Olds College of Agriculture & Technology is excited to announce a new partnership with The TireGrabber Ltd., who have generously donated a Tire Grabber TG4000XL model and TG Equipment Sprayer Jack that will enhance the learning experience for students in the College’s agriculture and heavy equipment programs.
Earlier this week, Gerard Zentner, CEO of The TireGrabber, and Steven Minken, Director of Business Development, visited campus to conduct a demonstration of this innovative tool with Olds College instructors. The TireGrabber, a patented tool designed to handle massive equipment tires (weighing up to 12,000 lbs or 5,443 kg), makes the difficult and dangerous task of handling large tires safer and more efficient. Built for use on uneven terrain, this device is made for industries such as agriculture, construction, mining and more!
"Partnerships like this are crucial for the success of Olds College and its mission to equip students with the practical skills needed for the future workforce,” says Paul Blankestijn, Associate Dean, School of Trades & Skills, Olds College. “With access to cutting-edge tools like the TireGrabber, our students can learn how to safely and efficiently work with large-scale equipment, preparing them for successful careers in industries that rely on these technologies."
The TireGrabber’s origins are firmly planted in the agricultural community. The product was conceived by Darcy Goossen, a farmer from Ferintosh, Alta., who recognized the need for safer, more efficient methods of handling oversized tires on farms. Drawing on his own experiences, Darcy developed The TireGrabber to address these challenges.
“Our local roots and Darcy’s journey as a farmer and inventor inspire our commitment to supporting the community,” said Zentner. “Olds College, located in our backyard, is an ideal partner for advancing our mission of promoting safety and innovation in agriculture. This donation is not just about providing equipment but about preparing the next generation of agricultural professionals. It reflects our dedication to empowering future agricultural leaders and ensuring they graduate with the right tools and a mindset that prioritizes safety while driving progress in the industry.”
Farm safety remains a pressing concern with numerous incidents occurring annually due to unsafe tire-handling practices. The TireGrabber system addresses these challenges with solutions that eliminate the need for dangerous manual methods. This donation also emphasizes the importance of investing in safety education to create a more sustainable and secure agricultural future.