I was raised on Bucyrus Erie spudders working in the oil and gas industry. It's a shame these old machines are almost all gone now. Still some of the small machines are being used for water well construction but the rest are just sitting rusting away. Running those old machines was a true art form and required a lot of knowledge and experience. I miss those days myself thanks for sharing the history for all to see.
So grateful that you took the time to record this gentleman's history and post it. Thank you. I'm looking to buy an old 38RB Dragline here in Australia and am chasing as much information on parts, manuals etc... as I can.
My Dad operated these machines back in the 50's clearing rock cuts while building highways in Northern Ontario. He always spoke nostalgically about those times.
Back when America was America and doing great things every day. Today we have Clown World and the vast herds of semi-conscious NPCs think that there's nothing wrong.