DAE think seat time matters more than sim training for new operators?

I've seen guys come out of simulators who can't handle real machine vibration or site noise. But the trainers say sims cut risk and cost for beginners. Last week, a sim-trained kid froze up when his excavator started shaking on rough ground. So what's the balance, should we push for more field hours or trust the tech?

3 comments

3 Comments

caleb_price1mo ago

Back in 2019, our training center added bass shakers under the sim seats to mimic real machine vibration. It let new guys feel the shake without the risk, cutting down on those freeze moments. Sims need to copy the unplanned stuff, like sudden noise or uneven ground, not just the perfect digs. When we focused on that messy realism, field transitions got much smoother.

the_oscar1mo ago

Could sims be better if they included more random site sounds and distractions? After reading @caleb_price's note on vibration, I wonder if mimicking the full messy work day would help new guys adapt faster. Seat time still matters, but sims that feel real might bridge the gap.

harper_white1mo ago

Balance random sounds with structured practice in sims. Too much noise can overwhelm new guys. They need to learn basics first. Vibration helps, but only after they get the controls. Sims should add mess slowly, not all at once.