[CPEO-MEF] Complete control

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Complete control
Company equips remote-controlled excavator for munitions work
By ELLYN COUVILLION
ecouvillion@theadvocate.com
Advocate business writer

Earlier this month, the local branch of H&E Equipment Services shipped
out a 36-ton "excavator," a big monster of a machine with a long
mechanical arm and giant claw out front.

The company does that kind of thing regularly for clients. But this
time, the equipment it shipped out was a little different. After the big
hydraulic excavator arrives at its destination, it won't be operated by
a person riding in the cab of the machine.

The excavator will be operated by remote control from hundreds of yards
away -- a pioneering step in heavy equipment operation. And, it will be
working in soil carrying live munitions dating back to World War I.

"I don't know if it's ever been done with heavy equipment -- remote
control," said Lee Comeaux, branch manager for H&E in Baton Rouge. "We
don't know that anybody's ever done this."

This article can be viewed at:
http://www.theadvocate.com/stories/102702/bus_27biz001.shtml#

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