Help is on the way for the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, but not in its usual form. This time “help” is the “JCB High Mobility Engineer Excavator (HMEE),” a.k.a. the “world’s fastest backhoe loader.” I like to think of it as the “Batmobile of Heavy Equipment.” Its speed, mobility, and design will improve the capabilities of field commanders in front patrols. See batmobile of heavy equipment for the original article. See website directly below for video and other multi-media HMEE resources.
A few highlights of the article:
Specs
The HMEE travels up to 60 mph on paved roads and cross country surfaces
Full suspension and ABS brakes
Computer diagnostics
Run-flat tires and roll-over protection
17.55 tons with armor and 15.75 tons without armor
6.7-liter diesel
Lifts 2.2 tons, digs 13 ft deep
Purpose
Provide battlefield commanders more capabilities in front patrols
Increase Mobility and counter-mobility
Provide water and supplies, build burms, lay electrical lines, etc.
JCB Construction Equipment is the creator of the HMEE. It was 4 years in the making and built specifically for the U.S. Military. JCB is the world’s largest privately owned construction business.
Here is brief video about some other JCB military equipment.
Our Director of Training Services, Scotty Gecks, provided this stroy.
Attitude – A little word that makes a big difference. Monique Lammers came to our school not knowing if her finances would clear. It was nip and tuck at first. During this time of uncertainty she kept her eye on the prize. She enrolled in our Mobile Crane Program determined that whatever the outcome she wanted all the knowledge she could get. Her determination, positive attitude, and quiet confidence caught everyone’s attention. She had a full head of steam when the good news came about her finances and had already set the bar for her classmates. She had some construction experience, but she came here wanting something more . . . a lot more. When she saw the brochure and video from Mammoet Heavy Lift and Transport, she knew. That was it. That was the something more she wanted . . .
The more she progressed through the program, the more determined she became to work for Mammoet. It was during the last week of her training that Doug Allen from Mammoet called. He was in Hawaii and was inquiring about another graduate who had applied and I mentioned I had a “good one” coming up that was wanting to work for Mammoet. I knew Mammoet doesn’t hire until grads have their CCO, but he became interested in Monique. Before the conversation ended, he asked if I would have her call him. They had a phone interview and the next day he called and made her an offer. She accepted. Monique graduated Outstanding Mobile Crane student and has passed and received her CCO Certification. She is the first female hired in the Crane Division of Mammoet, USA!
I am so proud of our school’s ability to offer those that have made mistakes and are wanting to turn their lives around the opportunity to do so. I am a strong believer in second chances and am personally thankful for even third and fourth chances. We recently had a student who was referred by the Missouri Department of Vocational Rehabilitation who had a felony record. This student attended our Heavy Equipment Level 3 program and after completing this went through our 6 week Mobile Crane Program. Only one week after graduating from the school he was hired as a Crane Operator at $25.00 per hour plus $75.00 a day per diem and 45 cents per mile for travel. While attending our program he was required by the state of Missouri to report back twice to his probation officer. He had a caseworker who believed in him and gave him an opportunity. He was a good student and had an excellent attitude. We want to thank the Missouri Department of Vocational Rehabilitation for their willingness to invest in this student for he is now on his way to success in the construction field and has achieved one of his goals.
