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Machines and heavy equipment do the work that people can't. Learn about cranes, earth movers and other heavy equipment.

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Inside a Competition Tractor

Tractor pulls are popular displays of raw horsepower.The trucks used in these competitions use engines that are capable of producing thousands of horsepower. Check out pictures as we explore the inside of one of these incredible machines in this article. More »


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VEHICLES & EQUIPMENT LIBRARY

How Caterpillar Backhoe Loaders Work

You see backhoe-loaders on nearly every construction site around town. Learn how these amazing machines work and what they are able to do.

How Caterpillar Skid Steer Loaders & Multi Terrain Loaders Work

You know those loaders used in construction and landscaping that dig up and pick up EVERYTHING? Learn how these incredible machines work!

How Elevators Work

In action movies, elevators regularly plummet to the basement, landing in a spectacular ball of fire. Is this possible? Find out what keeps elevators riding smoothly.

How Escalators Work

You probably ride escalators all the time, but do you know how they move, and flatten, and keep the handrail in synch with the steps? Find out exactly what is going on inside an escalator.

How Fire Engines Work

We see them all the time, but do you ever think about everything these machines do? A fire engine is a combination personnel carrier, tool box and water tanker. Learn all about this amazing 3-in-1 machine.

How Hydraulic Machines Work

Ever gaze in wonder at the huge cranes, bulldozers, backhoes, loaders, shovels and fork lifts on a construction site? Find out all about hydraulic machines, from backyard log splitters to big construction equipment.

How Maglev Trains Work

Magnetic levitation trains are becoming a popular transportation topic all around the globe. Find out how maglev trains float above the "track" and achieve speeds of more than 300 mph.

How Roller Coasters Work

They don't have engines, brakes or accelerators. No, these amazing machines rely on physical, centripetal and gravitational forces to urge thrills, screams and that sinking stomach feeling we all love (and hate). Read more about the science of fun.

How Steam Engines Work

Steam engines powered all early locomotives, steam boats and factories -- they fueled the Industrial Revolution. Learn how the steam engine produces power!

How Submarines Work

Not so long ago, the world's naval forces worked entirely above water. But all that changed with the addition of the submarine to the standard naval arsenal.

How Tower Cranes Work

Tower cranes rise 150 feet in the air and lift up to 19 tons. Plus, they actually build themselves! They're simply amazing. Learn how these structures accomplish such feats.

How Wave Pools Work

When the heat sets in, there's nothing like a day at the water park to cool things down -- water parks and their massive wave pools are a huge weekend attraction. Ever wonder what kind of machinery it takes to produce a wave? Learn exactly how an ocean-like surf is created.

Inside a Competition Tractor

Tractor pulls are popular displays of raw horsepower.The trucks used in these competitions use engines that are capable of producing thousands of horsepower. Check out pictures as we explore the inside of one of these incredible machines in this article.

What if I were on a roller coaster and the safety harness broke?

Roller coasters are getting bigger and bigger, and scarier and scarier. What would happen to you if your safety harness broke on one of these giant, speedy rides? Maybe nothing.

How do they get the balls in ball bearings so perfectly round and smooth?

Ball bearings can be found in a wide variety of machines and gadgets. If you take a look at one of them you may notice how perfectly smooth they feel and appear. How do they get like that? Find out how ball bearings are created in this article.


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