The Heil Institute of Technology has announced its 2007 schedule of factory training courses. Most of the hands-on classes will be held at the Joseph F. Heil Jr. Education Center, a dedicated training facility adjacent to the Heil Environmental manufacturing plant in Fort Payne, Ala. To better serve customers in the West, five classes also are planned for Phoenix.
Heil says customer feedback led to revisions in the 2007 curriculum, which will include a greater focus on the basics, including preventing failures, proper lubrication procedures and expected component life. More courses covering how to use and troubleshoot the programmable logic controller (PLC) module and other electronics used in many Heil vehicles also are scheduled.
All of the classes are designed to provide the technicians who service Heil refuse collection vehicles with a thorough understanding of the products, so they can maintain them more efficiently and effectively. Each class covers basic hydraulics and DC electronics, cycle times and unit operation, in-depth hydraulic system operation, preventative maintenance procedures, adjustments and pressure settings, and other technical aspects of specific Heil bodies. Students taking classes in Fort Payne also tour the manufacturing facility and talk with the professionals who design and build the vehicles.
“More than 1,000 refuse collection vehicle operators and service technicians receive technical training from Heil each year,” says Joel Barnes, technical training manager for Chattanooga, Tenn.-based Heil. “They learn how to properly maintain Heil refuse collection vehicles to reduce downtime, extend fleet life and increase profitability and productivity.”
The full fee for any of the courses is $500, including comprehensive training aids, lunch each day and a certificate of course completion. Students are responsible for travel, lodging and other meals. Technicians who complete a course are eligible to earn continuing education units (CEUs). Class sizes are limited. For dates, locations and subject matter, or to register for a course, click here or call (800) 251-7258.
