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Nuna Training Technologies: Operating Heavy Equipment is more than making dust

Apr 4, 2016 | 6:31 AM

Never before has there been so much competition for jobs in the earthworks and mining industries, making reputable training critical.

Nuna Training Technologies provides clients with the latest advancements in technology training. The program shows students the specific legislation, manufacture recommendations and industry-best practices taught in a facility with the latest training technology including simulators and computer programming that work hand in hand with lecture based learning.

Clients who will benefit from this training are upgrading or entering the fields of professions such as civil construction, residential construction, road and street maintenance and earthworks for large dams, highways and roads.

“Learning these skills is more than just sitting in the seat for a few hours a day. It requires a well-balanced training program that covers all aspects of powered mobile equipment,” reflects Bob Huculak.

“Over the last ten years, advancements in technology have reshaped the skills and knowledge needed by today’s heavy equipment operators,” says Huculak, Manager and Certified Training and Development Professional for Nuna Training Technologies. “In the past, if someone showed you how to start a machine and get it going would get you by. Today, operators of heavy equipment need much more to get the maximum efficiency from the equipment. How can we expect to get the most from the equipment if we don’t understand all the features and systems that control the machine?”

Heavy equipment responds to input from the operator. If the operator understands all the capability and limitations of the machine, they then can achieve efficiency, work safely, will know the rights and responsibilities of their job, and be prepared to go into the job market with the latest certification.

“At Nuna Training Technologies, we help operator get the best start possible.  Every operator receives instruction in legislated operator responsibilities, machine safety, machine features, operator controls and functions,” he says.

When considering machine features, clients need to understand the value of the machine systems and the functions. 

Some of the common features one might find are: “return to dig” in excavators and tractor backhoes, return to center on articulated motor graders, auto slope control, GPS grader control etc. On wheel loader, clients will have the ability to control boom upper and lower kick out levels, bucket level kick out, cushion ride control; to name a few. Almost every machine has some degree of automation to make the job easier and more productive.

Machine monitoring system also plays an important role in machine safety and operator safety.

Today almost every machine in the market place uses ISO symbols to identify machine system information and controls. Getting the right training in understanding these symbols and how to read them is extremely important to the operator as well as the equipment owner. 

Ground Engaging Tools are another area of important, proper blade angle and pitch, bucket placement and bucket angle all contribute to improved productivity and longer service life for blades, cutting edges and bucket teeth.  

“When looking at the development of skills for equipment operators, everyone wins when the best technology and information is delivered before the new operator develops or picks up habits that are not best practice or may even be unsafe.”

Over the years, improvement and new technology has enhanced the ability of the instructor to facilitate programs using the latest in technology and a wide range of options to provide training to new operator.

Our world continues to move forward. Machines have a greater range of features and options and the ability to do the job safer with less stress and a lower cost.

To discuss the programs available and how Nuna Training Technologies can tailor programs to suit your needs, call Huculak at 306-763-7795.

Nuna Training Technologies Ltd. is located at Suite #7, 3800 – 5th Ave E.

To view NTT’s website or to download NTT’s training programs and application forms click here.