Matt's ATX training
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNtClM4XfFE
Jason's ATX training
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=is-AwdzcGEs
Dave's ATX Training
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1gy2gWTVv0
Okay, into Monday ...
Finally in Peoria and ready for a week at Caterpillar. Today's agenda is full and started at 8:30 when the Caterpillar VIP bus picked us up and took us out to the Technical Centre. No photo's are allowed at this facility, but we can give you a quick overview of what we did.
The Technical Centre was built in 1961 and currently has 1800 employees, spending M$7 per day on global technology research and development.
There are several facilities located at the Technical Centre and we were lucky enough to see the following:
1) We checked out one of the test cells in Power Train Development where they test the power train and individual hydraulic components
2) Mini factory where they test process technology, do engineering evaluation on prototype factory tooling and create new processes for manufacturing ... amongst other things. What was really cool, was the Rapid Prototyping where they can build a replica off a pro-e design from resin or sand stone.
3) Something else really interesting is Caterpillar involvement in the DARPA Grand Challenge. Go and google to find out more about this .... because we know it all now
4) Next stop was Global Engine Development where they work on development of engines that carry the Cat brand name and includes diesel and gas engines. There are 100 test cells in the building. This is also where they do the certification for the Tier 4 engines. We saw the lab where they attach all the sensors and strain gauges for engineering tests. We were also lucky enough to check out the cool rooms where they had a couple of Engine Cold Start Validations in progress. Also saw the tilt table that they use to determine max tilt and rotation a running engine can maintain before loss of pressure, leaks and other problems - cool.
5) We got to see the Soil Lab used for development of Cat Work Tools and GET. This is where they can develop the profile for a bucket then design the geometry of the GET and wear rate.
6) In the Sound Lab we went into the Reverberation Chamber which is used to develop quiet cabs, acoustical engine enclosures and materials.
We saw an operator seat being tested on a shake table and a ROPS test set-up.
A quick photo on the way out and then time for lunch ...
After lunch, we went to Edwards Demonstration Center indoor product viewing area for a general line demonstration.
On the way in, we had to drag Matt away from this ...
.. while Dusty just wanted a chance to try this out.
Waiting for the show to start ....
.. and then finally it was all happening
Everybody found something that they would like to bring back home with them ...
Colin wants the truck
Dusty wants the D11
Dave will take the 385
Andrew picked the D7E
and Jason would not let anyone else near the 966
I decided that the 777 would be just the thing I need to get me through Bell street traffic in the morning.
Other than that, they all snooped around and tried to learn as much as they can from eachother and the operators
Then it was time to say goodbye to the real stuff .......
and off to find some other toys in the Virtual Training Simulator lab
Dave on the Wheel Tractor Scraper
Jason working on the Hydraulic Excavator
Andrew operating the Large Wheel Loader
Dusty trying to get the Track Type Tractor going
and Colin driving the Off Highway Truck
Before we left Edwards, we all had a change to meet with Bill Fusco and John Dieseth who developed the 2 day Customer Service Excellence soft skills training package. The guys gave them some great feedback on the customer service skills training and an hour later, I had to drag them all out of there so that we can be on time for dinner.
Getting into the Caterpillar VIP bus to leave Edwards at 5pm
Had a great dinner at Alexander's Steakhouse where we had to cook our own steaks and enjoyed the evening talking to Bill Fusco, Mike Kamp, Gerry Green and John Karson.
Tomorrow its training day at Edwards.
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