High-quality black-and-white photographs of large old machines and tools

[Jon]

Plate leveler. United States Steel Corporation. 1935.

Fullsize image: https://diqn32j8nouaz.cloudfront.net...n_fullsize.jpg

[Toolmaker51]

MESTA= Incredible. Looked it up, exactly that.

[Jon]

Steam roller.

Fullsize image: https://diqn32j8nouaz.cloudfront.net...r_fullsize.jpg

[Isambard]

Never saw a one in steam, work, but it was quite common to see them re-powered with a Ford tractor engine, right up to the early 60s...
The were generally much larger, with a full-length roof.

[jimfols]

662

These days the wimps want an air conditioned cab.

[Frank S]

662

These days the wimps want an air conditioned cab.

That and the project engineers insist on having laser guidance, enviro-nazis demand tier 4 emissions, OSHA throws their hat in the ring as well. All the while the hapless operator just wants to flatten things with his big heavy machine

[Toolmaker51]

re *662.
Unknown basis, but I dug rollers as a kid. First seen may have been nearly this 'mechanical' and therefore interesting.
Flattening bejeebers out of stuff might have part of that too.

But the name remains "Steam Roller".

[jdurand]

What I never understood is why you'd want to roll steam. Oats, yes, but not steam.

[IntheGroove]

Buster...

[Jon]

Mesta roller leveller. U.S. Steel Homestead Works.

Fullsize image: https://diqn32j8nouaz.cloudfront.net...w_fullsize.jpg