Farr v. Wheeler Manufacturing Corp.

On October 20, 1961, James Farr, the decedent, was injured in an industrial accident. Farr, an employee of Rudoni Excavating Company, was working on a drain project and was called upon to cut a 12 inch sewer pipe. His employer borrowed a hydraulic pipe cutter from the City of Lincoln Park. This machine was manufactured by defendant Wheeler Manufacturing Corporation and distributed by defendant Ellis and Ford Manufacturing Company.

To operate this machine, a chain is wrapped around the pipe to be cut, a valve is closed, and the machine is pumped. When enough pressure is obtained, the pipe will…