Elton Long, best remembered for designing and manufacturing the first tractor loader/backhoe integrated from the factory and warranted by a single OEM, was inducted this month into the Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ Construction Equipment Hall of Fame.

Long’s credits go beyond being the primary engineer responsible for designing the Case 320 loader/backhoe; he earned 46 patents during his career, and his legacy of innovation and success continues to influence the construction equipment industry. Long lived from 1921 until 2003.

“Elton Long’s induction into the Construction Equipment Hall of Fame is a great honor for his family, as well as his ‘extended family’ at Case,” said Jim McCullough, president and CEO. “We are pleased to accept this distinguished recognition of Mr. Long’s many significant contributions, his innovation and his leadership.”

AEM added Long to its Construction Equipment Hall of Fame at an induction ceremony in Miami, during its annual conference.

A judging board comprised of impartial representatives and experts from major industry associations elected Long to the Construction Equipment Hall of Fame. The judging panel evaluates nominees based on the extent to which they exemplify the Hall of Fame's five guiding principles: innovation, industry contributions, leadership, corporate citizenship and sustainability.