Getting A Little Closer

We have been putting in extra hours and we are getting closer to firing up some of the engines. A few groups are working on the wiring for the controllers so it won't be long now. Here are some pics.

John Deere Tech

 

National PAS AMSTA

After winning at state competitions, thirty-six individuals from across the nation competed at the National PAS Agriculture Machinery Service Technician Award (AMSTA) competition in St. Cloud, Mn.on March 12th-15th. Zach Burke, Nathan Grell, Alec Higgins and Nate Vos represented NICC John Deere Tech. The competition included individual events for a written test, measuring/testing and identification. Teams of two students also participated in five diagnostic stations and four calibration/adjustment stations.
Zach and Alec placed 3rd and Nathan and Nate placed 12th in the nation. Good Job!

Alec Higgins and Zach Burke

Zach, Alec, Duane, Nathan and Nate

Engine Class

With all the snow days we have been running a little behind in the lab so the last 2 days before spring break we had both groups in the lab for 4 hours. With a couple long and busy days the lab is getting back on schedule. By the end of the month we should have some of them running.

John Deere Tech

Unanswered Questions

If you ask the students what class they look forward to the most it would have to be Engines Class. This class will provide the answers to many of their questions. Here are a few examples:
1. What is inside of an engine?
2. What makes it run?
3. How many pieces does it have?
4. Where does this go?
5. Do I have to read the book?
6. Where does this go?
7. Is it clean enough?
8. When can I start it?
9. What do i need a schematic for?
10. Will this ever run again?

Of course the instructors will have a few questions of their own. For example:
1. Do you have the correct mounting bolts?
2. Did you check the head bolt torque and valve lift before you took the head off?
3. What is the rod and main bearing clearance?
4. Did you read the book?
5. Do you see anything wrong with the work you just completed?
6. Did you read the book?
7. Are you going to get this done in time?
8. Do you have oil pressure?
9. Do you know you have to make a wiring harness before this will run?
10. Will it run again?

Judging by the past I am happy to report that in about 7 weeks the answer to question number 10 will be???

  "YES"

We have 19 engines getting rebuilt this year of various sizes so stay tuned for pics and videos. Here are some lab pictures.  JD Tech

State AMSTA Contest

On February 5th we got up early on a cold and snowy day to travel to Iowa Lakes Community College at Emmetsburg to compete at the state Ag Machinery Service Technician Award (AMSTA) contest. There were 16 teams of two students competing in the competition. The competition consisted of a written test, measuring, parts identification and several diagnostic problems. At the end of the day our teams placed 1st, 2nd, 5th and 7th and we also took 1st, 2nd and 3rd individuals. The 1st and 2nd place teams will compete at the national AMSTA competition at St. Cloud, Mn. in March.
Congratulations men, NICC and the John Deere Tech program are proud of you!

 Nate V. and Nathan G. 1st Place Team

Alec H. and Zach B. 2nd Place Team

Evan K. 1st Individual

Nathan G. 2nd Individual

Zach B. 3rd Individual

Consumer Products/Engines Class

For the last couple weeks we have been talking about engine fundamentals from cranks and cams to carburetion. In the lab we have been trying update a few things. We got 4 near new mowers from Decorah this year and have been giving some of the old dogs a rest. We have been adding some small diesels in the lab as well just to keep it exciting. Here are some pics.

John Deere Information Technology

In November the sophomores came back to Calmar to join us so we have a full house. We spent more time on computers than anyone should to prepare for Service Advisor Certification and then prepare for presentations. I am happy to say that all the sophomores are certified in Service Advisor and they survived a Power Point presentation in front of the class. Here are some pictures.
John Deere Tech!

 

Electric 1

During Electric I class we have a few demonstrations. This demonstration shows the effects of overloading an electrical circuit. A 14 guage wire will carry about 400 amps for a few seconds but after a few seconds things get out of control.

 

You have to love the sparks at 8am.