More than 40 people from around the world, including participants from Australia, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and the United States, recently attended Terex Utilities’ 37th annual Hands-On Training seminar at the company’s facilities in Watertown, S.D. on August 17-19. Representing 30 companies, the participants of this year’s three-day Hands-on Training event gained valuable training on the proper operation and application of Terex digger derricks, aerial devices, and auger drills.

“Our annual Hands-On Training program has truly evolved over the years,” says Ken Vlasman, Customer Service Manager, Terex Utilities. “The program provides essential training on the operation and application of all the essential equipment utility contractors operate, from Terex digger derricks and aerial devices to cable placers and auger drills. We designed this event specifically for our customers and distributor personnel to participate and understand the proper operations of the equipment. In recent years, we’ve expanded the program to include support equipment offered by other Terex companies, including backhoe loaders and excavators. Participants gain valuable training on the equipment and applications needed to meet various job site requirements, as well as an in-depth understanding of different work methods and safety procedures.”

The 2015 Hands on Training event gave attendees, who include fleet managers and engineers, safety managers and administrators, vehicle supervisors, shop managers, linemen and mechanics, the opportunity to rotate through six different training stations. At each station, participants learned more about the equipment, and as weather permitted, they had the opportunity to perform actual jobs with the equipment at Terex Utilities’ outdoor training facility under direct supervision of Terex trainers.

“Whether an attendee’s job is behind a desk or working around energized power lines,” adds Vlasman, “all of our Hands On Training participants learned the most effective ways complete various jobsite tasks, as well as gained an understanding of best practices, work methods and safety procedures.”

In addition, the trainers demonstrated other operations and procedures not covered in the six stations, including pole removal techniques, multi-parting winch line lifting and proper equipment set-up. Work concepts, such as the company’s Work Zone Capacity standard for spec’ing digger derricks, as well as new products such as the General 80 digger derrick with fiberglass 4th section, were also integrated into this year’s event.

More information will be available in the future at http://www.terex.com/utilities/en/service-support/training/index.

In addition to these in-person training events, customers can request customized training at their own facilities or take advantage of The Edge, Terex Utilities’ online training university. For more information about Terex Utilities products and services, as well as training and certification schools, visit www.terex.com/utilities.