Service Technician John Deere Construction Training at RDO Equipment Co.: What You Can Expect

Diesel technicians learn a lot on the job. Some of this is done by shadowing veteran technicians at work, and much of it is done through trial and error throughout the jobs they perform.

Formal on-the-job training is another huge piece of a service technician’s development, learning and career success. 

This is especially true when joining a new company and learning the equipment they service. 

Even the most experienced technicians require some level of training and guidance when switching employers — and from one type of machinery to another.

Here at RDO Equipment Co., we’re one of the largest John Deere construction dealers in the U.S., employing hundreds of technicians who service these machines.

Developing these technicians when they join our organization and giving them training opportunities throughout their time here is one of our top priorities. 

To do so, we’ve made significant investments in our John Deere Construction service tech training and development program. 

Learn about what you can expect to receive as a new service technician working at an RDO dealership that services John Deere construction machinery.  

What Kind of John Deere Construction Training Do Service Techs Get? 

For decades, RDO has developed and invested in tools and programs to improve the training of our technicians. Today, we offer a robust training program that includes John Deere University courses and internal capstone certification classes. Here’s some more information on each.

John Deere University and Core Classes

When you join RDO as a service technician specializing in John Deere Construction equipment, you’ll gain access to John Deere University. This is the platform John Deere provides dealers to train their technicians.

After you finish your initial onboarding — it should take 7-10 days — getting you familiar with John Deere Construction machinery and systems is the next step. 

This is done through John Deere University's online web courses and training. 

These courses teach technicians core fundamentals through three curriculum levels, and today total 147.5 credit hours across 56 classes. Note: total classes and credit hours may change.

Level 1: Technical Foundations

This should be completed within your first month as a service technician. It takes 16 credit hours and has 16 different training modules.

Within it, you’ll learn basic diagnostics, customer service skills, how to use John Deere Service ADVISOR and a technician’s role in John Deere warranties. You’ll also get an introduction to John Deere engines and drivetrains.

Level 2: Systems Overviews

RDO tries to get all technicians through its systems overviews course before their six-month mark. This curriculum is more advanced than the technical foundations course and includes 43 credit hours spread across 20 classes. Here’s what you’ll learn in the systems overviews course:

• Technical systems — hydraulic hydrostatic level 1-4
• Technical systems — electrical/electronic level 1-4
• Technical systems — air conditioning and heating systems
• Engine systems:
• Electrical systems
• Fuel systems
• Coolant systems
• Lubricant systems
• Air and exhaust systems
• Aftertreatment systems

Level 3: Systems Diagnostics

This is the most in-depth level you’ll go through as a service technician. This 88.5 credit hour, 20-section course and will be completed 6-24 months after your start date. 

Systems diagnostics is a crucial part of what technicians do. To make sure they’re prepared, this learning path teaches diagnostics for John Deere equipment in the following areas:

• Hydraulics/hydrostatic systems
• Electrical/electronic systems
• Air conditioning and heating systems
• Advanced drivetrains
• Engines
• Coolant and lubrication systems
• Fuel systems
• Engine air and exhaust systems
• Engine after treatment systems

All three of these levels must be completed before a service technician can begin taking machinery-specific capstones from an RDO trainer.

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RDO John Deere Capstone Paths and Classes

Once they’ve completed the core levels through John Deere University, technicians can start to make their way through the capstone paths and classes taught by RDO’s internal Certified Dealer Instructors (CDIs). 

Where the core classes apply to both construction and agriculture machinery, these capstone paths are specific to John Deere Construction equipment. RDO has a capstone path, class and certification for every piece of John Deere Construction Equipment — including compact equipment. Capstones technicians can pursue include skids steers, crawlers, excavators, graders, articulated dump trucks, PCE equipment and more. 

Here’s how the RDO capstone program works: 

Technicians start a specific John Deere course based on the type of equipment they’d like to be certified for. This course walks them through classes, videos and training to prepare them for their capstone class and exams.

After completing the capstone’s core classes, technicians are approved to sign up for and attend RDO’s capstone class for that equipment. This class is taught by an RDO CDI. 

The capstone classes are typically three days long. The first two days include 3-4 hours of PowerPoint presentations and class discussions. 

The second half of these days are hands-on in the shop, where technicians apply what they have learned to troubleshoot and fix bugged machines. 

Day three of every capstone class is test day. There is a written test, which is typically around 25 questions and then there is a hands-on test where technicians must demonstrate their knowledge of the machinery by using Service Advisor 5 to diagnose issues. 

How Long Does it Take to Complete an RDO/John Deere Capstone? 

This varies depending on the technician. If you’re able to dedicate some time to it, completing each capstone’s core classes shouldn’t take more than a week. This will depend on your schedule and the needs of your shop.

From there, you can complete the in-person capstone in three days — though you may have to wait until there is a scheduled instructor lead training capstone class in your region.

How Often Are Techs Given John Deere Construction Training? 

RDO service technicians are encouraged to pursue training regularly. Once they complete their initial core classes through John Deere University, they can pursue additional capstones.

While completing each capstone and getting the credential might vary based on class availability, service technicians have ongoing access to John Deere University. 

It’s not unusual for a technician to complete multiple capstones in a year. Again, this comes down to how motivated you are to get them (having more can impact your career path level and compensation). 

Join RDO Equipment as a John Deere Construction Tech

Your progression as a technician is often influenced by your company’s commitment to offering training opportunities. As your career continues, try to find an employer that values development as much as you do. 

Here at RDO, we’ve spent decades training our service technicians and refining our John Deere Construction programs. 

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career within a company committed to your growth, find an opening here. For any questions — either about training or otherwise — get in contact with our careers team. We’re more than happy to help you in any way you need!