Heavy Equipment Operations & Preventive Maintenance instructor Jim Wabals stands beside LCTI’s new bulldozer.

SCHNECKSVILLE, Pa. | Lehigh Career & Technical Institute  students will be training on a brand new, high-tech bulldozer this spring.

LCTI’s Joint Operating Committee in December signed off on buying a Caterpillar D5K2 XL bulldozer for $188,138. The cost was offset by a $100,000 equipment grant from the state.

The 2015-16 Pennsylvania budget impasse delayed release of the grant funds, which meant LCTI officials didn’t submit a purchase order for the bulldozer until late February. It arrived at the school on Monday (March 14).

The bulldozer is equipped with a Trimble 3D grade control system, a feature that’s become increasingly common on grading equipment because it saves time, increases accuracy and boosts safety.

The bulldozer will be a valuable learning tool for the high school students in LCTI’s Heavy Equipment Operations & Preventive Maintenance program, as well as the school’s Heavy Equipment Operations programs for adult learners.

Learn more about how the Heavy Equipment Operations & Preventive Maintenance program prepares LCTI students for success.