Bucyrus-Erie was once a titan of heavy machinery, known for its massive cranes, draglines, and mining shovels. This page explores the company's rich history, its eventual acquisition by Caterpillar, and how Conbit continues to support offshore operators who rely on legacy Bucyrus-Erie crane systems, even though the original intellectual property is no longer available.
Founded in 1880 in Bucyrus, Ohio, Bucyrus-Erie quickly became a global leader in heavy equipment manufacturing. After merging with the Erie Steam Shovel Company in 1927, the company supplied 77 of the 102 steam shovels used to dig the Panama Canal, a testament to its engineering prowess. Over the decades, Bucyrus-Erie expanded into offshore and marine cranes, including models like the MK35, MK60, and MK120, which became staples on oil platforms worldwide. These cranes were known for their rugged design and long operational life.
In the late 1990s, Bucyrus-Erie rebranded as Bucyrus International, reflecting its global footprint. In 2011, the company was acquired by Caterpillar Inc. for $8.6 billion, marking the end of Bucyrus-Erie as an independent entity. While Caterpillar absorbed its mining equipment portfolio, the marine and offshore crane lines were discontinued or transitioned to third-party support. Today, the intellectual property for Bucyrus-Erie's offshore cranes is held by Altrad Sparrows, who continue to service select models.
Although Conbit does not own the intellectual property for Bucyrus-Erie cranes, our offshore engineering team is highly experienced in maintaining and upgrading these legacy systems.
We offer:
- Reverse engineering for critical components
- Structural integrity assessments
- Maintenance and inspection services
- Retrofit solutions to extend crane life
Whether it's an MK60 operating in the Gulf of Mexico or an MK120 stationed in Southeast Asia, Conbit ensures these cranes remain safe, compliant, and operational.