To recognize the "best of the best"
Cat Marine Dealer service technicians, Caterpillar Engine Products Division developed the TEC Masters
Top Gun Competition. Throughout the past year, 211 North American Cat Marine Dealer service technicians completed three training modules on electronic diesel engine systems. The 19 scoring the highest competed against each other in a national finals competition that included a written exam, hands-on diesel engine troubleshooting and a test on customer service skills.
The day-long event provided contestants with 45 minutes to correctly troubleshoot twin "bugged" Cat electronic engines aboard a mid-sized sportfishing boat. An example of the problem they were faced with was low power. They needed to identify the problem and correct it.
Then, technicians were faced with the additional stress of a staged "owner" present during the troubleshooting. Contestants were scored on a point basis, and judged on correct procedure, accuracy, speed and customer service skills.
First Place winner was Jeff Hyer of Ransome Engine, Hammonton, N.J. Gordon Poole of Atlantic Tractors and Equipment, Yarmouth, N.S. and Larry Lee of Finning Power Systems, Vancouver tied for second place.