Please wait while images are loading...

Chad Theriot at the Butte La Rose, Louisiana wayside rest off Interstate 10 pulling a well that was down after Hurricane Gustav.

Working hard in the Bayou Country near the Henderson swamp in Butte La Rose, Louisiana, is the Louisiana DOTD's (Department of Transportation and Development) first of 6 Little Giant 6430 truck cranes. This 30-ton capacity machine was ordered to replace their aging fleet of cranes in the state of Louisiana.

Crane operator Chad Theriot was very impressed with how smooth the 6430 is, and how unbelievably easy it was to operate, “I really love it,” says Mr. Theriot, “and anyone can operate this crane; this was everything expected and more!” Having built two bridges already, using a Demag diesel-powered pile driver, there wasn’t any stress operating this compared to their old out-of-date machines. They even added a 5’ section to reach highway cameras with ease, and he loves his air-ride seat a lot.