Blanchard Machinery Company recently donated a Caterpillar 12M motorgrader along with several machine components to Florence-Darlington Technical College to be used in a hands-on teaching environment as part of the Caterpillar Dealer Academy ThinkBig Program.

The ThinkBig Program is a two-year, college training program at Florence-Darlington Tech sponsored by Blanchard Machinery and other neighboring Caterpillar dealers. Students in this program learn to service Cat equipment using cutting-edge diagnostic and maintenance systems, advanced technologies, and high-tech tools. The program combines classroom and hands-on learning.

Since the launch of the program in 2000, The Think Big program has trained and placed more than 112 technicians.

The 12M motorgrader has a two joystick control making it operator-friendly. The Cat engine combines power management with ACERT Technology to deliver maximum power and efficiency in every gear while reducing the environmental impact.

As the students progress through the training program, they move from basic systems understanding, to more complicated troubleshooting techniques. This is achieved by planting “bugs” in the various systems, and having the students determine the cause of the problem.

“Being able to train on a unique machine like this offers the students a huge advantage in getting ready to address the systems Cat is now providing our workforce,” said Brock Lynch, vice president human resources. “Very simple things like teaching students how to operate and maneuver large, complicated machines safely around a workshop/area can only be done hands on. It’s important to have modern, working machines present to teach the basic systems: including hydraulic, electronic, drive train and A/C.”

About Blanchard Machinery Company

Blanchard Machinery Company is the exclusive Caterpillar dealership for South Carolina. The family-owned organization, headquartered in West Columbia, has 14 locations across the state featuring five divisions focusing on compact equipment, heavy equipment, pioneer recycling and forestry, power systems (featuring generators, truck and marine engines), and rental services.

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