Yellow Steel

“The best book yet on this important industry.” – Bruce E. Seely, Technology and Culture “Written in a straightforward style, this book is intended for engineers as well as for students of business history.” - Civil Engineering “A vivid, photo-rich account of the development of the earthmoving equipment industry from its beginnings in mechanized agriculture to the mid-1990s… American in perspective yet international in scope, Yellow Steel is an invaluable document for those who are interested in modern industry and infrastructure.” – Michael R. Fein, Business History Review “[Haycraft] presents a comprehensive, thoroughly researched and well-written history of the manufacturers of earthmoving equipment from 1831 to 1995… Haycraft has filled a void in the construction equipment publishing field… For those who want to explore the rich history behind the equipment … Yellow Steel is an invaluable resource.” - Thomas Berry, Historical Construction Equipment Association “Anyone who wonders at the immensity of earthmoving equipment and wants to understand the long history of that industry should read Yellow Steel. – Tomas Nonnenmacher, Journal of Economic History “Haycraft marshals a tremendous amount of information and ably presents the complexities of this industry’s fascinating history. He has produced a valuable historical survey that will serve as a good reference work for historians as well as satisfy the curiosity of the general reader.” – Daniel A. Clark, Journal of Illinois History ADVANCE PRAISE “This is a cogent commercial and technical history of the machines humans have devised to reshape the earth. Clearly written, straightforward, and devoid of bombast and corporate chauvinism, Yellow Steel is a readable and useful book for casual historians as well as those with strong ties to the industry.”- Craig Canine, author of Dream Reaper “A significant addition to the history of technology. Haycraft’s experience within the industry and his sense of practical macro-economics lend a very real measure of authority to his observations.” - Robert C. Williams, History Department, Clarendon College

William R. Haycraft worked for many years in international marketing for Caterpillar Inc.