A Systems Approach to Start/Charge System Maintenance

We have to stop thinking of our start/charge systems as simply a handful of separate components, and start viewing them as a system. From alternators to batteries and starters, cables and regulators, and even add-on components like low-voltage cut-off switches and DC/AV inverters, each can impact the component next to it. In electrical systems, weak… Continue reading A Systems Approach to Start/Charge System Maintenance

Closing the Skills Gap and Alternative Education

“What ‘genius’ decided it would be a good idea to describe the kinds of education needed…as ‘alternative’ …We need to stop promoting higher education at the expense of every other form of learning….we’ve got a skills gap.” – Mike Rowe

Party in Style

The Long Haul

Frequent Inspections Save Tires

You can’t tell much about a tire simply by kicking it. Drivers would disagree, but you can’t even tell with any degree of certainty how much air is in the tire. It seems the best you can expect from many drivers is a quick visual check that the tire is where it should be. Whether… Continue reading Frequent Inspections Save Tires

Mike Rowe Meets CAT Field Technician

Mike Rowe visits with CAT Field Technicians and Supervisors and makes the case for becoming a Heavy Equipment Mechanic. As Mike Rowe said, “If you’re thinking of learning or mastering a trade…DO IT!”

Mechanics Hub: Master Promotions Testimonials

Collection of testimonials from exhibitors participating at Master Promotions 2014 Atlantic Heavy Equipment Show in Moncton, New Brunswick.

Behind the Design: Lego Technic 42030 Volvo L350F Wheel Loader

Developed in partnership with LEGO® Technic and Volvo Construction Equipment, this meticulously detailed, fully remote-controlled model has all the features of Volvo CE’s largest real-life high tech L350F wheel loader. This new video from LEGO® Technic shows the lengths the world’s largest toy maker’s design team were prepared to go to in order to perfect… Continue reading Behind the Design: Lego Technic 42030 Volvo L350F Wheel Loader

Mike Rowe Testifies Before House Committee on Natural Resources

On April 29 2014 Mike testified before the House Committee on Natural Resources. The committee met to discuss “American Energy Jobs: Opportunities for Skilled Trade Workers”

Stay Ahead of Trouble on EGR Engines

While most of the early problems have been engineered out of the exhaust gas recirculation systems on today’s clean diesel engines, corroded coolers, stuck valves and other problems still plague owners of older equipment. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do in terms of scheduled preventive maintenance to keep those systems working. Keeping a close… Continue reading Stay Ahead of Trouble on EGR Engines