Editors Message

Peace is not something you wish for, it’s something you build. The equality of community, its varied branches of government and municipal services and the evolution of education, medicine and religion all require a sturdy infrastructure to grow.

Construction equipment can help build both peace and community. Even in war-torn countries like Iraq and Afghanistan, machines like skid steers, backhoes, wheel loaders and telehandlers are helping install infrastructure for struggling nations, while protecting troops and contractors who are there for security and reconstruction. Manufacturers from Kubota and Case to JCB and JLG make battle-ready machines that are prepared for the dangerous job of a developing nation.

An ally like the British Royal Engineer Army Sappers (specifically Daniel Boden and Craig Cook) are alive today thanks to the Caterpillar equipment they were working in when each was hit by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) buried in roads in Afghanistan. Boden was driving a Cat 434E backhoe loader and Cook was working with a protected 938G wheel loader, repairing damage to the roads that had been hit previously by IED explosions. Thanks to the additional armor and modifications added to both machines by their Cat dealer — Finning of Cannock, UK — both soldiers were able to walk away from their equipment.

“The people at Caterpillar have given me future faith to go out on further patrols in the machines, knowing that if it were to happen again, your machines are the safest place to be,” said Cook. “I would like to thank Caterpillar from the bottom of my heart. Because of your hard work, I can go home to see my wife and the birth of my first child. I really can’t thank you enough.”

That’s only one of many great stories we’ve brought you in this special Fourth of July military issue of Compact Equipment. We have a stockpile of amazing machine features of equipment used in military arenas. On page 26, we pick our “A-Team” of combat-ready construction equipment. With codenames like Heavy-Metal and The Extinguisher, these tough tools are designed for both work and security.

On page 20, we bring in special reporter Jason Morgan to discuss the business end of equipment manufacturing for military-grade equipment in our story “The Few, The Proud, The Machines,” interviewing iron giants like JCB, Navistar, Case and John Deere to see how these companies focus their expertise on non-civilian markets. And flip to page 38 and we’ll detail one of the coolest organizations working in the military/construction sector — Helmets to Hardhats — which places quality men and women from the armed forces into promising building and construction careers.

All of these sources deserve a big thank you from not only the staff here at Compact Equipment, but from all of our readers who support our troops and allies around the world. Salute them by visiting your local dealers, trying out their equipment and investing in a future that builds peace and community.

Keith Gribbins
Managing Editor
kgribbins@benjaminmedia.com