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Wabash Valley College's Diesel Equipment Technology program was awarded funds to purchase eight new tractors to help modernize the program.
The Diesel Equipment Technology Program was awarded funds through an IECC and an Economic Development Administration grant to be used in the purchase of up-to-date equipment. Some of the up-to-date equipment included eight Massey Ferguson 1726E tractors. The tractors were purchased from Herschel Johnson Equipment in Albion, Ill., which has been a long-time supporter of the Diesel Technology program. Leon Johnson, President of Herschel Johnson Implement, was also instrumental in obtaining the A/C tractors that are being replaced.
Diesel Equipment Technology lead instructor Scott Balding stated that the new Massey Ferguson tractors “will be used in Transmissions I classes for students to gain knowledge of the powertrain system from the flywheel to the final drives. Students will gain experience with manual transmissions, power take offs, clutches and differentials. The tractors will also be used in Hydraulics I classes to discuss various parts of the hydraulic systems along with testing of the systems. They will receive hands on experience on real life equipment as part of these classes.”
Due to the purchase of these new tractors, the program will replace the old A/C tractors that were acquired in the mid-1980s. “They were showing their age, as they have been disassembled and reassembled up to two times a year,” said Balding.
The new tractors were purchased using funds from the grants the Diesel program received from IECC and the EDA. “Through the recommendations of and help from the Diesel Technology Advisory Counsel nearly three years ago, the grant was awarded in 2019.” According to the EDA’s website, the grant was given as part of an Economic Adjustment Assistance grant in which $300,000 was given to IECC to fund upgrades to the workforce training facilities at three campus locations within the district.
The grant stated that, “[the] enhancements will take place at IECC’s West Richland Center in Noble, Olney Central College in Olney and Wabash Valley College in Mt. Carmel. The improvements will include new infrastructure and equipment to expand and modernize the programs. This project helps to address the region’s workforce needs by providing advanced skills training and competencies needed by regional employers to support existing and expanding businesses.”
These tractors, along with up-to-date engines, will aid in giving WVC students the knowledge of current diesel equipment that is needed to become a successful diesel technician, which coincides with the Diesel Technology program’s mission statement— “to provide not only the learning skills and knowledge to become a successful Diesel Technician, but also to become a lifelong learner and a successful citizen.”
