Caterpillar Releases Next Gen Excavator Utilities Package with Application-Specific Simulations
Construction equipment manufacturers are increasingly focusing on application-specific training simulators to improve operator skills and safety. Caterpillar is no exception, having recently released its Next Gen Excavator Utilities Package.
The new package includes four exercises that allow operators to practice working around buried water, gas, and electrical service lines in a virtual environment. These simulations are designed to reduce the risk of accidents on real jobsites and provide operators with valuable experience before they even step onto a site.
According to Vanessa Price, vice president of Simformotion, utility work is one of the highest-risk environments an operator can face on a job site. The new Cat Simulators Next Gen Excavator Utilities system gives learners the opportunity to build confidence, accuracy, and safe work habits before they ever step onto a jobsite.
The simulations use authentic Cat controls and include virtual machine walkaround inspection training as well as built-in recording and reporting software. This allows trainers to compare each operator's performance against Caterpillar benchmarks.