Takeuchi and United Rentals donate compact machines to Wyoming diesel tech program

Takeuchi-US, in partnership with United Rentals, has donated the use of five Takeuchi machines to the diesel technology program at WyoTech in Laramie, Wyoming. WyoTech is a private trade school that specializes in automotive, diesel, collision/refinishing, and welding technologies. 

The donation comes at a time when the construction and rental sectors, as well as the broader equipment industry, are finding it challenging to recruit and retain qualified technicians. According to an Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) industry report, the sector will need to fill up to 73,500 heavy equipment technician positions over the next five years, and nearly 90 percent of AED member dealerships report job opening rates above the national average, with 89 percent noting technician shortages in their own companies.

The three Takeuchi TL8R2 compact track loaders and two TB216 compact excavators will be used as part of WyoTech's diesel and heavy equipment training curriculum, allowing students to train on current machine models and systems they may encounter in the field. The Takeuchi machines used in the program will be rotated on a regular basis to expose students to a variety of models, features, and applications.

A strong partnership to advance student training 

"By working with current-generation Takeuchi equipment, students gain hands-on experience with the same technology used on today's job sites," said Derek Koontz, national account manager for Takeuchi. "Rotating the machines allows students to work on different models and applications, helping them build confidence and diagnostic skills that translate directly to real-world service and repair environments."

WyoTech's training model emphasizes hands-on learning, industry relevance, and strong employer partnerships — an approach that has helped graduates transition successfully into diesel technician roles nationwide.

"Our success comes from keeping students in the shop, learning by doing, with a curriculum shaped directly by employer needs," said Cindy Barlow, director of industry relations for WyoTech. "Having access to brand-new Takeuchi compact track loaders and excavators allows students to train on modern hydraulics, electronics, diagnostics, and service procedures, not outdated technology. That experience prepares them to step into technician roles from day one."

United Rentals played a key role in bringing the partnership together, aligning the donation with its focus on workforce development and equipment reliability. 

"Training the next generation of technicians is critical for the rental industry," said Keith Pearson, skilled trades program manager for United Rentals. "Well-trained technicians keep equipment rental-ready, reduce downtime, and improve safety on job sites. Partnering with a respected manufacturer like Takeuchi and a trade school like WyoTech helps ensure students develop the skills our industry depends on."

Pearson noted that Takeuchi was a natural fit for the initiative, citing the manufacturer's strong presence in United Rentals' fleet and its commitment to the Takeuchi Gives charitable-giving program that continues to support community colleges and trade schools.

For WyoTech students, the partnership creates a direct connection between training and employment. Students will practice preventive maintenance, fault-code troubleshooting, engine performance testing, CAN-bus diagnostics, and OEM service procedures using the donated equipment.