College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Heavy Equipment Technician students are staying up to date in their industry thanks to a newly purchased crawler dozer.
Diesel Technology leadership was able to purchase a Komatsu D65PX-17 from Modern Machinery, the regional Komatsu dealership. This type of bulldozer is one of the more common pieces of equipment technicians encounter at construction sites, which faculty will expand on track and undercarriage curriculum, as well as hydraulics and electrical training.
“This piece of equipment will emulate what students are going to be exposed to in the field,” said Diesel Technology and Power Sports Department Chair, George Turner.
Modern Machinery is one of CWI’s Heavy Equipment Technician industry partners. Its parent company, The Washington Companies, has been funding $10,000 grants to purchase new tooling and fund scholarships for the last three years through their foundation, Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation.
Turner said through their relationship, the College was able to purchase the dozer at a discounted price.
“This support is invaluable,” said Turner. “Over the last 20 years, there have been huge technological changes in the industry. In 2014 and 2015, there was quite a substantial shift in technologies utilized on equipment, particularly for emissions controls. Modern emissions controls are something that we need to focus on more, which this new dozer is going to help our students understand a bit better.”
For more information on CWI’s Heavy Equipment Technician program, visit the program page or contact George Turner at georgeturner@cwi.edu.
