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Disappeared Crane Brands

Bucyrus-Erie: From Panama to Platforms

Founded in 1880, Bucyrus-Erie was a titan of heavy machinery. Known for its steam shovels used in the Panama Canal, the company later expanded into marine and offshore cranes. Bucyrus-Erie's MK-series cranes became staples on offshore platforms. After a series of mergers and acquisitions, the brand was absorbed into Caterpillar in 2011, and its marine crane division was eventually acquired by Sparrows Group. Today, the Bucyrus name is gone, but its equipment still lifts loads across oceans.

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American Aero: Gulf Coast Engineering

American Aero Cranes built a reputation for reliable pedestal cranes tailored to the Gulf of Mexico's offshore needs. With a focus on hydraulic systems and rugged design, their cranes were widely adopted in the U.S. offshore sector. In the early 2000s, American Aero merged with Titan Industries and later became part of Energy Cranes International under Sparrows leadership. Though the brand no longer exists, its cranes remain in service, often in need of specialized support.

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Titan Industries: Global Reach, Quiet Exit

Titan Industries was known for its box boom and lattice boom cranes, with over 2,200 units deployed globally. From Southeast Asia to India, Titan cranes were a common sight on offshore installations. After merging into Energy Cranes International in 2003, Titan's identity gradually disappeared, but its designs live on through Altrad Sparrows, which holds the IP rights.

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Conbit: Supporting Legacy Cranes

At Conbit, we understand the challenges of maintaining legacy equipment. Our team offers inspection, maintenance, refurbishment, and engineering support for Bucyrus-Erie, American Aero, and Titan cranes. Whether it's sourcing hard-to-find parts, reverse-engineering components, or upgrading safety systems, Conbit ensures these historic machines continue to operate safely and efficiently.