Our Hi-Lift Jack Skills training is designed to give vehicle drivers the skills needed to use these jacks safely in off-road recovery situations.  This half-day course is great for people who are considering the purchase of a jack for their vehicle or who already have one and would like to become more comfortable with its use in different types of recoveries. 

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This is an in-person class where students will have the opportunity to both learn from instructors as well as practice hands-on use in different scenarios.  All gear is provided, but students are welcome to bring their own gear in good condition to use during the class.  Closed toed shoes and sturdy work gloves are required for the hands on portions of the class.  This session can be conducted indoors or outdoors depending on the needs of the client and the current weather conditions.

Topics:

• Hi-Lift components and maintenance

• Safety protocols and protective equipment

• Hi-Lift kits and accessories

• Lifting, clamping, and spreading

• Chain based winching

• Synthetic gear based winching

• Vehicle casting techniques

• Jack mounting and storage

We have all seen the markings for WLL (working load limit) and MBS (minimum breaking strength) on the recovery gear that we use, but what does it mean?  This 1.5 hour online session dives deep into the meanings of these gear ratings as well as the engineering origin of their use in lifting and recovery gear.  The course starts with basic definitions but then gets into the "why" by looking at the material science and manufacturing techniques that go into having safe gear for the vehicle recoveries we do.  Course content includes graphics of concepts, hands on demos, information from equipment manufacturers, and examples of how to use these ratings in selection of your recovery gear.  The presenter of the session is a real engineer with over 25 years of experience in both design engineering and four wheel driving.  There is plenty of time for questions as well.  No direct experience is required for this session, but it is helpful if participants have a basic understanding of the gear and techniques used in vehicle recoveries.  Oh, and have a few paper clips handy during the session!

Steel or synthetic has become THE question most frequently asked in the four wheel drive recovery community.  This session offers students the opportunity to see the different types of gear currently offered in this space and get hands-on opportunity to "try before they buy" to see what will work best for them.  While this is not an in-depth recovery training course, it is a great introduction to the current state of gear with professional trainers available to demonstrate techniques and answer any questions.  All gear is provided, but if students have personal gear in good condition that they would like additional experience with they are welcome to bring it.  This course can be conducted indoors or outdoors depending on the needs of the students and the current weather conditions.

Left foot braking is one of the most powerful off-road driving skills, but also one of the least understood topics.  In this session trainers will introduce what left foot braking is, when to use it, when not to use it, and why it helps with off road driving.  Students will get the opportunity to practice these skills in a number of different situations in their own vehicles so that they can become comfortable with the concepts.  This course is generally about 2 hours in duration but may be longer depending on the number of participants.

Off road driving is a lot of fun but can also involve risks.  Learn about the types of risks that could be present and the techniques that can be applied to make it safer.  We will cover the same type of risk reduction methodologies that are used in high risk industries like industrial robotics and work in hazardous environments - but tailored to the types of situations that recreational four wheel drivers will encounter during their adventures.  This is a great session for folks just getting into the sport or as a way to start conversations about safety in four wheel drive clubs or companies with drivers who travel off of paved roads.  The speaker for this course is an engineer with over 25 years of experience and has managed multiple programs for risk management in product development.  They are also a certified 4wd instructor with almost 30 years behind the wheel of four wheel drive vehicles.  This course is a discussion based session conducted indoors or online that does not require participants to bring vehicles or equipment.

We all like to drive, but where do we go?  This online presentation covers the concept of Class VI roads in New Hampshire and focuses on their history to present day uses.  The speakers will cover what the roads are, what they can be used for, and the threats that they face.  This online presentation is great for folks looking to explore New Hampshire via the roads less traveled, people holding elected office who would like to learn more about the resources in the state, and those who are just interested in one of the things that helps make New Hampshire a great place.  The speakers in the presentation are passionate users of these roads and will share their knowledge and experience (as well as pictures!) during the course of a one hour online or in person meeting.