Articles - CAT® SIMULATORS

28 05, 2024

Mt. Pleasant High School Cat Simulators let students explore future job opportunities

New Cat Simulators at Mount Pleasant High School are revolutionizing how students prepare themselves for the construction jobsite. Students can learn how to use various CAT products that, after completing the training, will prepare them for a career.

The class is taught by Scott Anders and will allow students to be dual enrolled at TCAT Hohenwald while he serves as an adjunct professor within the walls of Mount Pleasant High School. The CTE (Career Technical Education) department of Maury County Schools is in communications with several companies to create an internship program that students can take after mastering the simulator.

This program is funded by a Tennessee Innovative Model Schools grant and fosters a trade-based education that leads to students having high wages and job opportunities immediately upon leaving high school.

The simulators are state-of-the-art and simulate various types of job sites across America. The simulators are so detailed that the joy cons used on the simulator can be applied to an actual CAT machine and it will function. The students get much needed experience via the simulator lab that educators say will drive their individual value up once they reach the job market.

Principal Eric Hughes said that students who complete the training programs offered at the high school will “have a leg up on the competition.”

Hughes addressed how the simulators and other projects keep students engaged in academics.

“They all don’t like Algebra 2 or English 3 but if it Is a skill or trade, we can get them interested and we can use that as leverage, but they still have to keep their grades up in Algebra 2,” he said.

These programs keep students interested in going to school as it provides them with a greater purpose for being there. The students are not only getting great instruction from teachers like Anders, but instruction from experts at the companies that the school is partnered with. This two-year plan has borne many fruits as students are getting paid internships going into the summer.

Carter Gilliam, a student at Mount Pleasant, spoke about how he is going to use his simulator training, saying, “I will put them to my personal use in case I need to rent a machine like this to know how to use it for my property.”

The simulator gives students an extra layer of confidence they need to enter the ever-evolving workforce.

Anders said, “Mr. Hughes has a 40-year plan for every student at this school. For some it may be either go off to two- or four-year universities but for others it is about what skill can we help develop.”

Hughes has a passion to help students find their niche and guide them into positions where they can find success. He stated that in conversations with labor officials that “they will need thousands of workers over the next 10 years.”

Original Article: Main Street Maury | By: Jonah Storey | May 22, 2024 https://mainstreetmediatn.com/articles/e-newsletter-mainstreetmaury/mt-pleasant-high-school-cat-simulators-let-students-explore-future-job-opportunities/

23 05, 2024

Incarcerated Women at Lowell Correctional Institution Gain Hope Through Heavy Equipment Operator Program

“Can I do this? I’ve never even stood next to an Excavator or Dozer, let alone run one,” she thought. With a mix of nerves and determination, she walked through the classroom door and made her way to her seat. She couldn’t believe she had signed up for the Heavy Equipment Operator program. She was sure this would be one of the most challenging things she’d ever done in her life. She had made some bad decisions before. Was this another one? She hoped not.

Her determination was stronger than her doubts. “I can do this. I WANT to do this,” she said out loud. Seeing other women inmates around her nodding in agreement, she knew she was ready. She was ready to start preparing for the day she would be released and the career she hoped would await her after she learned how to operate heavy equipment.

In July 2023, the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC), in partnership with the Florida Foundation for Correctional Excellence (FFCE), expanded its Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) program at the Lowell Correctional Institution in Ocala, Fla., to include female inmates to help reintegrate them back into society. Part of this expansion included adding Cat® Simulator systems to train the women how to operate Excavators, Dozers and Compact Track Loaders.

However, the women enrolled in the program are not just learning a skill; they are gaining renewed hope for their future beyond prison walls. They are learning the skills needed to operate heavy equipment effectively and safely–skills that could potentially transform their lives.

“It’s approximately a 10-month program, and we usually have about 20 students enrolled at a time,” said Adam Ryalls, Florida Department of Corrections, Education Technology Coordinator for Region Three. “It’s full-time, five days a week, six hours a day.”

“We have one instructor teaching the class who lectures part of the day, and then the women are on simulators the other part of the day,” said Ryalls, who explained that the course is an open enrollment model. “The course is structured so every woman, regardless of their skill level, can learn in the program.”

Ryalls explained that there are no hard-set requirements regarding who can participate. However, they try to prioritize the women as much as possible regarding their release date and behavior.

Easy Transition from Cat Simulators to Actual Excavators

After the women complete at least 32 hours of simulator training, they can experience hands-on training on actual excavators thanks to a partnership with the Ring Power Corporation, a Caterpillar dealership, which has donated an excavator to the program.

“We’ve had great feedback from the women in the program. The women have loved being able to use a real machine.” Ryalls continued, “Watching how easily they transition to the actual machine is amazing. It is 100 percent easier for them because of the authentic Cat® controls. One of the things they say right away when they sit down in the excavator is, ‘This is the same as I’ve been doing on the simulator.’”

Florida Department of Corrections, Region 3 CTE Coordinator Jarrod Mesloh echoed Ryalls. “Every single person who gets involved with this program absolutely loves it. The students adapt amazingly well to it,” said Mesloh, who previously taught both men and women inmates. “The men gravitate towards operating equipment a bit more naturally. The women are apprehensive and scared at first, but once they get on the simulator, they fall in love with it.”

Recently, the women inmates had another chance to operate a real excavator. “We did this previously, and we’re doing it again,” explained Mesloh. “They’re going to be operating actual machinery. They love it. They love the Cat Simulators. And they love the Cat experience.”

“These women have never run heavy equipment. The only exposure they’ve had is their time on the simulators.” Mesloh continued, “When we put them on an actual Cat excavator with a big pile of dirt that they can play in, they operate the excavator like they have experience—like they’ve done it before. And it’s because of the simulators.”

After completing the 900-hour program, the women earn industry-recognized credentials, including National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Core, Heavy Equipment Level 1 and 2 certification and an OSHA 10 card.

Life After Release

The program participants range from women who have already served 25 years to some who will remain at Lowell for some time to those who will be going home soon after the class, explained Ryalls.

“Our goal is to get women who are eligible to go to work release in about 10 months or so. They’ll exit this program and go to a work release facility,” said Ryalls. “We have employers who would love to take them on who are located near the work release facility. Then the women can get some on-the-job training while they’re on work release.”

Florida Department of Corrections, Region 3 CTE Coordinator Jarrod Mesloh echoed Ryalls. “Every single person who gets involved with this program absolutely loves it. The students adapt amazingly well to it,” said Mesloh, who previously taught both men and women inmates. “The men gravitate towards operating equipment a bit more naturally. The women are apprehensive and scared at first, but once they get on the simulator, they fall in love with it.”

Recently, the women inmates had another chance to operate a real excavator. “We did this previously, and we’re doing it again,” explained Mesloh. “They’re going to be operating actual machinery. They love it. They love the Cat Simulators. And they love the Cat experience.”

Grabbing the handrail, she pulled herself into the excavator cab. As she slid into the operator’s seat, she realized she had done it. After 900 hours, she had completed the program. All her doubts were gone, along with her fear of the unknown. She knew this machine. She knew these controls. She had sat in this seat with these same controls in her hands for hours while learning how to operate this machine. And she had practiced what she was about to do countless times. Pulling her shoulders back, she grabbed the controls and confidently told herself, “I’m ready.”

2 04, 2024

Maintenance Tips for Maximum Uptime Series: Articulated Truck

Extend the life of Articulated Trucks with proper operation and maintenance. Include a pre-operation machine inspection before every shift. Schedule maintenance checks and follow these tips to achieve maximum uptime for Articulated Trucks.

Do not load the body with oversized material that can become lodged in the body or is unable to clear the end of the body.
Know the load limits for the truck. Do not overload.
Keep an eye on brake temperature, especially when choosing gears. If the brake temperature is too high, shift down to a lower gear and slow the machine down.
Do not use excessive speeds, especially while under load. The additional weight and momentum are harder to stop and can lead to tipping and unplanned maintenance.
Keep the Truck straight and level when loading. These actions are beneficial in several ways:
- The required effort to pull away is reduced.
- The possibility of tire damage is reduced.
- Loading a Truck evenly will prevent uneven loading and wear on tires and axles.
Choose tires to match the terrain and jobsite conditions. Size and width can affect performance and lifespan.
Do not overload trucks. Disregarding load ratings can affect the life of tires and brake systems.
When approaching the dump area, slow down before turning to help prevent the front tires from rolling over to the side and causing excessive premature tire wear.
Check the machine’s Operations & Maintenance Manual (OMM) for alignment and grease schedules. The oscillation portion must be readjusted at given intervals to retain the proper specifications or the risk of the oscillation bearings, seals and retention system can be damaged.

Teach operators how to perform a machine inspection as part of regular preventative maintenance with Cat® Simulators. Learners can make mistakes in the safety of a virtual environment without harming themselves or the Truck. When learners understand machine applications before moving to the iron, they can help organizations save costs throughout the life of the machine.

20 03, 2024

Students try their hand at trade jobs during APS career fair

In an effort to get more high school students interested in pursuing a trade career after graduation, such as plumbing, welding or construction, Albuquerque Public Schools’ Apprenticeship Council hosted a trade careers fair Monday at the Berna Facio Professional Development Complex.

Original article by Gino Gutierrez, Albuquerque Journal, https://www.abqjournal.com/good_news/students-try-their-hand-at-trade-jobs-during-aps-career-fair/article_e3724cc2-e565-11ee-8a89-73fa6be7bd89.html#2

3 01, 2024

McConnell Dowell Employees Experience New Safety Program

McConnell Dowell Employees Experience New Safety Program Featuring Cat® Simulators SimLite Systems with VR

For more than 60 years, McConnell Dowell has delivered innovative solutions for complex projects, ranging from remote resources to city infrastructure. The projects encompass building, civil, electrical, fabrication, marine, mechanical, pipelines, rail, tunnel and underground construction on two continents – Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Employee safety is a priority, from the plant (heavy equipment) operators to professional engineers to quality teams to all of the company’s employees and subcontractors.

In 2020, there were 194 fatal accidents and 120,000 serious injuries in Australian workplaces, according to Safe Work Australia’s “Work-related Traumatic Injury Fatalities, Australia 2020” report, with vehicle-related incidents being the leading cause of the fatalities. Industries such as construction and logistics disproportionately contributed to these statistics, making up approximately 68% of all fatalities. Despite industry best practices, such as exclusion zones, barriers, spotters, reversing cameras and training, these statistics have remained mostly constant for the past 20 years.

McConnell Dowell’s Australian Health and Safety Manager Greg Evangelakos explained that the company was seeking a training solution to help prevent incidents and fatalities for its more than 3,000 employees and 15,000 subcontractors who work across their projects. “What we found on our projects is that some employees and contractors lacked the understanding of plant (heavy equipment) and their blind spots,” said Evangelakos.

The company had been using various methods including safety instructions, training, induction, Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), pre-starts and toolbox talks to ensure the safety of their employees and subcontractors. Evangelakos explained that although these methods were suitable, they were still looking to improve them.

“So, we challenged ourselves on how we could show or teach employees about interacting with plant (heavy equipment) and blind spots better. We needed a diﬀerent way rather than us standing in front of 200 people, showing them a photo and explaining where the blind spots are,” explained Evangelakos.

The Health & Safety Team started exploring virtual reality (VR) as a solution.

“We went down the virtual reality path with a developer to develop a program, but it didn’t work. It just wasn’t what we needed,” said Evangelakos. “Our next step was looking into virtual reality from an oﬀ-the-shelf product, so we contacted Cat® Simulators.”

The team knew Cat Simulators systems were used to train new and experienced operators how to operate heavy equipment eﬀectively, but they needed a diﬀerent type of training for their employees and subcontractors.

Evangelakos explained that they decided “to ﬂip the simulator on its head” and use the simulators to help inexperienced employees from all disciplines gain a better perspective and awareness of heavy equipment and blind spots.

Rather than targeting experienced operators, the team focused on the broader workforce including quality team, engineers, surveyors and employees exposed to working around heavy equipment. “Basically, we targeted any employees we believed could be at risk were participants in our VR Simulation Plant Awareness Program,” said Evangelakos. “In the simulator, you get as close as possible to the real plant (heavy equipment) without being in real danger.”

VR Simulator Plant Awareness Program

Evangelakos continued, “Construction people and activities are inherently hands-on. We saw an opportunity with simulators to flip the education and understanding of the current industry best practice for people-plant interaction controls and make it even more hands-on.”

This was supported by the 70:20:10 model of learning and development. That model suggests that 70% of learning occurs through experience, followed by 20% through peer-to-peer relationships, and only a small portion, 10%, from coursework and training. Previously, employees had limited experiential learning. Now, their plant awareness and blind spot training is hands-on through total immersion because of VR, allowing them to experience ﬁrsthand the machine’s constraints and blind spot areas.

Project Safety Systems Coordinator Dru Morrish explained the program’s structure and use of the Cat Simulators SimLite Dozer and SimLite Excavator systems. “We use the simulators in a 10 – to 15-minute session with each participant. The objective is to increase the employees’ awareness of the plant (heavy equipment), how it operates, and the dangers associated with it,” said Morrish.

He explained, “The best way to do that, and the safest way, is through virtual reality because it’s as close as we can get to throwing them the keys and letting them get on a machine.”

Participants’ Tasks in the Program

When participants arrive, they are given an exercise sheet containing an aerial view diagram of either a dozer or excavator with a circle surrounding it. They must then draw the machine’s blind spots, based on their understanding of a typical operating environment and conditions. “We get them to mockup a spot, a wedge, a line or whatever they think the blind spots are,” explained Morrish.

After watching an instruction video on how to use either the dozer or excavator controls, they are ready to perform a pre-deﬁned task for either machine. Participants using the Cat Simulators SimLite Dozer system ﬁnd themselves in a pad leveling environment.

“We tell them to have a good look around, up, down, in and around. To make sure that they are familiar with their new cabin environment and surrounding worksite,” said Morrish.

The participants are then told to bulldoze the mounds into a level pad in front of them. “They may spend ﬁve to six minutes actually performing the operation,” explained Morrish. “After they are done, we give them the same exercise sheet they completed beforehand. And we say, now, based on your experience, can you draw the blind spots? Maybe your insight or awareness has increased after actually operating the machine. Maybe your thoughts are diﬀerent now than before you started.”

Next, the participants are asked to recreate the worksite using little cardboard cutouts of the diﬀerent scenery on the worksite, machines, trucks, any hard barriers, etc. The ﬁnal task the participants must complete is a short survey.

“Most people have an overconﬁdence bias,” said Morrish. “They would answer, ‘Yeah, sure I would see someone if they were approaching me while I was operating the machine.’ Then I asked them the question, ‘How many trucks were around the worksite?’ It is not uncommon for participants to answer, ‘What? There was a truck?’”

“In the bulldozer example, there are actually three trucks in the scenario that are scattered around the pad,” explained Morrish. “They struggle to see any of the trucks, yet they claim they could see a person. Then they realize, ‘Well, maybe I wouldn’t see them. If I can’t see a truck, how would I have seen a person?’”

After participating in the VR Simulator Plant Awareness Program, participants not only have a better sense of the blind spots on the dozer and excavator, but they also appreciate the amount of concentration and skill that it takes to operate heavy equipment safely.

“For example, they learn about the momentum involved in the movement of a big machine. That it can be put in full reverse, but it doesn’t mean that it’s going to stop moving forward and instantaneously change direction,” explained Morrish. “So, the result is we ﬁnd that the participants have a greater understanding of exactly what’s involved with operating plant (heavy equipment) and a greater empathy for the operator. They realize that it actually takes some skill and a large amount of concentration.”

“And the training breaks the stereotype that, unfortunately, plant operators can sometimes have where it’s just the guy who left school early and drives a machine for a living,” said Morrish. “From the outside, he’s a guy in a big glass ﬁshbowl. I can see his boots and his hard hat, so he should be able to see me.”

“The simulator is a powerful tool for creating the world’s best operator,” noted Morrish. “But we’re not interested in that. We are getting the results we are looking for with the simulators in our program.”

Evangelakos concluded, “We are seeing a positive change using the simulator to change behaviors. That’s really evident. We’ve put close to 500 participants through the program, which lasts for 10 to 15 minutes but has a long-lasting impact on their respect for the plant and the operator. It does work.”

14 11, 2023

9th Annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW)

Simformotion is proud to join the celebration of apprentices across the nation in the 9th annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW). This week, leaders from industry, labor, workforce, education, equity and government come together to organize events that highlight the successes and value of Registered Apprenticeship. This program plays a critical role in rebuilding our economy, advancing racial and gender equity, and supporting underserved communities. Read more: https://www.apprenticeship.gov/national-apprenticeship-week

28 09, 2023

Heavy Equipment Operator Training & Retention with Cat® Simulators

The demand for heavy equipment operators in industries such as construction, mining and agriculture has been steadily increasing over the years. However, training and retaining skilled operators has become a significant challenge for many companies. The high costs and risks associated with traditional training methods have led to the emergence of innovative solutions like simulation training. Through realistic, engaging and cost-effective virtual training, Cat® Simulators systems are transforming the way companies prepare and retain heavy equipment operators.

The Challenge

Hiring and retaining qualified heavy equipment operators has been a persistent problem for industries that use heavy machinery. Here are some of the key challenges companies face:

High Training Costs. Traditional training methods involve operating real equipment, which is expensive to maintain, repair and fuel. Training on actual machinery also poses safety risks.

Skill Variability. Operators with varying levels of skill and experience are often hired, leading to inconsistency in job performance and safety concerns.

Safety Concerns. Inadequately trained operators can pose significant safety risks on worksites, leading to accidents, injuries and even fatalities.

Bad Hires. Operators may look good on paper. However, the reality is they often cannot do what they say they can do correctly or safely. Taking machines out of production to assess operator skills during the hiring process is costly. A bad hire compounds the cost.

Employee Turnover. The high turnover rate among operators due to the demanding nature of the job, poaching from other companies, or removing those bad hires often results in a constant need for recruitment and training.

The Solution

Cat Simulators systems provide a comprehensive and innovative solution to the challenges faced by companies for training and retaining heavy equipment operators.

Authentic Cat Controls. Operators learn how to use the same controls as in the real machines, making the transition to the field seamless.

Realistic Training Environments. Cat Simulators offers highly realistic virtual environments that replicate actual worksites and equipment. Operators can practice in a safe and controlled setting, making mistakes and learning from them without real-world consequences.

Reduced Training Costs. Investing in Cat Simulators significantly reduces training costs associated with fuel, maintenance and equipment downtime. Companies can allocate their resources more efficiently, improving their bottom line.

Assess Skills Before Hiring. Assess operators before hiring by having them perform machine applications on the simulator. Record, report and assess the results of potential operators with built-in scoring. Avoid a bad hire altogether.

Skill Standardization. Cat Simulators systems enable companies to standardize operator training. New hires and experienced operators can undergo consistent training, ensuring that everyone meets the same high standards of proficiency.

Enhanced Safety. By training in virtual environments, operators can develop their skills without endangering themselves or others. This leads to safer worksites and fewer accidents, reducing the associated costs and liabilities of untrained operators.

Retention and Engagement. Cat Simulators offer the opportunity for continuous improvement and skill development. Operators can hone skills and learn techniques without the stress of being in the field. This can lead to keeping operators motivated, confident and invested in their work.

The Benefits

Adopting Cat Simulators for heavy equipment operator training and retention offers numerous benefits for companies:

Cost Savings. Reduced training costs and improved efficiency result in significant savings for businesses.

Safety Improvements. A safer workforce translates to fewer accidents, lower insurance premiums, and a more favorable safety record.

Consistent Skills. Standardized training ensures that all operators perform at the same high level of competence, enhancing job performance and safety.

Improved Retention. Continuous training can lead to higher operator satisfaction and retention rates, reducing the need for constant recruitment.

What People Are Saying

“With about 80% of our workforce being hourly, our Zero-Injury team emphasizes safety. We really need to make sure our employees are well-trained, working safely and working to the same standard across all operations. A big part of that is training in the field with the different Cat® Simulators.”

—Erin Anderson, Carmeuse Director of Talent and Training

“We may have a potential new hire that supposedly had 20 years of experience and we can try them out on the simulators to see if they’ve actually had that experience, or if they’ve never run [the machine] before.”

—Jason Lake, Manager of Heavy Equipment Training, Dexter Construction Co., LTD. & Dexter Mining

Companies that invest in Cat Simulators can close the skills gap for their operators and differentiate themselves from other companies by offering in-house training. Cat Simulators and companion SimScholars™ curriculum can make the difference in having well-trained employees and avoid constant turnover.

To learn more about how Cat Simulators can transform your operator training and retention programs, contact us at 1.309.266.2640 or info@catsimulators.com.

27 07, 2023

Maintenance Tips for Maximum Uptime Series: Compact Track Loader

Compact Track Loaders will stay in production longer with preventative maintenance and proper use. Include a pre-operation machine inspection before every shift. Regularly scheduled maintenance checks, along with these tips, will achieve maximum uptime from Compact Track Loaders.

Know the bucket’s load capacity and never exceed the limits. Overloading the machine can cause pins to bend or crack. See the Operations and Maintenance Manual for load limits.
Do not lift an unbalanced load. This can lead to tipping which could cause the frame or boom to bend, crack or break. Plus, cause harm to the operator.
Do not operate at excessive speeds. This can cause damage to the engine, transmission and hydraulic systems. It can also cause damage to the tires because of heat build-up that will lead to premature wear and eventual failure.
Avoid working on rough terrain for extended periods of time. The impact of rocks, potholes and other obstacles can lead to damage to the Compact Track Loader’s frame, axles and wheels.

Do not lift an unbalanced load. This can lead to tipping which could cause the frame or boom to bend, crack or break. Plus, cause harm to the operator.
Tracks that are too tight can lead to premature failure, power loss or bearing failures. Tracks that are too loose increase the chance of a track derailment.
Inspect the bucket cutting edges and end bits. If a tooth is missing, replace it immediately to avoid further damage to the cutting edge. Never let a cutting edge wear to the base edge.
Avoid spinning the tracks as it leads to reduced track life.
Counterrotation should be kept to a minimum to extend the life of the undercarriage. Instead, use a three-point turn.
Choose the correct attachment and size for the job. The wrong attachment can lead to an oversized load and wear on the lift arm cylinders.

Teach operators how to perform a machine inspection as part of regular preventative maintenance with Cat® Simulators. Learning in the safety of a virtual environment means they can make mistakes without suffering any harm to themselves or machines. When operators learn correct techniques before moving to the iron, they can help organizations save costs throughout the life of the machine.

11 07, 2023

Maintenance Tips for Maximum Uptime Series: Dozer

Extra machine maintenance can be avoided with good operating procedures. Keep tracked Dozers in production longer by training operators on proper use, including conducting a pre-operation machine inspection before every shift. Regularly scheduled maintenance checks, along with these tips will achieve maximum uptime from your tracked Dozer.

Load the blade in first gear and carry the material in second gear for efficient operation during most applications.
When traveling longer distances, remain in second gear to avoid excessive track heat.
When operating in narrow areas, turn the Dozer using three-point turns, and avoid track slip to reduce ground disturbance and track wear.
Do not allow the machine engine to overspeed while maneuvering down slopes. Use the service brake at the top of slopes to prevent excessive engine speed.
Use the steering control function correctly to reduce track wear and damage to the undercarriage. Do not make fast hard turns. This will reduce stress to the tracks and undercarriage and decrease the chance of ground disturbance in the work area or creating hazards for other machines and personnel.
Use the blade tilt control function for steering corrections while under load to significantly reduce track and pin wear.
Doze in a downhill direction, when possible, to maintain operator safety and machine stability.
Be aware of the terrain that the Dozer is traveling across. Do not allow the Dozer to work with one track running along a windrow. This will transfer machine weight and stability to the other track, accelerating undercarriage wear.
Do not allow a Dozer to travel over pipe within a trench when backfilling until the trench has been completely backfilled.
Never leave a highwall/dump area without a safety berm.

Cat® Simulators can train operators how to perform a machine inspection and applications in the safety of a virtual environment using authentic Cat controls. Teaching operators correct techniques before moving to the iron can turn into cost savings throughout the life of the machine.

28 06, 2023

The Spotlight – Issue 1

Introducing The Spotlight – our new semi-annual digest! We’re excited to showcase our clients’ success stories, provide invaluable pre-operation walkaround inspection information, offer machine maintenance tips for heavy equipment operators and more. We hope you enjoy discovering how high schools, technical schools and businesses have integrated Cat Simulators systems into their heavy equipment operator programs with great success. We hope you enjoy our inaugural issue!