First class of 2010 Dixie Chopper Service School joins company officials for group photo

The new and improved Dixie Chopper Service School debuted to rave reviews March 1-3.

Seventeen service technicians, representing eight states and 12 dealerships didn’t exactly get their hands dirty but nonetheless had their mitts all over a multitude of Dixie Chopper mower components as they participated in the first of four scheduled services schools this spring.

While the hands-on approach was a new method of operating the service school, bringing the attendees in to learn at Dixie Chopper facilities in Greencastle and Fillmore, Ind., was also a new approach.

Art Evans explains unique deck design to Service School attendees

And the inaugural attendees embraced the idea.

“Hands down the best school I have been to,” Kyle Heigle of Henry’s Outdoor Power Equipment, Versailles, Ky., noted on his evaluation form. “The teachers really wanted us to learn.”

Aaron Sinks of Riggs Outdoor Power Equipment, Valparaiso, Ind., called the school “very educational.”

“It really helped me understand Dixie Chopper and how to quickly find problems and fix them,” Sinks added. “A very informative school ...  probably the best I have ever been to with all the information given.”

Ron Spencer(blue shirt) goes over Generac engine servicing techniques

Presenters Ron Spencer, Darrell Keck and Parke Lucas of the Dixie Chopper Service Department divided the four main mechanical topics covered –- Hydraulics, Electrical, Decks/Belts and Generac Engines -- into their own stations. Hands-on service training and troubleshooting exercises were conducted at each juncture.

The service school also covered warranty policies and procedures, navigation of the Dixie Chopper .com and .net websites and introduced the visiting service techs to new products. Attendees got an up-close look at the new Magnum, Eco-Eagle CNG and Diesel (powered by a Caterpillar engine). Besides viewing the new models, they were treated to some valuable insight from owner/founder Art Evans about the mowers’ features and creation.

“I was glad to be able to put a face to the names,” Taylor Davis of Taylor Rental, Okeechobee, Fla., commented. “And I was very glad we got to speak with Art Evans.”

Darrell Keck (L) and Parke Lucas (white shirt) illustrate proper hydraulic testing

The group also had the opportunity to meet twice with Dixie Chopper President Gary A. Morgan, who praised their efforts as “guinea pigs” for the new service school.

“Your feedback is what’s important to us,” Morgan said after presenting the attendees with their diplomas. “Dixie Chopper would be absolutely nothing without our dealers.”

Another dozen attendees are scheduled for the March 29-31 service school, while the April 12-14 class is also full. The first available openings are for the May 3-5 school. Further service school sessions are expected to be added in the near future.