JCB Construction Equipment, the world’s largest privately owned construction business, announced they are developing a 60 MPH, state-of-the-art JCB High Mobility Engineer Excavator (HMEE), purpose- built for the U.S. Army and destined for deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan, where it will provide battlefield commanders with a myriad of logistics capabilities in front patrols. The HMEE will be built at JCB’s headquarters in Savannah, GA. JCB’s production contract with the U.S. Army is worth an estimated $209 million for 800 JCB HMEE military machines.

The JCB HMEE, the world’s fastest backhoe loader, comes complete with full suspension and ABS braking technology, computer diagnostics, run-flat tires, roll-over protection and a two-man air-conditioned cab. Additionally, the vehicle can be used on both paved road and cross country surfaces. The HMEE provides strategic capabilities increasing: mobility — opening up roads; counter-mobility — creating obstacles for the enemy; and, survivability — providing water and supplies, building burms, laying electrical lines. The project will be led by Marine, General Manager of the Military Products Division Chris Saucedo.