Link-Belt 150th anniversary logo Link-Belt 150th anniversary logo
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Celebrating 150 years of Link-Belt

Here by hard work

Anniversary logo for Link-Belt celebrating 150 years

legacy isn’t built overnight. for 150 years, we’ve worked hard to make your work easier. from creating a revolutionary link belt drive chain to power hydraulic controls that changed the industry, we’ve always built Machines to outwork and outlast the competition. we’re proud of our legacy, but most importantly, we’re proud to be part of yours.

Reputation is earned

1874

It all started in 1874 when William Dana Ewart saw a need for reliable and durable innovations to help build emerging American infrastructure.

Link-Belt drive chain patent Historic photo of Link-Belt machinery Historic Link-Belt advertisement etching History Link-Belt Company logo
Black-and-white photo of historic machinery Historic Link-Belt Company logo Historic photo of Link-Belt K-55

1922

Link-Belt Co. expanded its offerings beyond locomotive cranes and material handling equipment with a pioneering line of crawler-mounted crane-shovels. These versatile machines, with capacities ranging from ¾ to 2 ½ yards, laid the groundwork for modern excavators.

1936

Link-Belt introduced “Speed-O-Matic “power hydraulic controls, which became the standard of the crane-shovel industry.

Historic photo of a Link-Belt machine dumping material into a truck Side-by-side images of male and female operators in Link-Belt machines, with the Speed-o-Matic logo visible Historic Link-Belt Speeder Corporation logo Historic photo of Link-Belt machine dumping material into a truck
Four LBX machines posed side by side A Link-Belt excavator working in a small pond near a blue house

1998

In a pivotal move in 1998, the excavator division of Link-Belt Construction Equipment Co. broke away to form a new entity, LBX Company LLC. With its headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky, LBX Company assumed the sole responsibility of manufacturing and marketing Link-Belt excavators, forestry, and material handling equipment. This newfound autonomy allowed LBX Company to dedicate its design efforts to addressing the evolving needs of modern customers.

2000

Introducing a new era of excavator performance, the LX Series debuted with groundbreaking electronic engine control technology. This innovation quickly set a new standard in the industry.

LX series excavator working in dirt LBX excavator at work
160 X2 working on the shore of a body of water 210 X2 working at sunset

2007

The X2 series introduced Extreme Technology, a forward advancement propelling excavator performance to new heights in power, efficiency, and profitability.

2014

Setting a new industry benchmark, the X4 series hydraulic excavators provide increased lift capacity, faster cycle times, and improved fuel efficiency while meeting stringent Final Tier 4 emissions standards.

145 X4 working in a wooded area Four LBX excavators working under a blue sky
LBX forestry machine at work LBX forestry machine at work

2015

Designed specifically for North American forestry, the 40 Series machines offer advanced features, exceptional power, and robust durability to conquer demanding forestry environments.

2018

Equipped to optimize operations in Brazil and Latin America, the X3E series provides substantial fuel savings, increased output, and longer equipment life. With a strong emphasis on safety, these machines present a reliable and efficient solution for customers in the region.

Close up of 360 X3E logo Photo of Link-Belt X3Es lined up
A Link-Belt excavator moving dirt

Still breaking ground

From the introduction of the first crawler-mounted crane shovels and wheel-mounted excavators to hydraulic controls, Link-Belt has consistently been a driving force for advancement in construction technology. We're still breaking ground.

Link-Belt Excavator working in a desert area
Excavators
Link-Belt forestry machine working in a lumber yard
Forestry
Link-Belt scrap loader moving material
Material handling
Link-Belt Excavators specialty machine working in a wooded area
Specialty

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