ABSTRACT
The range of off-highway plant and equipment presently available to the plant manager, in terms of make, model and size, is considerable. This diversity can in part be attributed to industry’s insatiable need for mechanisation. Over time, mechanical engineering design has developed new innovative items to meet this increasing market demand. Originally, plant engineering design concepts (c. 1900-1960) were largely mono functional, that is, each plant item had its own ‘distinct’ application; either in the agricultural or major earth moving sector of industry. Modern engineering design concepts (c. 1960 onwards) have taken a more holistic view to engineering requirements, and have subsequently pioneered multi-functional ‘utility’ machines. That is, machines have evolved to be able to perform a variety of tasks in various industrial applications. For example, the wheeled backhoe loader can be fitted with a wide range of machine attachments (impact hammers, road sweeping brushes and so forth) which enable it to be employed in different working environments.
