Hydraulic power has frequently been employed by the company and they amassed a great deal of practical knowledge concerning its use. One example of this application was the Hyrax (Picture) crane. This used hydraulic power extensively. resulting in a compact and smoothly operating design and won an enviable reputation for its ability to work efficiently in. confined spaces, handling maximum loads under minimum head room.

In 1959 in a mutual agreement Neals was taken over by the Steel Group of Companies. This Steel Group which included Coles became the largest mobile crane maker in Europe and was the British answer to the aggressive bid by Continental manufacturers for world markets. R H Neal and Co. then the third largest crane producer in the United Kingdom occupied an important position in this new operation.

One aspect of the merger was the formation of an overseas' marketing organisation with world wide ramifications. For many years now Neals cranes had been exported to all five continents, but this sales origination further extend these markets and increased export orders.

The mobile crane market is noted for being fiercely competitive, but one where success brings great reward. Using the pooled resources of the Steel Group, Neal's ware expanded to have an even greater share of these rewards. Rationalised production, and close integration with the other crane companies in the group brought about increasing success in the crane market.

Yet another, outcome from the Steel Group merger was an agreement between Neals and the Unit Crane and Shovel Corporation of Milwaukee, USA, to manufacture their 'Unit' machines at Grantham. The agreement concluded between these two companies meant that the range of products manufactured by the Grantham plant was greatly increased, in addition to the Neal range they produced excavators, draglines and backhoes of American design, these under the trade name 'Neal Unit.'. There was a growing demand for this type of equipment as British contractors grew more machine minded.