The company was established in 1952. The first mining machines manufactured were designed for the application of lime stone dust to the roof, walls and floors of underground collieries.  The range of equipment manufactured by Bird Machines has expanded over the years and now includes Multi Purpose Vehicles (cassette carriers), Utility Vehicles, Maintenance Units, Scissors Lifts, Dump Trucks (tipping and rear ejecting), Personnel Carriers, All Wheel Steer Flatbed vehicles, Pipe (large bore) Manipulators, Road Compactors, Agicars, Roof Scalers, Rock Breakers and a number of other machines to meet specific client requirements. Most vehicles are available in flameproof (for coal mines) or standard configuration (e.g. hard rock mines).

The provision of after sales service, and the prompt and efficient supply of spare parts, is a vital part of developing and maintaining a long-term relationship with mining companies.  For this reason a Sales, Service and Spare Parts branch was established at Bethal (coal mines) and Burgersfort (platinum mines).

During February 2009 an agreement was concluded with Temeng (Pty) Ltd (a 100% Black owned business) and Anglo American (Zimele) in terms of which Temeng acquired 28% and Anglo (Zimele) 10% of Bird Machines (Pty) Ltd. Temeng specializes in field service and maintenance support to various mining groups in the Steelpoort area. Anglo American is a major player in the international mining industry and in particular in Southern Africa.