearTechHD]

Thank you for sharing this significant aspect of his life. His devotion and generosity were truly remarkable.

[@afriquelesud]

Actually, 95%

[@fredbecker607]

I use him as an example in sermons.

[@kendarby4065]

He was a man with a deep Christian faith. The little country church he built in Stockton a 100 years ago is still in use today. I read a book of his life story 30 years ago, he was an unlivable man.

[@GearTechHD]

Thank you for sharing that beautiful piece of history! It's truly inspiring to hear how the church he built is still in use and how his faith influenced his life and work. His legacy is indeed profound and lasting.

[@sportsfan205]

Read his book ,MOVER OF MEN AND MOUNTIANS.

[@GearTechHD]

Thanks for recommending! It’s always inspiring to delve into the lives of influential figures through their own narratives. We appreciate the suggestion!

[@calvenjohnson1481]

Yes. It left a lasting impression on my young mind.

[@calvenjohnson1481]

Yes. One of LeTourneau's earthmovers stopped at our farm in Saskatchewan, Canada. We had been on the mailing list of his magazines for many years and always were intrigued with the amazing equipment that he had patented and manufactured.

[@GearTechHD]

Wow, that must have been quite the sight! Thanks for sharing your experience with LeTourneau's equipment.

[@PaulVannatto]

Correction. LeTourneau Technical Institute became LeTourneau College in 1961 and then became LeTourneau University in 1989.

[@shadovanish7435]

Great video! All of Letourneau's machines were interesting to me. But I would like to see some videos about his experimental wheeled bulldozer & scraper designs, as well as his log loaders & skidders. I believe Letourneau also designed a missile transporter that appeared to me to have been based on a wheeled forestry vehicle (log skidder, maybe).

[@GearTechHD]

It’s great to hear you enjoyed the video and are interested in LeTourneau’s other machines. Thanks for suggesting topics on his experimental designs and forestry-based vehicles. We’ll look into adding these to our content lineup.

[@BrianLitke-yj6qw]

I was unaware Letourneau built crawler tractors! He supplied the Caterpillar Tractor company and other crawler tractor companies with dozer blades, pull scrapers and other accessories for the earth moving industries for the war effort. Thanks for the great video.

[@GearTechHD]

Thank you for your insightful comment! Yes, LeTourneau's contributions to the construction and military industries were indeed significant. We're glad you enjoyed the video and learned something new!

[@billwilson-es5yn]

I saw a photograph of small compact tracked tractor RG made during WW2. It had wide tracks and could be taken ashore by a standard landing craft. I believe LeTourneau only made a few for the Army and Navy to test. It looked cute!

[@krissfemmpaws1029]

I was familiar with some of the LeTourneau equipment because of logging in the area. His log skidders, wheel dozers and scrapers were ahead of their time I think.

[@GearTechHD]

Thanks for sharing your experience with LeTourneau equipment! It’s always enlightening to hear from those who have firsthand knowledge of these machines.

[@johnaddis1022]

When LeToureau was in Toccoa GA before WABCO took over he was with one of his engineers who said RG it wont work RG replied Pshaw make it work and they did. I used to hunt deer with that engineer.

[@GearTechHD]

What a fantastic story! It really showcases LeTourneau's determination and innovative spirit. Thanks for sharing this piece of history with us!

[@wayneboulier6107]

The Tournapull and wheel dozer revolutionized the industry

[@jackrichards1863]

Barely even knew his name. Heard the surname several times. The machines certainly are, worth discussing I say. so I would like to hear about the ones you see as pivotal. Subbed the channel a while back. Had to follow up again to re subscribe recently. I had noticed the absense of videos from GearTech after a couple of months. Le Tourneau Impresses with a 40 cube bucket at 65 tons payload in ONE scoop!

[@GearTechHD]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for sticking with us! It’s great to hear your interest in LeTourneau's machines. The 40 cube bucket with a 65-ton payload is indeed a marvel of engineering. We'll make sure to cover more pivotal machines like that in upcoming videos. Thanks for re-subscribing and staying part of our community!

[@buzzadams7876]

My claim to fame, or maybe infamy, was that I tore down the LeTourneau plant in Toccoa Georgia in 2008 or so. Learned a lot from a few old timers who stopped by during our project. I felt bad about it but kept a few mementos that I found on the project. He definitely was a fascinating guy and I read several of his books. The last time I was out that way I stopped in the area and visited his airplane hanger which is still in use.

[@joelalleman9591]

read his book , " Mover of Men and Mountains " A great man !!!!!

[@GearTechHD]

Thank you for the recommendation! It's always inspiring to learn about great figures like Bob LeTourneau through their own words. I'm glad to hear you found his story so compelling!

[@dalemc6414]

Very Familiar with LeTourneau here in Canada. Worked for Wajax who was Canada wide dealer before P&H / Komatsu scooped it all up. Excellent equipment way ahead on the technology in most instances. One of the great advantages in the past was that LeTourneau made it's own steel in Longview. All electric motors, electronic circuit boards, planetaries (Drivers as Le Tourneau personnel called them) Structural steel, forged pivot balls, castings and gearing was all mostly manufactured in house in Longview. In old days LeTourneau could not always get tire manufactures to keep up in the size of their tires for the equipment he was designing. RG went out and built his own molds and made his own tires for many years. The "land train" was also adapted to Snow Train in Northern Canadian Arctic. Maintained and supplied the DEW line early waring system. Las time I was in Fairbanks the main power unit was still in the bush outside of town somewhere. Anyone seen it? Anyways great Video.

[@GearTechHD]

It’s great to hear about your extensive knowledge of LeTourneau and its history, especially the part about them manufacturing almost everything in-house and even creating their own tire molds. It sounds like they were truly ahead of their time. Thanks for sharing your experience, and we’re glad you enjoyed the video!

[@tomt9543]

I was in Fairbanks in 2017 and saw that unit sitting by the road on the way up to visit Gold Dredge 8! Seems like it was right across the road from an interpretive display of the Alaska Pipeline located under the pipeline. How well I remember doing a double take when I spotted the old gal rusting in the weeds!

[@baldur193]

I ran a c-pull sraper in 1967. Electric steering, had to beware that it was always aimed in the right direction should the electrical points stick when driving.

[@lowelljones3230]

Worked for them in machine shop in Durant Ok in 1970’s

[@GearTechHD]

Wow, that must have been an incredible experience! Thanks for sharing a bit of your history with us.

[@Trucksusa]

The wheel loader 👍

[@markdanielczyk944]

Ran into some former employees, all of them said Mr. Letourneau was a super nice guy!

[@GearTechHD]

That's wonderful to hear! It's always great when someone's kindness is remembered as vividly as their accomplishments. Thanks for sharing that with us!

[@markdanielczyk944]

@@GearTechHD Also found out this afternoon my customer's father used to bowl with The Frank G Hough! Talk about a small world!

[@rjl110919581]

THANK YOUFOR GREAT DETAIL VIDEO AS GREAT UNDERSTAND WHERE CAME FROM

[@GearTechHD]

You're very welcome! We're thrilled that you found the video detailed and informative. Thanks for watching.

[@afriquelesud]

Volvo thought they invented the electric wheel. Bob le Tourneau preceded them with many decades. 😊

[@GearTechHD]

Thanks for bringing up that historical tidbit! It's always great to credit pioneers like Bob LeTourneau who led the way.

[@ianmccartney1042]

Thanks that was awesome, Australia

[@GearTechHD]

You're welcome! We're thrilled you enjoyed it. Cheers to our friends down in Australia!

[@ianmccartney1042]

I think I'd , better subscribe your content is choice, mate , Ian McCartney.

[@JohnSmith-lv8xk]

I would like to know more about the history of their log loaders

[@GearTechHD]

Log loaders have a rich history

[@jimmycricket5366]

I highly recommend his book "MOVER OF MEN AND MOUNTAINS". An inspirational man who believed that with the right motives, anything can be achieved.

[@brucewelty7684]

What the hell is a scrapper? Litters are what dogs have. Kohmuttssue?

[@GarrettWorcester]

Ah, a positive connection to the name "LeTourneau" for a change.

[@erichedges2948]

Yes, Anything built

[@lebogangmathabathe91]

First time hearing about this great man

[@hamzaouamrouche57]

Biggest highest level contribution Robert Mechanical training in University

[@GearTechHD]

That’s a great point. LeTourneau’s work not only revolutionized industry practices but also deeply influenced mechanical engineering education.

[@rapidthrash1964]

I think the land train proposals could be useful on the Moon and Mars

[@cat-pl7ey]

Grate man a head of his time like liebherr cranes engineering heroes.

[@davewright3088]

The development of the heavy-lift helicopter was what eclipsed the land train...

[@GearTechHD]

Absolutely, the development of heavy-lift helicopters marked a significant technological leap over land trains. It’s fascinating to see how each innovation impacts the next. Thanks for your comment!

[@suii3368]

Can you guys do an episode on heavy and delicate haulage...?

[@GearTechHD]

That's a fantastic idea! Heavy and delicate haulage is definitely a topic worth exploring.

[@SwimminThelake]

Is P&H Mining part of Komatsu?

[@GearTechHD]

Yes, P&H Mining is part of Komatsu. Komatsu acquired Joy Global, which included P&H Mining, in 2017.

[@Furnessrailwayk2]

I like big mechanics

[@jz1340]

You left out his headquarters in Peoria, IL.

[@CowboyLeo1900]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@rickkearn7100]

I was hoping to see the Tournadozer in this video.

[@GearTechHD]

That's a great suggestion! We love hearing what our viewers are interested in. We might just have to include the Tournadozer in an upcoming video.

[@edwardbright9434]

Yes he did

[@jimstewart8927]

Maybe the robot voice should be trained in the difference of "scrapper and scraper"!

[@Anonymous..VQ3.5Lg35]

I didn't know there's a university for the name lol

[@StevenMeckstroth]

You could check out the university's website to learn more.

[@Anonymous..VQ3.5Lg35]

@@StevenMeckstroth lmao nah im not interested in university or school

[@MatthewBerginGarage]

3 leaf and 7 leaf contactors the worst design idea in electrical history. I hated working on them.

[@GearTechHD]

It sounds like those contactors really posed some tough challenges. It’s always interesting to hear from someone who’s had hands-on experience with such designs. Thanks for sharing your perspective!

[@MatthewBerginGarage]

@@GearTechHD You have to totally disconnect all the wiring and completely disassemble the size 8 contactor to check it. A size 8 contactor is quite large. The coil alignment is adjusted with a 5 lb hammer. The MG set on our dock cranes used an open transition Y delta starter and the voltage spikes would tend to wreck the MG set's motor. I couldn't count how many times it has been rebuilt. I replaced that starter with an Allen Bradley size 8 closed transition autotransformer Y delta starter and I didn't have a problem again. We had two dock cranes and a coal scraper. The coal scraper became a portable generator after we retired it, a beefy generator with a V8 92 Detroit. It was capable of running one of our coke plants 250 DC supply if we had a substation failure. We still use the dock cranes they are really reliable with the allen Bradley starters No problem now though, I'm retired and don't have to look at it again.😁

[@Lee-At-Green-Pheonix-Rc]

Like the American sir Joseph Bamford founder of JCB

[@aaronballeck3153]

Too many mispronounced words for me but good try. Scrapper, Cummings, kooommatttsssssuu, etc...🙃

[@johnsweet8410]

I’ve got an idea, try doing a REAL voice over with a REAL person. The ’tell’ is how “Komatsu” was pronounced. Try harder.