Cat® Simulators has introduced a new Excavator package designed to help operators practice excavation of underground utilities.  

The Next Gen Excavator Underground Utilities package places operators in a realistic virtual construction environment where they can practice exposing water, gas and electrical service lines for inspection, repair and extension without the risks associated with live utilities. 

The package includes four scenarios: 

  • Expose Damaged Water Service. Uncover a leaking water service line using safe digging techniques and precision control. 
  • Extend Water Service. Practice trenching, depth control and excavation techniques required to extend service to a building. 
  • Expose Gas Service. Work around overlapping gas and water lines in a congested underground environment. 
  • Expose Electrical Service. Uncover an electrical service line while identifying and avoiding nearby utilities. 

The practice scenarios allow operators to develop precision, situational awareness and safe excavation habits before performing these tasks on an actual jobsite. The Cat® Monitor System works in real time with the simulations, allowing the operator to interact with and utilize Cat® Technologies built into the machine. 

Like other Cat Simulators Systems, the Next Gen Excavator features authentic Cat® controls and built-in performance reporting to help instructors evaluate operator progress. 

Companion SimScholars® Underground Utilities curriculum extends training beyond the simulator with online lessons, safety information, videos, quizzes and more. Used together, Cat Simulators and SimScholars provide a blended learning approach that builds knowledge of underground utility concepts and reinforces that knowledge through hands-on practice. 

For schools, workforce development programs and private companies, the simulator system provides another way to prepare operators for real-world excavation tasks while keeping training safe, efficient and repeatable, regardless of weather or jobsite conditions. 

To see a demo, contact an account manager.