Caterpillar Dealer Makes Valuable Visit to Earth Science Center

A steadfast industry supporter revisited Pennsylvania College of Technology's Schneebeli Earth Science Center in recent weeks to further cement the connection between students and the professionals with whom they eventually will work.

Karl Quinn, training manager for Alban Tractor Co. in Sterling, Va., and a longtime member of the college's Heavy Construction Equipment Technology/Technician Advisory Committee, held four sessions with the Advanced Hydraulics Troubleshooting class on Feb. 27 and 29, introducing Caterpillar's hydrostatic power control transmission units that were used in past track-type loaders.

Caterpillar had a great deal of success with HPCUs, and many companies continue to use those loaders in the workplace. With grant funding several years ago, Penn College acquired a test bench capable of running the transmission in the lab and performing every aspect of testing and adjusting necessary upon repair or rebuild. The college owns a CAT 943 track-type loader on which students can experience operation of the transmission in a machine.

Alban also was represented March 4 by Brian Orndorff, who was a guest lecturer in the CAT Vehicle Chassis Electronics and Diagnostic Procedures class. He worked with students in lecture and lab using the CAT 950 wheel loader that is leased for that class.

Quinn returned March 12 and 14 with another presentation to the hydraulics class this time comparing Caterpillar's "C" series track-type loader to the earlier-system machines. The "C" series units use electronic control modules and sensors to perform the duties of the complex hydraulic valving used in the HPCU machines. Penn College owns a new 953C track-type loader on which students can perform troubleshooting, testing and adjusting, and fine-tune service procedures.

The presentation gave the students the ability to understand exactly how technology has played a role in industry and the need to understand basic hydraulic and complex electronic systems in order to be proficient heavy-equipment technicians in today's workplace.

With 28 years' experience in training technicians, Quinn brings a great deal of experience into Penn College classrooms and gives students direct exposure to Caterpillar Corp.'s most up-to-date technology. Alban Tractor repeatedly has brought training and materials to the School of Natural Resources Management, is an annual scholarship donor and sponsors students each semester.

For more information about the school, visit online or call (570) 320-8038. For general information about Penn College, visit on the Web , e-mail or call toll-free (800) 367-9222.

( Photos by Misty Kennard-Mayer, coordinator of matriculation and retention, natural resources management )