Schuneman Equipment Company Donates Engine to Lake Area Technical College’s Diesel Program

WATERTOWN, SD – A major donation from Schuneman Equipment Company will offer Lake Area Technical College’s Diesel Technology students valuable hands-on experience with the latest engine technology. Through the Lake Area Technical College Foundation, the company has donated a John Deere diesel engine, which was removed from a new combine with less than 100 hours.

“We are very excited to provide this John Deere 13.5L engine to the Diesel Program at Lake Area Technical College,” said Tom Schuneman, General Manager at Schuneman Equipment Company. “It is our hope they will be able to use this engine as a training module to give students real-world learning opportunities on the newest engine technology from John Deere. LATI is running a very well-respected program and sending well-trained students into the work force and we are honored to partner and work with them.”

Students will use the engine to gain practical hands-on training and experience with tier IV emissions, fuel systems, preventive maintenance, and engine overhaul. Moreover, utilization of the new acquisition will offer students an advantage following graduation.

“Each year, at least 15 to 20 of our graduates go to work at John Deere dealerships,” said Carl Tesch, LATI Diesel Technology Department Supervisor. “At this time, our newest John Deere engine is several years old, so having this new John Deere engine is really needed and will enhance the students’ experience.”

Currently, 135 students are enrolled in the Lake Area Technical College Diesel Technology program. The two-year curriculum teaches the complete general diesel knowledge along with specific emphasis’ in agriculture, industrial and truck diesel.

Schuneman Equipment Company recently purchased Codington Clark Equipment in Watertown, SD. Schuneman Equipment Company has dealerships in Brookings, Garretson, Milbank, and Watertown, South Dakota and in Marshall and Tyler, Minnesota.