Current military operations, for instance in Afghanistan, have given rise to specialist requirements for combat engineering and construction tasks to be conducted in high threat locations.  Through its strategic partnership with Finning UK, Caterpillar's main dealer, Penman has supplied a range of crew protection systems (CPS) which has been proven already in theatre to provide effective protection against small arms, rocket propelled grenades and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

Initially, supply of Penman Protected™ Caterpillar plant has been procured as an Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR) by the Service Provision Project Team, General Service Group DE&S, to meet immediate needs in Operation Herrick in Afghanistan. 

The crew protection systems (CPS) are designed to provide the operator with full 360° protection, including the roof and floor, from small arms, blast and fragmentation threats.  An emergency escape hatch is provided through the roof and the transparent armour offers excellent operator visibility of the machine and the surrounding work area.  Additional options, including bar armour, run-flat wheel and tyre systems, communications, electronic countermeasures (ECM) and infra-red lighting, are also available.
The Penman Caterpillar 434 Light Wheeled Tractor, Protected (LWT-P) is based on the OE manufacturer's latest E-series backhoe loader.  It features new load sensing, flow-sharing hydraulics and improved backhoe design and geometry – delivering greater control and increased performance.

The Penman Caterpillar 938 Wheeled Loader, Protected (WL-P) is one of the most versatile, tested, proven and mission capable machines in current service.  Powered by a Tier 3 Emissions compliant C6.6 ACERT engine, the machine features an engine idle management system to maximise fuel efficiency and provide additional flexibility to manage idle speeds for specific applications.  
 
The Penman Caterpillar MTL 257 Protected is a compact rubber-tracked multi-terrain loader which provides high traction, excellent floatation and low ground pressure.
Penman designs and manufactures armoured crew protection systems (CPS) for a wide range of OEM products, including machines from Caterpillar, JCB, Case and Lannen.  Protection levels are available from entry level basic riot protection, through 9mm and .44 Magnum handgun, to military assault weapons and beyond. Protection is also offered against DM51 and L2A2 devices as required.