Heavy Equipment Blogs

Tom Hughes

Corporate Trainer / Product Specialist

Tom Hughes is an accomplished heavy-duty technician with a diverse background in the construction and mining equipment industry. With over a decade of hands-on experience, his journey began with a rigorous four-year apprenticeship at Volvo Construction Equipment in the United Kingdom. During this time, he not only gained practical knowledge but also actively participated as an apprentice steering group member, contributing to the development of apprenticeship programs.

Upon completing his apprenticeship, Tom continued to hone his skills during four years as a mobile heavy-duty technician for Volvo CE GB. His work extended to various sectors, including mining, construction, demolition, road building, drilling, civil construction, and more. His commitment to excellence led him to attend OEM training sessions and industry-leading college tuition, ensuring he remained at the forefront of heavy equipment maintenance and repair.

Tom’s career then took him to British Columbia, where he joined Great West Equipment (GWE) as a mobile heavy-duty technician. His expertise and dedication quickly earned him the role of service supervisor at GWE's Terrace branch. In this position, he led a team of technicians, coaching and guiding them to provide top-notch service to customers.

Having developed a profound understanding of the industry and machinery, Tom became an apprentice writer for GWE, actively contributing to the growth and success of apprentices. He also played a pivotal role in training development and delivery, ensuring that the next generation of technicians received the best education and guidance.

In his current role as a product specialist, Tom Hughes’ primary duty is to support both customers and technicians with technical training and assistance. He specializes in a range of heavy equipment, including Volvo ART, EXC, SDLG, and Sennebogen, ensuring that individuals in the field have access to the knowledge and resources they need.

Tom’s comprehensive experience, training development expertise, and dedication to the industry make him a valuable asset and a well-rounded author capable of providing insight into the world of heavy-duty equipment maintenance, repair, and training.

Why choose volvo?
Posted on 06-09-2023 by
Why Choose Volvo?

Regarding construction equipment, countless brands have come and gone over the years. Still, few have stood out among the rest and established a reputation quite like Volvo's. READ MORE

5 tips for excavating trenches safely and efficiently
Posted on 07-08-2023 by
5 Tips for Excavating Trenches Safely and Efficiently

Trenching involves digging up earth and removing dirt to form a narrow depression in the ground that can be used for various purposes. This kind of activity is a necessary part of many construction projects. READ MORE

The do’s and don’ts of excavating
Posted on 26-07-2023 by
The Do’s and Don’ts of Excavating

Excavation involves the removal of soil or rock from a site to form an open-faced hole or cavity in the earth’s surface using tools and machines. There are many different types of excavation jobs, including pit excavation, trench work, surface excavations, caving, and wells and drives. READ MORE

How to plan for excavation work on a construction site
Posted on 14-06-2023 by
How to Plan For Excavation Work on a Construction Site

If you and your crew have plans to take on a project that involves excavation, it is crucial to understand the hazards that go along with this type of work. Fortunately, you can minimize your exposure to most of these risks if you create a proper excavation plan. READ MORE

7 safety tips for heavy equipment operators
Posted on 08-03-2023 by
7 Safety Tips for Heavy Equipment Operators

No matter what kind of construction project you are working on, whether it is building a home or working on road maintenance, using a wide range of heavy equipment is integral.  Operating heavy equipment involves being around powerful machines with moving parts. READ MORE

A complete guide to hydraulic cylinders
Posted on 23-12-2022 by
A Complete Guide to Hydraulic Cylinders

Hydraulic cylinders are a part used in heavy machinery to generate mechanical force in a linear motion. They get their power from a pressurized hydraulic fluid like hydraulic oil.  A hydraulic cylinder is a tube that is capped at either end, and it has a rod sticking out of one of its sides. READ MORE