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In October 2006, I attended the Service and Maintenance Course at the American LaFrance Training Center in Cleveland, North Carolina. We were trained in numerous areas including cab and chassis, brakes, HVAC, electrical, transmissions, and fire pumps. We were trained to diagnose problems with these systems and maintain them properly. This class gave me a better understanding of how these systems operate collectively.
In October 2006, I attended the Multiplexing Course at the American LaFrance Training facility in Cleveland, North Carolina. This course taught us the theory multiplexing and how to troubleshoot and program multiplexed vehicles. The class helped me to understand complex electrical systems using communication cable.
In December 2006, I attended the Electrical problem Solving Course at the Freightliner Training Center in Bridgeport, New Jersey. The course trained us in basic electricity and complex systems that are found in today’s Freightliner Trucks.
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In November of 2006, I attended the American LaFrance LTI School in Ephrata Pennsylvania. This was a basic introduction of aerial ladders. The first day of class was a basic operations class, where we learned how to properly set up a 100’ midmount tower ladder. We also went over interlocks on the aerial device and proper operation of the ladder truck.
On the second day of class we had the opportunity to build the new style outriggers that will be used on all new LTI ladder trucks. We also went over the basic electrical and hydraulic components. We then reviewed the proper preventative maintenance procedures on all the LTI models.
On the last day of class we discussed different types of multiplexed trucks. We then took a tour of the Ephrata Plant and saw how the trucks are manufactured and assembled. Later in the day we drove to the Lebanon Plant to see how they build the Telesquirt product, and visited the refurb shop. Overall, this was a knowledgeable class. The tour of both facilities was ... more |
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In June of 2006, I attended the Hale Pump School at the Montgomery Fire Academy in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. We discussed the different types of pumps that Hale produces and how to repair them. The class was very helpful in troubleshooting pump problems. As a class we disassembled and rebuild several types of pumps and primers. We learned about all the different options that are available on Hale pumps and how to troubleshoot them. We learned how to adjust and replace pump packing. The class then discussed proper pump test procedures. I believe I came away from this class with a better understanding of how a pump works and how to troubleshoot problems in the future. This was a great hands on class. |
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| Peter Haenchen, Technician |
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On the week of July 24th through July 28th, I attended a HVAC class at the Freightliner training facility in Bridgeport, NJ. Among the topics covered were service and maintenance, diagnostics, and troubleshooting. The training began with the familiarization of different HVAC components focusing on compressors. We then trained using the Robinair combination A/C servicing and recycling machine. The class was concluded by discussing maintenance techniques to extend the life of HVAC systems. By attending this class I have gained a higher level of knowledge and am confident that I will be able to address HVAC repair issues with proficiency. |
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On Wednesday March 30, 2006 the Campbell Supply Service Department conducted an in house training course on the Weldon V-Mux Multiplexed Electrical Systems. This is the system that is currently being used in the production of new apparatus. Jeff Dilgren from Weldon presented the eight hour class to our shop and field technicians. The main topic was the diagnostic and downloading procedures of the system. V-Mux is a field serviceable electric system, which can be updated with new programs from a laptop computer. Changes to the system are simple. Troubleshooting of a trucks electrical system can be easily accomplished by using the diagnostic software found on the laptop. The V-Mux system can diagnose complex electrical problems with inputs and outputs or something as simple as a burnt out light bulb. The Weldon V-Mux is a very versatile system that can be tailored to individual customer needs. Reliability is probably the most important feature of the system. By replacing yesterday’s old school ele ... more |
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On Monday January 24th, 2005, the entire Campbell Supply Service Department attended a training class on maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of Harrison Hydrogen Hydraulic Generators. Scott Hermick, Field Service Technician for Harrison Hydrogen, conducted the class at our South Plainfield Facility. First, we learned about Harrison’s products and the benefits of using their product. Next, we went in depth in troubleshooting of the hydraulic and electric components of each system. Proper operation and maintenance procedures were also covered and discussed in length. At the end of the session, Scott allowed our technicians to ask questions to fulfill their learning experience. At the completion of this class, Campbell Supply became an authorized warranty repair and service center. Above all, all of our service technicians gained more confidence to perform the job and greater knowledge about the Harrison Hydrogen.
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On September 14 – 17, 2004, I attended the American LaFrance Service and Maintenance Course, along with an American LaFrance Multiplexing Course in Charleston, SC.
I found these courses to be very helpful by showing us where key components were located on both the Eagle and Metropolitan Chassis which would help us troubleshoot problems faster by knowing where to look.
We also went over Interlock Functions, Load Managers, and the Fire Commander. Load Managers and the Fire Commander can be set up for the customer specific needs.
On the last day of the course we went over the American LaFrance Multiplexing. This class was helpful in getting a better understanding of how Multiplexing works. Multiplexing eliminates hundreds off feet of wire and reduces the weight of a truck by about 600 lbs. Multiplexing uses a power wire, ground wire and a signal wire to do multiple functions by sending different signals through one cable.
After attending these two classes I have a better understanding on h ... more |
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| Dave Spratford, Technician |
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I recently attended a foundation brake training class at engine city technical institute in Union, NJ. This was a hands-on class that covered all the components that are essential for air brakes to work properly. I learned a few interesting facts such as, how the s-cam produces torque and minimum and maximum radial and axial play. We learned on both Eaton and Rockwell/Meritor axles, two of the most used in today’s truck market.
I learned about proper pushrod length for the air chamber and OEM adjustment procedures for maximum stopping. Another important topic that was covered was proper axle wheel bearing installation specifications. I was shown the correct procedure to adjust wheel bearings using the manufacturers guidelines.
Overall, this class was extremely knowledgeable, especially from all of the hands-on-training time involved. I came away from this class with a better understanding of braking systems and their operation.
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| John Thompson, Service Manager |
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I had the opportunity to attend the American LaFrance National Sales Meeting held in Charleston, SC on March 3-5, 2003. Along with sales related seminars, this year American LaFrance incorporated service topics also. I attended seminars ranging from major component refurbishing (i.e. chassis, aerial devices) to learning more about the new Eagle and Metropolitan Cabs that are now being built.
One of my daily responsibilities of being shop foreman is to be a direct link between our shop technicians and the factory customer support staff. They assist us with troubleshooting help, new vehicles deliveries and warranty issues. During the seminars many of the customer support staff also joined in the classes. That was beneficial to me and the other dealers who were in the service classes because we were able to develop or improve our business relationship.
One of the most important seminars I attended focused on improving customer service. I was able to learn some new ways to deal with our customers, not ... more |
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| Paul Craft, Parts Department |
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Recently I attended American LaFrance Training School. The main objective of this school was to familiarize the technicians with the American LaFrance chassis and their functions.
The first half of the class covered the eagle and metropolitan chassis. This included all optional and standard function of these chassis. For instance, standard and optional engines (i.e. Detroit, CAT, Cummins) water pumps whether or not you would choose American LaFrance pump or Hale or the new power flow pump. We also went over O.I.C., load manager, and electron fire commander programming, which helps a great deal in engine and electronic diagnosis.
The last section of the training class covered multi-plexing. Multi-plexing is and will be the new standard in which chassis electrical will be set. Instead of using hundreds of individual wires each for one function, multi-plex will use a power, ground, and data signal wire for multiple functions all tied into a central component to run the system. This will greatly ... more |
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| John Tepedino, Long Island Service Manager |
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I recently attended the Waterous mechanics seminar in South Saint Paul, Minnesota. The seminar was excellent. It consisted of one week of in house training with some of the best instructors in the business. Hands on training consisted of teardowns and rebuilds of mid-ship and P.T.O. driven fire pumps and transfer cases. Working in small groups we tore down four different pumps and four different transfer cases. Pumps consisted of, high pressure P.T.O. drive, mid-ship single stage and mid-ship two stage pumps. We were able to see different techniques and tools that are used by the factory. The instructors covered all accessories and parts related to their products. We also learned about Waterous’ newly designed compressed air foam systems and the benefits of having it in the fire industry. For some mechanics who deal with Waterous technicians on the phone, like myself, it was nice to put a face to the voice. It was also interesting to meet other fire mechanics from different regions and discuss w ... more |
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| Louis L. Hadju-Nemeth, Shop Foreman |
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I had the opportunity to attend the American LaFrance Service and Maintenance class held at the Freightliner Training Center in Cleveland, North Carolina on November 4-6, 2002. The class covered the various component locations, system functions, and service procedures that are unique to the American LaFrance Eagle and Metropolitan fire apparatus chassis’s. This training not only broke down each chassis by its major components, which include, but are not limited to, the following: engine, transmission, suspension, braking systems, electrical, HVAC, interior, drivetrain, firepump, etc., but went through the ability of the Eagle and the Metropolitan (when optionally equipped) to self diagnosis their systems through the OIC (Officer Information Center) and/or the engine and transmission ECM’s. From a technician’s point of view, this class has given me the knowledge to better understand the inner and outer workings of these two chassis’s. With the various types of applications that both these two chassis’ ... more |
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| Scott Campbell, President |
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I would like to thank you for visiting our web site and specifically the Shop Talk section. Training our technicians has always been a high priority in our company. As you can see from the monthly postings we are serious about training and certifications. For you, our valued customers, this means you may have the highest confidence in the people who are working on your equipment that you depend on to do your job. It is a privilege to have you as a customer and we are thankful for your business. Please continue to visit and learn what's happening at Campbell Supply. We change our site weekly in certain areas so visit often.
Warmest Regards,
Scott Campbell |
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| Matt Bauman, Field Service Technician |
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Hello, my name is Matthew Bauman and I'd like to tell you about the class I attended at Engine City Technical Institute. The class I attended dealt with Foundation Brake and Air Systems. The course covered how to properly inspect and repair air systems and foundation brakes. The course also included how to identify and adjust air disk or drum brakes by manufacturer. Additional items covered included hands-on training for performing a brake job and inspection and testing of related components for wear and damage while hitting problem areas and showing usage of the correct tools and procedures for wheel bearing adjustments and checks. I think the biggest advantage of the coarse is the amount of detail described about air systems, the class definitely gave me better troubleshooting skills. I came away from the class feeling more confident and prepared to tackle any brake problems. |
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| John Thompson, Service Manager |
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On July 23rd – 26th, I attended the Freightliner Sprinter Service and Maintenance class held at the Freightliner Training Center in Bridgeport, NJ. The class focused on component location, service procedures and troubleshooting.
The Sprinter is a unique electrical system and a majority of the time was used to cover troubleshooting. Diagnosing problems in the Sprinter is done by a handheld computer called DAS (Diagnostic Assistance System). Using DAS you can access any of the vehicles seven-board computers to detect any faults or problems. Also, covered in the class was utilization of the WIS (Workshop Information System), a computer-based program that contains repair instructions, wiring diagrams, and maintenance information. The last few items that we covered were the heating and cooling systems and general chassis, suspension of the Sprinter. After the fourth day of class was completed, I had a new understanding of this vehicle. The Sprinter is a European style van that can be either a cargo v ... more |
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