A home away from home

Technology advances help to make equipment operators more comfortable-and more productive-in the field, in the pit, and on the job site

Looking at the row of 20 or more identical steel levers topped by look-alike round grips, it is hard to imagine operating a vintage wheel loader or excavator. The complicated, poorly positioned controls were difficult to learn and often required a great deal of physical force to operate.

The equipment operator's work was also challenged by a less-than-ideal work environment that often featured cramped quarters and poor visibility. Operators frequently stood up or leaned forward to see the task or job site, and were often forced to look periodically over their shoulder, often for extended periods, especially for multitasking and bidirectional equipment.