Future technicians benefit from Groff Tractor’s generosity

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Faculty and students from Pennsylvania College of Technology – comprising all heavy construction equipment powertrain and engines classes, as well as three enrollees from a hydraulics course – attended an informative Sept. 28 open house at Groff Tractor & Equipment LLC in Mechanicsburg.

Transported from the Schneebeli Earth Science Center and back on a chartered bus provided by the company, the Penn College contingent was treated to a tour of corporate headquarters – human resources, parts, and service and sales.

They also visited Groff’s Uptime Center and learned about telematics, which help a business keep track of the location and condition of its equipment.

The group was one of the earliest in North America to see the CASE Minotaur DL550 compact track loader, a first for the industry that was launched this fall.

“They were all given a Carhartt backpack, water bottle and hat. Everyone was fed a delicious meal on arrival and, before we departed, pizza was provided for the ride home,” said Chris S. Weaver, assistant professor of diesel equipment technology, who accompanied the group with faculty colleague Andy S. King. “Everyone was treated like family, and Groff rolled out the red carpet for our students.”

The visit with Groff – a supplier of new and used construction equipment, and one of Penn College's valued Corporate Tomorrow Makers – was just the latest example of a partnership that benefits students and faculty.

Groff recently donated a CASE New Holland Electronic Service Tool and the related Dearborn Protocol Adapter required for connection for diagnostic use by students in Hydraulics III (DSM 230) and Heavy Equipment Machine Electronics & Diagnostic Procedures (DSM 236) courses.

"With this donation, we can now add training material and new lab projects for our students," said Elizabeth A. Biddle, senior corporate relations director. "Anytime we can expose our students to new technology, it’s a win … and a move in the right direction."

For more about diesel programs at Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education. visit the School of Engineering Technologies or call 570-327-4520.