Walking with Giants

Phosphates and gold in Finland, copper in Sweden, limestone in Holland, coal in Wales and Spain … throughout Europe the raw materials for industry, construction and power are being excavated every day.

Steven Vale looks at massive earthmoving machines in fourteen European countries from Spain and Italy to Swedish and Finnish Lapland. He describes the regions in which the mining is set, provides information about the industries they serve and portrays some of the characters involved.

Fine photographs coupled with detailed text show the excavators, dozers, wheeled loaders and dump trucks, some of which are the largest in their classes, as they work in truly incredible settings. Some of these are veterans, while others are the most modern versions available.

Steven’s text reveals why the mine managers selected particular brands, how they feel about their selection and whether they are likely to continue with the same choices in future. He also describes how the mines are facing up to the environmental challenges which increasingly affect them.

Massive machines, with famous names – Liebherr, Caterpillar, Komatsu, Hitachi, O&K, Terex, LeTourneau, Demag, Bucyrus – will give enthusiasts plenty to savour in this first book to look comprehensively at European surface mining activity.

Walking with Giants – Europe’s Massive Earthmovers (Hardback 320 pages) was written by Steven Vale, a life-long machinery enthusiast with a great deal of knowledge of the European scene. He helped organise and script the impressive range of Massive Machines DVDs.