Book excerpt: This book examines the Texas-based company's heavy equipment that has been used in the mining, construction, and oil industries from the 1920s to present. Two hundred photos illustrate the fascinating tales behind LeTourneau breakthroughs like the first electric-diesel front-end loader. Founder Robert Gilmour LeTourneau is regarded as the father of high-volume earthmoving equipment, and holds more U.S. patents than any other person, save Thomas Edison. Fans of heavy equipment are sure to enjoy this profile of the manufacturer of the world's largest front-end loaders.