The air was thick with friendly competition at Furnival Machinery Company’s second annual Advanced Technique Competition held Aug. 4-5, 2000. Furnival’s mechanics, field technicians and product support representatives put their best analytical, technical and interpersonal skills to the test during the event.

The field technicians and mechanics had to identify and solve the problems that were rigged in a Komatsu wheel loader, bulldozer and excavator. The product support representatives inspected a Komatsu D66S-1 track loader evaluating the machine’s performance, and making recommendations to keep the machine running at its optimum performance.

The contestants were judged on how well they dealt with the customer; how they diagnosed the problem; the trouble-shooting procedures they followed; how the problem was corrected; and if they were able to get the machine running again.

“I’ll admit that I’m a little nervous,” said Bob Wright, field technician, Furnival Machinery, Baltimore, MD. The butterflies certainly left Wright the minute he started working on the D155AX dozer, as he diagnosed the problem and took home the first place plaque. Wright, a 17-year veteran in the construction equipment industry, keeps up with the latest technology by attending regular training sessions.

“Events like these really help the guys out by sharpening their skills,” said Jack Serratore, training manager, Furnival Machinery. “Our mechanics, field technicians and product support representatives know how crucial it is to get the customer’s machine up and running in as little time and with the best results possible. Our commitment is to the customer.”

Bill Baron, field technician, Furnival Machinery, Wilkes Barre, PA, who took home the first-place prize for working on the wheel loader, has had experience on both sides of the machines. A former excavating contractor, Baron said he knows how important it is to get the right support at the right time.

Winners of the event will advance to Komatsu’s national competition in Atlanta, GA, on Sept. 18-23, 2000.

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