Simformotion LLC has introduced a new Cat® Simulators Next Gen Excavator Underground Utilities package, expanding its heavy equipment simulator training offer with exercises focused on utility servicing.
Released on September 9, 2026, the package is designed to prepare excavator operators for the demanding tasks involved in underground utility excavation. The training places learners in a realistic construction-site environment where they can practice exposing underground water, gas and electrical service lines for inspection, repair and extension.
The focus is on helping operators build safe work habits before entering jobsites where buried utilities can create hazardous conditions. Through simulation, learners can repeat utility-focused tasks in a controlled environment while developing precision, accuracy and awareness around overlapping service lines.
“Utility work is one of the highest risk environments an operator can face on a jobsite, and organizations need training tools that reflect that reality. Our new Cat Simulators Next Gen Excavator Utilities system gives learners the opportunity to build confidence, accuracy and safe work habits before they ever step onto a jobsite. It’s an investment in workforce readiness that directly supports safer, more efficient operations across the industry.”
Said Vanessa Price, Vice President of Simformotion.
The Next Gen Excavator Utilities package adds four new exercises, each centered on a specific underground utility scenario. In the Underground Water Utilities – Expose Damaged Water Service exercise, learners use the excavator to uncover a damaged and leaking water service line. The training focuses on safe digging techniques and precision control, preparing the line for repair.
The Underground Water Utilities – Extend Service exercise teaches learners how to extend an existing water service line to a building. It reinforces trenching accuracy, depth control and safe work practices.
For gas utility work, the Underground Gas Utilities – Expose for Servicing exercise places learners in a congested underground environment. Operators practice exposing overlapping gas and water service lines, where precision and caution are essential.
The Underground Electric Utilities – Expose for Servicing exercise trains learners to uncover an existing electrical service line while avoiding overlapping utilities and service lines. The goal is to build awareness for excavation around energized infrastructure.
Cat Simulators systems include authentic Cat machine controls, walkaround machine inspection training and built-in reporting software. The software records and reports learner simulation sessions and compares performance to Caterpillar benchmarks. Training exercises are also available in multiple languages.
The new utilities package can be supported by the SimScholars® online companion curriculum, which provides a one-to-one match for each simulator’s training exercises. Available for all models, the curriculum can be used in the classroom or for remote learning. It includes an instructor course guide, learner guides, videos, quizzes and other interactive training materials.
By combining the Next Gen Excavator Utilities package with SimScholars curriculum, training programs can deliver a blended learning experience for excavator operators.
Simformotion says Cat Simulators provide a safe and cost-effective training solution for high schools, colleges and corporate heavy equipment operator training programs. The systems allow learners to train without taking machines out of production and can be used regardless of weather conditions. Cat Simulators can also be converted between models using the same base unit and conversion kits, supporting cross-training on multiple machines while saving space. Their portability allows the systems to be moved between locations.
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