From the moment he could talk, Dehan has been fascinated by the mighty machines that shape our world. At just four years old, he knows the names, sounds, and even the “jobs” of various construction machines - and he can tell you why each one is his favourite. His love for construction machines, particularly those from CASE, is not only fascinating but also brings a smile to everyone around him.
We were first introduced to Dehan’s incredible passion for CASE machines when his mother, Bodine du Plessis, Security and Facility Officer at CNH Industrial, reached out with a special request. She wanted to arrange a special photoshoot for Dehan’s 4th birthday - not with balloons or cakes, but surrounded by the powerful CASE machines that have become his heroes. What started as a simple request revealed a story of pure childhood wonder and an unshakable bond with the machines that build our world.
Dehan’s journey into the world of construction began with Blippi, the popular American children’s entertainer known for his educational show that explores exciting things like fire trucks, zoos, and, of course, construction equipment. Blippi’s use of CASE machines sparked Dehan’s initial interest, but it was the brand’s mascot, Old Abe the Eagle, that truly won him over. The emblem of Old Abe, proudly displayed on all CASE machines, became a symbol of strength and adventure for Dehan.
Bodine even bought Dehan an Abe the Eagle soft toy from the CASE merchandise store, and it quickly became his favourite companion. “He wouldn’t sleep at night without Abe,” Bodine shared. Alongside the toy, the CASE store offers a beautifully illustrated children’s book that tells the story of Old Abe’s origins and how he became the mascot of CASE Construction—a tale that Dehan absolutely loves.
When we asked Dehan about his favourite construction machine, his eyes lit up with excitement. “The excavator, because it’s big and strong like me!” he declared with pride. His imagination knows no bounds when he plays with his construction toys. His collection includes big excavators that he loves using to dig in the sand, and he’s even been caught using his remote-controlled excavator to “remove” his mom’s flowers! When asked which machine he’d choose to drive if he could, Dehan couldn’t pick just one - “I want to drive them all,” he said with a big grin. One of the most charming moments was when we asked him what he thinks construction workers do at lunchtime. Without hesitation, he replied, “They sit in the machine’s bucket and eat their lunch.” It’s little moments like these that highlight just how much Dehan has absorbed from his many encounters with construction machines.
Dehan’s connection to CASE Construction machines runs deep. He doesn’t just recognize them by their iconic design; he knows them by the eagle logo, and his love for the brand is unmistakable. When asked why CASE machines are the best, Dehan had a simple answer: “Because they have Abe on them.” This straightforward reasoning, as pure as it is, shows just how much Abe the Eagle means to him. Bodine also shared that Dehan has given some of the machines his own unique names. For example, the skid steer becomes “Skiddisteer,” and the TLB is affectionately called “TL Bean.” These little details make Dehan’s love for construction all the more endearing.
Looking ahead, Dehan dreams of one day “fixing the tires” of wheel loaders and hearing the workers say, “thank you.” His mom has noticed how his love for construction encourages him to play outside, use his imagination, and simply be a busy, happy boy. “It’s amazing to see how much joy he gets from something as simple as digging in the sand with his machines,” Bodine said. “He’s always building, fixing, and pretending—it’s like he’s in his own little construction world.”
As Dehan continues to grow and explore, we can only imagine what adventures lie ahead in his construction-filled world. For now, we’re just glad to be a part of his journey and to witness the joy that CASE machines bring to this young enthusiast.