Students benefit from Anderson Equipment-loaned excavator

Students in nearly a dozen diesel and heavy construction equipment courses will be positively impacted by a longtime partner’s loan of an excavator to Pennsylvania College of Technology.

Anderson Equipment Co., a Corporate Tomorrow Maker that has generously supported Penn College students for nearly a quarter-century, provided a Komatsu PC 138 excavator through an ongoing entrustment agreement that enhances instruction in such varied specialties as powertrains, electronics, air conditioning, brakes, hydraulics and electrical systems.

“A donation like this one helps us to expand learning experiences for our students, helps to attract students and provides cutting-edge lab projects,” said Chris S. Weaver, assistant professor of diesel equipment technology. “Having new equipment in the labs always helps to spark interest in the students that, in return, gets them more engaged in learning.”

It also allows faculty to expand the number of projects and update existing ones, he said, such as providing students with lab access to another piece of A/C-equipped machinery or allowing them to learn about adjusting tracks on an excavator in addition to what they’ve already learned when working on a bulldozer.

“In our machine electronics class, students get to learn and see the advancements Komatsu has made and will learn their operating controls, computer software and make repairs to Komatsu specifications,” Weaver added. “And I couldn’t leave out emissions. Having this machine is absolutely crucial so that heavy equipment technicians and operators learn firsthand the emission components, how they function, how to repair them … and, of course, what to do when the malfunction lights come on.”

Access to equipment also boosts students’ passion about the careers they’ve chosen, he said, noting that the college annually attracts a number of first-generation students with little or no hands-on exposure or experience.

“This donation will have a lasting impact on our students and faculty,” Weaver said. “I believe it’s good for Anderson to get the Komatsu brand out in front of our students. Students and even parents notice their involvement and know they are helping to educate the future technicians and operators.“

Anderson Equipment Co. regularly attends Penn College’s Career Fair, actively recruits Penn College students for internships and full-time employment opportunities, is represented on the Heavy Construction Equipment (Technician Emphasis) Advisory Committee, and has accompanied faculty on visits to high schools and career and technical education centers.  

“We are so pleased to continue this partnership with Penn College,” said Jerry Skiff, director of service. “Supporting student education is part of the mission of Anderson Equipment, and the bonus is that students get to experience the Anderson brand while they engage in their learning.”   

The company is recognized as a member of the Visionary Society on the college’s Donor Wall ($100,000 to $499,999).

“We thank Anderson Equipment Co. for this continued support of our heavy construction equipment technology students,” said Elizabeth A. Biddle, senior corporate relations director. “Relationships like this help our Tomorrow Makers experience state-of-the-art technology, which helps further develop their skills to be contributing technicians and leaders for our partners.”

For more about Penn College’s diesel equipment technology and heavy construction equipment technology majors, visit the School of Engineering Technologies or call 570-327-4520.

For more about the college, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.