The armed forces often use construction equipment when completing missions abroad and at home.
Recently, John Deere played host to representatives from the U.S. Army Technical Command during an event in Kernersville, North Carolina. The purpose of the meeting was to present one of the HYEX machines the company is producing for the military.
The HYEX is based on John Deere's 240D LC Excavator piece of construction equipment. It features a special engine that can use JP8 jet fuel and armor plating to guard against explosions.
"The excavator is the number one piece of equipment in theater, and about 40 of these will go to Afghanistan to help build base camps, roads and schools, put in water and sewer lines, and move barriers," said Dave Schwartz, U.S. Army Combat Engineering and Material Handling product manager.
In all, John Deere is producing 113 of the machines. Whatever doesn't go overseas will be used by the Reserve and National Guard in the U.S.
Along with helping build public works projects in Afghanistan, the armed forces have helped farmers in the region by delivering agricultural equipment.
John Deere building construction equipment for Army
John Deere is building construction equipment for the U.S. armed forces.