March 1, 2025

Do You Know the Historic Evolutions of CASE Construction Equipment?

Emily Bieger

CASE Construction Equipment’s history dates to before the American Civil War, with a legacy of innovation and excellence.

A brand synonymous with innovation and excellence in the construction industry, CASE has a rich history spanning over 175 years. Founded by Jerome Increase Case in 1842 as the Racine Threshing Machine Works in Racine, Wisconsin, the company has evolved from producing threshing machines to becoming a global leader in heavy construction equipment.

Key Highlights:

Founding and Early Innovations: CASE Construction Equipment’s early innovations included the production of threshing machines and, in 1869, the first portable steam engine, which played a crucial role in early road construction.
Expansion into Construction Equipment: By the mid-20th century, CASE expanded significantly into construction equipment.
Strategic Acquisitions and Mergers: Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, CASE made strategic acquisitions, and merged with New Holland to form CNH Global, which later became CNH Industrial in 2013.
Recent Innovations and Future Outlook: CASE has continued to innovate with the launch of electric equipment and is focused on meeting industry demands through investments in technology.

Early Years: Threshing Machines and Steam Engines

In its early years, CASE focused on manufacturing threshing machines, which revolutionized wheat harvesting by increasing efficiency tenfold compared to manual methods. The company’s foray into steam engines began in 1869 with the production of its first portable steam engine, a milestone that marked the beginning of its involvement in road construction. This steam engine, now housed at the Smithsonian Institution, symbolizes CASE’s pioneering spirit in mechanical innovation.

Expansion into Construction Equipment

The dawn of the 20th century saw CASE expand its product line into construction equipment. A pivotal moment came in 1957 with the introduction of the CASE Model 320, the first factory-integrated tractor loader backhoe. This innovation cemented CASE’s position in the construction machinery sector. Over the years, the company continued to diversify its offerings, entering the excavator market in 1967 and skid steer loader production in 1969.

Strategic Acquisitions and Mergers

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, CASE made strategic acquisitions to bolster its portfolio. Notable acquisitions include Poclain excavators in 1977 and Drott Manufacturing Company in 1968, which expanded its presence in the wheeled excavator market. In 1999, CASE merged with New Holland to form CNH Global, which later became CNH Industrial in 2013.

Recent Innovations

In recent years, CASE has continued to innovate and expand its product line offerings. The company has made significant strides in electric equipment, launching the 580EV, the industry’s first electric backhoe loader, which has garnered significant interest and enthusiasm from the industry. Additionally, CASE has introduced new models like the TL 100 mini track loader and several small articulated loader models, further diversifying its product lineup.

Current And Future Outlook

Today, CASE Construction Equipment is part of CNH Industrial and operates as a leading manufacturer of construction machinery, including excavators, motor graders, wheel loaders, and skid steers. The company is focused on meeting industry demands through investments in manufacturing and technology. Trends shaping CASE’s strategy include the adoption of machine control technology, digital connectivity, and alternative power sources like electric equipment.

In 2025, CASE is poised to continue its legacy of innovation, with a focus on electric and digitally connected solutions. The company’s commitment to exceeding customer expectations and needs and to furthering technological advancements position it well for future growth and leadership in the construction equipment sector. You can count on Contractor’s Machinery to bring you all the latest equipment and insights from our partners at CASE.

Heavy Equipment

November 1, 2023

Skid Loader & Mini-Excavator vs Backhoe Loader

Backhoe, backhoe loader, Backhoe Loaders, CASE, CASE Construction Equipment, case skid steer loaders, Compact Track Loader, construction equipment, Mini Excavator, skid loader, Skid Steer Loader

Contractors Machinery

Skid Loader & Mini Excavator vs Backhoe Loader – Which is Right for You?

If you’ve got a big job to do, choosing the right equipment is critical. The Skid Loader/Mini-Excavator Combo vs. the Backhoe Loader has been a major change in the construction industry over the last 10 years. They both have advantages and are designed to for a multitude of tasks. Make sure you use the correct one; it will save hours…if not days…of frustration!

Backhoe Loader – Larger, with great excavation capability

CASE Backhoe Loader

Versatility is a primary advantage of the backhoe loader. Not only is it capable of driving across large jobsites and the road at speeds exceeding 20 mph the backhoe side of the machine is a powerful, deep digging excavator. The backhoe provides greater reach and digging depth than most mini excavators. Digging 15’ trenches, basements, foundations…? The backhoe loader is capable of these tasks.

The backhoe loader is not only for the use of excavation, however. The front of the machine contains a loader designed for loading, transporting, and dumping construction materials. Overall, it has greater capacity to handle heavy loads than the skid loader.

Although there are some distinct advantages to choosing the backhoe, one disadvantage is its size. It was created for major lifting and excavation; if the site demands navigating tight spaces, the skid loader/mini excavator may be the better choice.

Compact Track Loader/Skid-Steer Loaders & Mini Excavator – Smaller, with greater maneuverability

CASE Compact Track Loader or Skid Steer Loader

Obviously, with two pieces of equipment owners can have multiple jobs taking place at the same time with two operators. The CTL and Mini-Excavator markets are the largest unit volume markets in the construction equipment industry.

Referred to as Compact Track Loaders or skid-steer loaders, the skid loader has a unique design. The frame is rigid and contains either wheels or tracks. These simply skid on one side while the other side is locked in place, allowing the driver to turn to the right or the left with great agility.

A smaller machine than the backhoe, the skid loader has the capabilities to also lift and perform most loader excavation jobs. This machine contains a quick-attach system for the ease of adding buckets, trenchers, grapples, forks, sweepers. It’s a versatile machine, excellent for smaller excavation and lighter loading jobs. Coupled with a mini excavator for trenching work this is a hard combo to beat.

CMI-Case prides itself in providing the perfect machine for every job! If you have any additional questions about which is best for you, see a CMI dealer today and rest assured you will make the best choice for the construction task at hand.

Contractors Heavy Equipment

April 8, 2022

What’s What in the World of Construction Equipment

Backhoe, Backhoe Loaders, Bulldozer, CASE, CASE Construction Equipment, case skid steer loaders, Compact Track Loader, compact utility loaders, Compact Wheel Loader, Compactor, construction equipment, Contractor's Machinery, Crawler Dozers, Excavators, heavy duty construction, heavy duty equipment, Heavy Equipment, Wheel Loader

Emily Bieger

It’s spring, and you can hear the engines starting to rev! Construction equipment is in high demand, as building continues to soar throughout the nation! Before you make the substantial investment in heavy machinery, make sure you have the right equipment for your job.

Excavators: Used for digging, demolition, handling materials, trenching, earthmoving…the excavator uses a boom, dipper, bucket, and attachments for a broad range of uses. Excavators come in a range of sizes, 4,000 lbs. to 158,000 lbs. Mini-Excavators are second only to CTL’s as the most popular Case machine in East Tennessee.

Backhoe/Loaders: The Swiss Army Knife of construction equipment and CASE’s flagship product. Utilized for excavation, material handling, demolition, and landscaping, the backhoe has both a front-facing loader bucket or blade and a rear-facing backhoe with bucket.

Bulldozers: Utilized to clear, dig, and level land. The dozer has metal tracks and a 4 or 6-Way blade that pushes earth, sand, brush, and debris.

Wheel Loaders: Utilized for material handling on concrete, asphalt, gravel, or dirt with a large front-end loader bucket. Wheel Loaders articulate in the middle and offer higher speeds for large jobsite material handling.

Compact Track Loaders: CTL’s are the most sold type of construction equipment on the market today. Extremely versatile rubber track machines utilized on nearly every construction project in East TN. Multitude of attachments are available for every task including buckets, trenchers, mulching heads, forks, brush cutters hammers, dozer blades and more. Although they look like skid steers, they generally have more horsepower and can carry heavier loads.

Skid Steers: Like the CTL but wheeled for use on concrete and asphalt, these also are available with multitude of attachments. The consensus is that tires hold up longer and are far smoother riding on hard surfaces.

Blake Wilson, general manager at Contractor’s Machinery Inc. (CMI), says the most important factor to consider when buying heavy equipment is the type of work you are planning to pursue and what you are looking for from your equipment dealer. Since 1971 CMI has been keeping contractors working in East Tennessee.

Before you make any large machinery purchases, be sure to visit our CASE Equipment page. Review the extensive list of equipment available and talk to a CMI-Case representative! CMI wants this decision to be the very best for you and your business!