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* EQUIPMENT* AFG Metals Trading LLC. Heavy equipment (also called heavy machinery) is the term used to describe the heavy-duty machines that are used in the construction, forestry, agriculture, and mining industries. These machines are commonly used to move earth and other large materials, but they are also frequently used to drill, lift, grade, suction, pave, and compact. 

Because heavy machinery is frequently powered by gasoline, one would assume that construction machinery is a relatively recent invention. Heavy equipment, however, has been in existence since at least the first century. Reports show that the ancient Romans used cranes and other types of heavy equipment. The first pile driver was thought to have been invented in approximately 1500.

Until the 19th century, however, most heavy machinery used human or animal power. Once the portable steam-power engine was invented, the combined harvester and tractor were reconfigured to utilize steam power. Later, heavy equipment used kerosene and ethanol engines, before those energy sources were eventually replaced with diesel fuel or electric power. 

Have you ever wondered why a bulldozer often has tracks instead of wheels? This goes back to World War I when tracked tanks became a popular military vehicle.