After 59 Years, Pikes Will Retire

In 1966, the purchase of a dragline was the official start of Pike Construction. Now, 59 years, later, John and Karen Pike are parking most of their equipment and planning to retire. An auction to liquidate many of their business equipment assets will take place on June 7.

Although draglines are still used, those currently working are mostly utilized in mining operations. Because of high maintenance costs and changes in technology, Karen suggested, "They're mostly obsolete, like us."

A dragline is a type of excavator used for large-scale excavation and moving materials, particularly in mining...