R.G. LeTourneau (LeTourneau, Inc.) built some of the largest earth moving machines in the world. The old man was fanitically opposed to the use of oil hydraulics and insisted that his machines use electric motor powered winches and cable for all the actuators. That extended to the propel drive train as well. He was so biased against oil that he swore that if there was a way to run an internal combustion engine without lube oil, he's do it. After the fonder retired they slowly integrated oil hydraulics into their machines. Many of the huge open pit dump trucks also use and electric drive as well.
Regards,
GtG
RG also built the tourna train consisting a string of trailers with an electric motor in each wheel for snow, mud etc. Mercedes also builds diesel electric tractors, bushhogs having electric motors instead of power shafts. RG also put every thing on Rubber. after he sold the company to Westinghouse Air Brake, he developed land clearing machines that mowed down trees. He also had a machine that carried a one BR house made of concrete and set it on a foundation. Amazing man RG, self made, uneducated, a welder by trade. The Earthworm tractor company is searching for Obamadollars convincing the pols that they invented Hybrid earthmoving. BTW I got a letter from Obama Motors saying the Pres was going to take care of mei and offering a $2500 discount on a new Sub. I dont think so unless I bought it from a screwed over dealer
barbra ann