ServiceSchoolOffersInstruction forMoreThanJustTechnicians EquipExpoWillFeatureTech for Outdoors, Landscapers

The product support team at Terex Utilities hosted 58 participants from equipment dealers, utilities and utility contractors from all across the United States and Canada.

Held at the Lake Area Technical College Facility, Watertown, S.D., in June, instructors from the Terex Utilities Service School provided hands-on training for digger derricks and aerial devices.

While the training is geared for technicians, many individuals who have responsibility for various aspects of spec’ing, parts management, or even sales, can benefit from this hands-on learning experience. In addition, the experience level of the technicians ranged from just weeks to 29 years on the job.

“Technicians are able to learn from our instructors so they can stay current on best practices in order to be more efficient. Individuals in roles that support technicians get the chance to meet the Terex Utilities tech support team in person so they can get to know them if they ever do have to call for assistance,” said Kenny Vlasman, customer service manager at Terex Utilities.

Participants rotated through 12 different stations, which were held in shop bays, in classrooms and outside. Stations included instruction on the Hi-Ranger TM Series, Optima and Commander products. In addition to general troubleshooting, maintenance and inspections, other sessions took deep dives into chassis controllers, aerial device leveling systems and digger derrick planetary rotation and hydraulic overload protection.

Mike Sherman, technical support manager of Commercial Utility Equipment in Canada believed that there were many valuable take-aways from this training experience.

“This is the best training I’ve done for utility equipment, and I’ll be able to use what I learned this week to better support our customers and help them troubleshoot and find the root of the problem. The instructors referenced 30 to 40 different Tech Tips during the sessions and each one was so critical to know about because they could save you hours of your time trying to figure out an issue and thousands of dollars,” said Sherman.

“It’s a great refresher to go through handson training when given the chance. Going through the hydraulics and schematics stepby-step with instructors and hearing them break things down helps me to be more efficient. There are things taught in these classes and in the Tech Tips that expand on standard training materials. Those tips and the connections that I have made with everyone throughout the week are invaluable. Its so important to have a network of people you can call when you need help,” said Aubrey Fortenberry, fleet coordinator from Coserv Electric. 

Smart lawns and landscape lighting? Autonomous mowers? Drone and artificial intelligence-aided landscaping designs? It’s all at Equip Expo, which is being held Oct. 17 to 20, 2023, at the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC).

The blockbuster trade show is where landscapers and outdoor power equipment dealers can see new, industry technology, including business software, drones, irrigation and lighting technology, robotic and autonomous equipment, connected equipment systems using GPS, battery and electric innovations, and the latest engine technology.

“Equip Expo is where the industry’s manufacturers and technology providers debut the latest tech. There’s simply no better place to see it all. Not only that, you can test it,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), which owns Equip Exposition.

Expo offers more than 675,000 sq. ft. of indoor exhibit space, in addition to a 30-acre Outdoor DemoYard to “try before you buy” the latest tech and equipment as well as discuss new business ideas.

Equip Exposition will have more than 125 exhibitors with technology-related offerings.

“It has evolved immensely from an equipment show, to a show where you can get a ton of knowledge on different products,” said Gage Roberts, who exhibited with Aspire Software at the show last year.

“Equip Expo is where you can see and experience new capabilities before they’re on the market and in the hands of your competitors,” Kiser added. “The Outdoor Demo Yard, The Drone Zone, the vendor exhibits — it’s all set up for the landscaper and dealer to get their hands on the latest tech before anyone else.”

That access is appreciated by attendees.

“It’s all a plus when you can have all that within one facility where you can talk to some people and get information,” said Eric Hannett of Mobile-1 Lawn Service who attended the show last year.

Attendees at the show gain access to the engineers and developers who created the technology and learn how it can benefit their businesses and business bottom lines.

Drone technology, for instance, is revolutionizing how landscaping is sold, designed and built. From creating 3D renderings and estimating, to documenting progress and showcasing products with fly-through videos, drones can give landscape contractors a competitive edge.

Registrants can even win a drone each day of the show to take home, and work toward their FAAremote pilot certification for drone operation at Expo. The Drone Zone in the West Wing will offer hands-on training right on the exhibit floor. Attendees can test their abilities in a flight simulator and then step into The Drone Zone to fly a drone with an expert trainer.

For more information visit www.EquipExposition.com. 