In celebration of its heritage as the inventor of the original backhoe loader, JCB is taking its highly specialized military backhoe loader, the HMEE (high mobility engineer excavator), on tour along with its all-new, commercial-purposed 3CX backhoe loader. The JCB of Georgia equipment dealership in Pooler, Ga., is the first stop on this roadshow across the southeastern United States.

At each of the tour stops, JCB is collecting signatures on its “Show Your Support” banner to raise money for the Lone Survivor Foundation, an organization dedicated to the recovery and healing of wounded American service members and their families. Many of these service members struggle with invisible injuries such as combat trauma stress, mild traumatic brain injury and chronic pain management.

Designed and built by JCB in Savannah, Ga. for the U.S. Military, the HMEE is a fully armored, 16-ton (14.5 t) backhoe loader capable of speeds up to 60 mph. During each open house, the public will have the opportunity for a close-up view of the HMEE and its ability to maneuver.

The construction industry was revolutionized when JCB developed the first backhoe loader in 1953 providing a powerful, easy-to-operate earth-moving tool. Today, nearly half of all backhoe loaders sold around the world are manufactured by JCB. The newest JCB backhoe loader is the 3CX. The technology and durability that are applied to building the HMEE to withstand the most difficult work conditions are utilized in building the entire JCB backhoe line of equipment.

“Being selected by the U.S. Military to build a backhoe loader that will stand up to battlefield conditions and get the job done is an honor," said Thom Peebles, vice president of marketing. "Being able to support the Lone Survivor Foundation through our HMEE and new JCB 3CX Road Show is a privilege. We are proud to team up with an organization that is working diligently to support service members and their families in their transitions back to civilian lives.”