Komatsu hosted 13th Annual Advanced Technician Competition (ATC) at its training and demonstration facility March 2 through 5. Komatsu’s top field and service technicians traveled to Cartersville, Ga., to compete in week-long competitions involving equipment diagnostics and troubleshooting.

Roland Machinery had five technicians competing in the eight contest categories and finished with five 1st and one 2nd Place positions.

In the history of ATC winners from 1993 when the competition first started, there has never been a dealer with more than two place finishes in one year. Roland Machinery had two first, one second, and one third place finish last year.

The ATC contest involves Komatsu dealers throughout North America. Each machine is set up with two problems “bugs” for the technicians to identify and solve with on-site judges observing. The area is set up to duplicate the actual work environment so the contestants are not only judged on whether they correctly diagnose the problems but also on following proper safety procedures, utilizing available literature and diagnostic tools in addition to the questions they ask the judges.

The Team Competition poses even more of a challenge. This year the “mystery machine” was a BR580 mobile crusher. Roland Machinery’s three team members had not even seen a BR580 until this time.

Komatsu provided a series of seminars and workshops for the participants between competitions in which they could earn additional points towards their final scores.

The ATC benefits everyone from the technician to the dealer and ultimately customers by applying the diagnostic skills learned through the preparation before and during the competition, according to Komatsu.

“The judges, Komatsu staff, other dealer personnel and competitors could not say enough about the professionalism, knowledge, and competitiveness of Roland Machinery’s team,” Jerry Eastburn of Roland Machinery said. “I am extremely proud of each of our technicians that competed. I am also very proud and grateful to Mike Bond and Mark Sperber for the tireless hours they spent helping our guys get ready and the everyday dedication they have for Roland Machinery and the product support team.”

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