WAUPUN — On Tuesday, March 21, 2023, Ballweg Implement in Waupun hosted the 1st Gator Wars Competition in Wisconsin. This mechanical diagnostic competition, Gator Wars, started in North Carolina 10 years ago when a small group of students were challenged to diagnose and repair a John Deere Gator that was “bugged. This idea became a regional and state competition with added mechanical activities. The competition allows students to build their mechanical skills by performing a variety of hands-on activities.
High School students put their mechanical skills to the test by completing four different activities. This included component identification, installation of piston rings, measuring coolant levels, and electrical diagnostics. Students were given a situation and had 15 minutes to complete the task. Students were also given the opportunity to see, ride, and learn about John Deere’s New AutoTrac Ready Gator.
The competition among thirty-eight student participants on ten teams from five local high schools; Central Wisconsin Christian, Laconia, Horicon, Mayville, and Waupun. Teams were groups of three to four students, freshman through senior years. John Deere employees from John Deere Horicon Works and John Deere Financial, located in Madison, served as judges and assisted during the event.
Gator Wars is a great way for students to meet with working technicians, dealership personnel and John Deere employees. With the event hosted at an actual dealership, students saw what a potential work environment would be. An instructor from Madison College was on hand to provide information on mechanical programs available at the school. Several State FFA Officers we on sight to greet students and provide information on the opportunities FFA membership provides. Ballweg Implement is grateful to the Waupun High School, Warrior Innovation Center, for the design and production of the Gator War Award. Ballweg Implement was proud to host this inaugural event and is looking forward to even more schools and participants next year. To sign up or for more information contact Sheila at info@ ballweg.biz.
Ballweg Implement is a family owned and operated John Deere Dealership for over 46 years with locations in Waupun and Beaver Dam. Ballweg Implement has over 45 employees who handle everything with parts, service, and equipment needs to our customers. For more information, see the website www.ballweg.biz or contact us at info@ballweg.biz.
– Ballweg Implement Staff
