Construction and Forestry Service Technician of the Year, Max O’Brien, with John Deere’s Kel Davison.
Max O’Brien has been named the Construction & Forestry Service Technician of the Year at the second annual John Deere Technician Awards in Brisbane. Source: Timberbiz
The talented tradesman, who works for RDO Equipment Wingfield, South Australia, vied for the title against five other Construction and Forestry technician finalists from across Australia and New Zealand, and excelled during the hands-on practical testing at John Deere’s Crestmead workshop.
“I have never been a part of anything quite like the awards before, so it has all been new and exciting for me,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Being named a finalist was huge for me as it was recognition of my hard work ensuring customers are always up and running. I feel proud to have won, as I know just how hard all technicians work in helping operators get the most out of their machines.”
Throughout his career, Mr O’Brien has prioritised being at the forefront of technology and innovation and has consistently strived to acquire new skills and complete further training. This commitment to continual improvement has helped him earn a reputation for bringing a methodical approach to machine diagnostics, and he said he particularly enjoys the problem-solving element of his job.
“Carefully listening to the precise needs of customers, be they a small owner-operator business running one machine or a large-scale contracting venture with a growing fleet, has been vital in me building a relationship with our customers,” he said.
The John Deere Technician Awards were established in 2021 to showcase the skill and dedication of the high-performing techs delivering backup support to customers. This is often achieved using remote diagnostic tools which allow them to optimise machine performance from afar.
John Deere Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Luke Chandler, congratulated Mr O’Brien on his achievement.
“Max’s extensive technical expertise, and talent for machine diagnostics underpinned his performance during the judging,” Mr Chandler said.
“As the construction and forestry industries increase their adoption of sophisticated and highly efficient machinery, the role of techs is ever evolving, and while traditionally hands on, now regularly involves using technology to monitor and enhance equipment working in the field or on site.”
In total, more than 100 nominations from across Australia and New Zealand were received for this year’s award program, with finalists competing in six different categories, including Agriculture Service Technician of the Year, Construction & Forestry Service Technician of the Year, Turf Service Technician of the Year, Service Apprentice of the Year, Parts Technician of the Year and Parts Apprentice of the Year.
