GOMACO University Instructor Says "Don't Fly Blind" Next Paving Season

GOMACO University students gain hands-on training with Slipform Sam, the University's Super Trainer, during a paving class held last year.

Ida Grove, Iowa -- Dennis Clausen, GOMACO University's Director of Training, is encouraging contractors to not "fly blind" next paving season as he announces the new 2012 school year. Instead, register today to attend a specialized, hands-on GOMACO training class at GOMACO University in Ida Grove, Iowa.

Clausen said, "GOMACO University graduates do not 'fly blind.' Some operators and mechanics, who have not been trained, are not completely sure of what all a machine can do and what makes it tick. Quick reaction time is the most important benefit to attending the University. Your operation can operate with confidence when you have a person on staff who has been trained on machine setup, maintenance, and diagnostics. If something fails in the field, you will not have a crisis from 'flying blind.' Our best testimony is the large number of students who return year after year to learn and share experiences with others. After all, if you can save one load of concrete or prevent one service crisis, you've paid for the cost of attending."

Classes begin in January and run through March 2012. Each week focuses on a specific piece of GOMACO equipment and the three-day or four-day class covers everything from machine set-up to troubleshooting in both classroom lectures and actual hands-on shop time. New classes added to this year's University schedule include IDBI and 3D Stringless Paving. A new IDBI trainer will allow students to learn how to successfully and safely set up the GOMACO IDBI's front and rear pans, insertion forks, and operate the G+ control system. Students will also learn the safety features incorporated into the IDBI while working on the new GOMACO University trainer. The stringless class will be taught by GOMACO's 3D paving specialists and will cover all of the essentials of stringless paving.

The 2012 schedule is listed below:

GT-3600: January 16-20, January 30-February 3, March 12-16 at the University. A four-day course covering the controls, setup and operation, maintenance and advanced diagnostics.

Three-Track GT-6300: March 5-9 at the University. A four-day course covering the controls, setup and operation, maintenance and advanced diagnostics.

Three-Track Commander III: February 13-17, February 20-24 at the University. A four-day course covering the controls, setup and operation, maintenance and advanced diagnostics of the three-track machine.

Four-Track Commander III & GT-6300: February 6-10 at the University. A four-day course covering the controls, setup and operation, maintenance and advanced diagnostics of the four-track machine.

Trimmers: January 24-27, March 6-9 at the Paving Center. (Class begins on Tuesday.) Three-day course covering the controls, setup and operation, maintenance and advanced diagnostics.

Two-Track and Four-Track Pavers: January 30-February 3, February 6-10, February 13-17, March 19-23, March 26-30 at the Paving Center. A four-day course covering the controls, setup and operation, paving to profilograph specifications, maintenance and advanced diagnostics.

IDBI: February 21-24, February 28-March 2 at the Paving Center. (Class begins on Tuesday.) A three-day course covering the controls, setup and operation, maintenance and diagnostics.

3D Stringless Paving: February 27-March 2. A four-day course covering the setup, operation, machine calibration, and troubleshooting on 3D stringless controls. Our 3D specialists will cover Leica Geosystems software, total stations, data collection, and essentials for stringless paving with GOMACO pavers.

For further information or to register for a class, please log onto www.gomaco.com/university or contact the GOMACO Training Department by phone: 800-831-2320, or by e-mail: gomacou@gomaco.com.