The Loss of “Ed” Engler

Edgar “Ed” Engler, 80, died suddenly at his home on August 30.  Along with Roger Johnston and Gary Lorenz, he founded Riggers Manufacturing in 1980.  He understood in the 1970s that multiple-stage cylinders were superior to single-stage cylinders in gantries:  “He proceeded to construct the first multiple-stage-cylinder gantry. Each leg had a base built from structural steel shapes that supported three, five-stage dump-truck cylinders. A steel plate joined the cylinder tops and supported on or two header beams.  Lift capacity was 75 tons per leg.”

His obituary in the Racine, Wis. Journal Times, credited him with inventing gantries capable of moving 600 tons and selling them all over the world before retiring and taking up the new challenge of successfully designing and building a 65-foot catamaran.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Engler; his son, David Engler; his daughter, Peggy (Bryan) Hayes; grandchildren, Lauren and Mitchell Hayes; his brother, Leon (Sue) Engler of Green Bay; as well as many nieces, nephews and good friends. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Hibbard Engler, Jr.; and sister, Rosella Fuss

Get the free newsletter

Sign up for news, trends and equipment for sale in the lifting and rigging industry.
By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Latest Products For Sale

Type Description
Equipment Consew 733R-5 for sale. We have upgraded the needle plate and needle bar to the…
Wire Rope 1-1/8” Dyform 34LR 2160 PI GLV RLL 173,800 lbs. UK 1 x 1153 Feet
Wire Rope 1-1/8” 6x26 EIPS IWRC RRL MBL 130,000 lbs Domestic 1 x 1024 Feet
Wire Rope 1” 6x19s EIPS IWRC RRL MBL 103,400 LBS Domestic 1 x 4970 Feet
Wire Rope 1” 6x19s EIPS IWRC RRL MBL 103,400 LBS Domestic 1 x 1490 Feet

News & Articles