Continued Training for Heavy Equipment Technicians

 

As heavy construction equipment becomes more complex with continual advancements in machine technology, the need for well-trained technicians becomes even more crucial.  

Most equipment utilizes more than a dozen computers and satellite systems for operations. These computer systems rely upon dozens of various sensors for proper operation. This generation of equipment is the most sophisticated, technological advanced equipment ever used for construction, making it the most productive equipment ever used as well. 

Kirby-Smith has one of three Komatsu Dealer Premier Training Centers (the highest level of training recognized by Komatsu.) We train and certify 100 industry technicians internally each year. We focus on system and machine maintenance, general safety, customer training, diagnostics, diesel engines, and forklift operator safety training. We also have the first and only Certified Manitowoc Crane Dealer Training Center.

At Kirby-Smith Machinery, we understand that properly preparing our technicians to service your equipment means that Training Never Ends.   

 

 Factory Training

 

Kirby-Smith is committed to providing our customers with the best technicians which requires significant factory level training. Each Kirby-Smith Technician receives at least 80 hours of factory-level technical training each year.

Our ‘Factory Level Training’ is provided in different methods. Some of the training requires the technician to travel to the factory locations for their training while other training is provided in our branch locations with the help of our full-time Technical Trainers.

 

OJT Training

 

Today's construction equipment is highly sophisticated and the industry is ever-changing, so it's vital that we provide initial and continuing education. Our OJT programs provide both classroom knowledge and hands-on training to provide a better understanding of today's modern machinery.  

In 2016 Kirby-Smith began a mentorship program, pairing OJT and internship personnel with veteran techs providing hands-on training in the shop environment.

Veteran technicians have a wealth of valuable knowledge and experience and we want to ensure it gets passed along to the next generation, who will hopefully serve as mentors someday as well.

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 Frequently Asked Questions 

Find answers to the most frequently asked questions for Services with our company.

What equipment services do you offer? We support your equipment with services that include preventative maintenance, oil sampling, vehicle monitoring, undercarriage repair and maintenance, diagnostics, ground engagement tools, filters, and hoses. We also offer track press services, remanufactured engines, transmissions, hydraulic systems, and more.
 
What brands of equipment do you service? Our focus is to represent and support the manufactures we partner with to support our customer base. Our technicians do have experiences various type of other brands as well.
 
Are your technicians certified? Kirby-Smith’s Technicians are Tested and Trained. Kirby-Smith has rigorous training requirements to certify our technicians before they begin servicing your equipment. They undergo extensive technical training on all aspects of equipment operation, including heavy equipment diagnostics, maintenance, and repair. Our technicians have experienced both classroom training and on-the-job training to ensure that they fully understand all machine maintenance and repair issues. Kirby-Smith Machinery has met the highest service support standards set by all the manufacturers we support.
 
Do you offer air conditioning and cooling system repairs? We have a 22 point inspection that can check the complete air conditioning and cooling system inspection which can identify problems with the engine’s temperature control system.
 
What encompasses undercarriage repair? Our custom track services range from complete undercarriage replacement to link replacements, component removal and installations, track adjuster rebuild and replacement, and roller frame repairs and alignment. Our track services range from complete undercarriage replacement to link replacements, component removal and installations, track adjuster rebuild and replacement, and roller frame repairs and alignment.
 
Can you handle worn track pads and shoes? Yes, we can assist with our team that handles Track Press Services. You can call your local branch or contact your product support rep to schedule this service.
 
Can you help me with an error code on my machine? Yes, you can call into one of branches and speak to the service to assist you with your technical error.

Do you offer on-site service or field repairs? We offer both types of service in the field or you can bring your machine to one of our facilities. Services cover diagnostic through major repair.

 
Do I have to bring my equipment to a shop location? Kirby-Smith Machinery technicians can come to your facility or jobsite w/fully equipped heavy-duty service trucks. We also have portable diagnostic tools for troubleshooting in the field.
 

How can I schedule a service? There are many ways to schedule service. You can easily call any of our branches or contact your support rep to schedule service, ou can request service their our Customer Portal or you can complete a Service request from on our website.  

 

Do you offer preventative maintenance programs? We offer a variety of options to support our customer base with preventative maintenance in the field and our shop locations. We also offer other repair and maintenance programs to help keep your machine uptime and ensure long-term reliability on your equipment.

 

How do you handle emergency repairs? We train our staff to prioritize emergency machine down situations so that our customers can get the best response time for the situation. We have after hours on call services along with field Product Support Sales representation to effectively cover emergencies.

 

What does Komatsu Care cover? Komatsu Care features our exclusive complimentary scheduled maintenance program: Every Komatsu Tier 4 Interim construction equipment machine comes standard with Komatsu Care complimentary factory scheduled maintenance for the first 3 years/2,000 hours (whichever occurs first).

 
What does Komatsu Diesel Particulate Filter (KDPF) cover? Komatsu Tier 4 interim construction equipment also comes with a complimentary KDPF exchange unit for the first 5 years, or 4,500 hours, whichever comes first. Machines with one KDPF assembly are eligible for one Complimentary KDPF exchange during the first 5 years or 4,500 hours (whichever occurs first) from machine Fist-in-Dirt Date.
 

What are the differences between the Komatsu CARE programs? Komatsu Care offers several programs to fit your business needs indiviudally. Please contact your local Sales Rep or PSSR to find out more details.

 

How do you get data from KOMTRAX? Komatsu machines come factory eqipped with KOMTRAX. KOMTRAX allows you to locate equipment on large jobsites or around your territory, monitor machine movement, determine which operators are more efficient in which situations, track fuel consumption, identify operator use and habits, chart daily hours of operation and view abnormalities. You will be able to set up an account in KOMTRAX to monitor your equipment.

What are the main crane services you provide? We handle all types of crane repairs including (shop and field services): Boom Repairs and Boom Welding, Crane maintenance, Crane Rebuilds, Electrical Diagnostics and Repairs, Hydraulic Crane Repairs and Servicing, Lattice-Boom Repairs and Welding, Pneumatic Diagnostics and Repairs.

 
Do you provide shop and field services for cranes? Yes we do. Kirby-Smith Machinery helps to maximize crane uptime for our customers for same-day parts/delivery and on-site service if needed. All crane service technicians are factory-trained for any crane service requirements. Our crane service facilities have diagnostic equipment and the necessary tools to troubleshoot and repair any problem efficiently and effectively. We provide a wide variety of crane repair services, diagnostics, repair, welding, fabricating, and rebuilding services for nearly all crane manufacturers and models, including, Manitowoc Cranes, Grove Cranes, National Crane Boom Trucks, and Broderson Cranes.
 

Does your company provide technical crane support? Technical support is always available as many possible repairs can be remediated by a quick phone call to our service department. Our factory-trained crane service technicians are well-rounded and can not only provide repairs but can also provide support to assist with a variety of 'single' repairs or solutions which will prevent the expense of having your crane brought in for service.

 

Can your shops and technicians handle annual crane inspections? Kirby-Smith offers crane inspections that satisfy all OSHA and ANSI requirements. With periodic crane inspections, you improve employee safety and avoid unplanned downtime and unexpected breakdowns. We can handle crane inspections on mobile hydraulic cranes, lattice cranes, small utility service body cranes, boom trucks, articulating boom trucks, truck mounted cranes, barge mounted cranes, industrial cranes, all terrain cranes, crawler cranes and locomotive type cranes.

 
Does your shops handle Wire Rope inspections for cranes? Yes, this inspection is to identify apparent deficiencies, such as significant distortion of the wire rope structure, corrosion, electric arc damage, heat damage, improperly applied end connections, and visible broken wires. Monthly and annual inspections are also required.
 

Do you provide crane preventative maintenance programs? Kirby-Smith offers a preventive maintenance program that puts the burden of servicing your cranes on us. Services are completed by a factory-trained technician and include approved fluids and filters, oil sample analysis, mobile lube services, technical inspections to identify repair needs, and a comprehensive visual inspection to spot potential problems before they require more costly repairs and cause lost production time.

 

Do you provide emergency crane services? Yes, Our Crane Rapid Response Team is an extension of the main service team providing Emergency Crane Services. This service is here to help you when you are in emergency situations such as a "crane down" and need immediate assistance. Call us at today at 888-839-2410 to learn more about Crane Rapid Response or if you are in need of emergency service.

 

Does your company provide modernization or upgrades on cranes? Do you provide Crane Rebuilds and restorations?"Our Crane service team offers rebuilding and restoration services at a fraction of the cost of buying new. Our factory-trained crane service technicians are equipped and qualified to perform factory certified rebuilds, on your schedule and at a predetermined cost. We can assist with work such as: Complete dis-assembly to bare frame - Inspection of all weldments, components, parts and structures - Refurbishment of eligible components, parts and structures - Installation of new parts and components (electrical harnesses, instruments, drive lines, hydraulic pumps, hoses, etc.) - Application of ""show quality"" paint finish.