vehicles & equipment library

 

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

Featured Article:  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! See more »

5 Roller Coaster Videos

5 Roller Coaster Videos

Roller coasters can let you travel as fast as a speeding vehicle and experience extreme g-forces in the loops and turns. Check out the best coasters and what makes them so fun.

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ATV Factory Tour

ATV Factory Tour

What does it take to build an ATV? We visited the Suzuki Manufacturing of America Corporation ATV factory in Rome, Georgia, to find out.

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How Caterpillar Backhoe Loaders Work

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.

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How Caterpillar Skid Steer Loaders & Multi Terrain Loaders Work

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!

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How Diesel Locomotives Work

How Diesel Locomotives Work

Diesel locomotives are some of the coolest modes of transport out there. Giant machines like these are just full of technological treats. Explore a hybrid-diesel locomotive -- from engine to engineer controls.

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How Elevators Work

How Elevators Work

In action movies, elevators regularly plummet to the basement, landing in a spectacular ball of fire. Is this possible? There are some sophisticated engineering techniques at work behind every elevator ride you take.

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How Escalators Work

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.

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How Fire Engines Work

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.

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How Hydraulic Machines Work

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.

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How Jet Packs Work

How Jet Packs Work

We may fantasize about soaring through the sky, but humans aren't aerodynamic creatures. Could human flight be possible with personal jet packs?

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How Maglev Trains Work

How Maglev Trains Work

Magnetic levitation trains, aka Maglev trains, are becoming a popular transportation topic all around the globe. How is it that maglev trains float above the track and achieve speeds of more than 300 mph?

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How Oil Tankers Work

How Oil Tankers Work

Oil tankers carry massive amounts of oil, gasoline and other petroleum products between ports. However, crewmembers must guard against explosions, pirates and more.

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How Snowmobiles Work

How Snowmobiles Work

If you've ever ridden a snowmobile you know that it is a fun fast-paced way to sightsee and go places that cars can't take you. Learn how snowmobiles operate.

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How Steam Engines Work

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!

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How Submarines Work

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.

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How the Tornado Intercept Vehicle Works

How the Tornado Intercept Vehicle Works

Tornado chasers generally stay about a mile away from the tornado itself -- but not IMAX cinematographer Sean Casey. He has built a Tornado Intercept Vehicle and hopes to withstand a direct hit. Check it out.

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How Tower Cranes Work

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.

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How Trains Work

How Trains Work

We humans are mobile. Long before flight, FusionMan or even your average automobile arrived on the scene, trains were transporting us all over civilization. How did we get from horse-drawn carts to high-speed trains?

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Hydraulic Machines Quiz

Hydraulic Machines Quiz

Hydraulic equipment is amazing in its strength and agility. From common backyard machines to the huge machines you see on construction sites, hydraulics make quick work of even the most difficult tasks. How much do you know about hydraulic machines?

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Inside a Competition Tractor

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.

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