Podcast Summary: Dirt Talk by BuildWitt Episode: From Antique Tractors to Modern Innovation w/ Phil Rausch of MTS – DT 334
Release Date: May 1, 2025

Introduction

In episode DT 334 of Dirt Talk by BuildWitt, host Aaron engages in a comprehensive conversation with Phil Rausch, a key figure from Mobile Track Solutions (MTS). The episode delves deep into Phil's career journey, the evolution of MTS, the intricate relationship with industry giant Caterpillar, and the innovative strides being made in the earthmoving equipment sector.

Phil Rausch's Career Journey

Phil Rausch begins by recounting his unexpected path into the heavy equipment industry. Starting in March 2020 during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Phil transitioned from working in rock quarries to joining MTS. Reflecting on this period, Phil notes:

"It's like you were in your best interest to full send that week because you can see a year's worth of customers in four days. [02:03]

This move marked the beginning of a five-year tenure with MTS, where Phil navigated the challenges of shifting from a land-based territory to a role that required extensive travel.

Con Expo Experience and Relationship Building

A significant portion of their discussion centers around Con Expo, a major event in the construction and heavy equipment industry. Phil describes the dual perspectives of attending the expo as a dealer versus as a manufacturer:

"It is a gauntlet, but it is an incredible opportunity to get all of your biggest players in the same room. [05:06]

Aaron echoes Phil's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of relationship-building that such events facilitate:

"It allows you to see so many people. It's a great time. [...] It's still very much shaking hands, building relationships, building trust. [05:53]

The duo highlights how Con Expo serves as a condensed environment for networking, allowing representatives to engage with numerous clients and stakeholders efficiently.

MTS: Evolution and History

The conversation transitions to the history of MTS and its foundational ties to C.J. Moyna & Sons, a prominent general contractor from Iowa. Phil shares the company's humble beginnings in 2009 and his initial hesitations to join MTS despite attractive opportunities at other firms like Volvo and Iron Planet.

"We have 24 Caterpillar dealers that sell and support MTS equipment, so around the US and then also William Adams in Australia. [118:04]

Phil elaborates on MTS's commitment to innovation, emphasizing John Moyna’s role in steering the company towards developing solutions tailored to real-world construction challenges.

Innovation in Earthmoving Equipment

Phil passionately discusses MTS’s dedication to innovative design in earthmoving equipment. He narrates the development of the ejector truck, a groundbreaking concept that enhances efficiency and safety in material handling. Key highlights include:

• Ejector System Development: Originally designed to address carryback issues in sticky clays, the ejector system ensures cleaner dumps by mechanically pushing material out, eliminating the need for partial loads.

  "By an ejector pushing it out, cleans the bed out and then you're not carrying back a couple of yards every round. [43:20]

• Collaboration with Caterpillar: MTS sold the ejector truck patents to Caterpillar, leading to the production of models like the TS 220 and TS 180. This collaboration underscored MTS's role in advancing industry standards.

• Revolutionizing Scrapers: Phil highlights the transition from traditional scraper trucks to MTS’s advanced models, which offer greater capacity and durability, essential for large-scale construction projects.

Challenges in the Construction Industry

The discussion shifts to the current challenges facing the construction and earthmoving industries. Phil points out the reluctance of many companies to adopt new technologies and the preference for outdated equipment despite the availability of more efficient alternatives.

"I see a lot of companies running old scrapers, running old dozers, running old loaders... which they rebuild because they prefer the old stuff over the new stuff, which is crazy. [56:17]

Both Phil and Aaron express concern over the industry's stagnation in innovation, attributing it to large corporate structures that stifle creative advancements in favor of incremental improvements.

Training and Education Initiatives

A pivotal part of the conversation revolves around the importance of training and education in the industry. Phil emphasizes MTS's efforts to not only sell equipment but also to ensure operators are well-trained to maximize efficiency and safety.

"Our sales team goes out and we do operator training for our customers. So we all spend a lot of time in the equipment. [90:04]

Aaron underscores the necessity of foundational knowledge, sharing anecdotes about the pitfalls of assuming common sense among operators without proper training.

"You have to give them the information and I need to give it to them many times over. [105:07]

Phil highlights initiatives like the Earthworks Training and the use of 3D printed models to educate operators on optimal earthmoving techniques, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Earth Moving Legacy Center and Events

The Earth Moving Legacy Center in Elkader, Iowa, is a testament to MTS's commitment to preserving industry history while celebrating its milestones. Phil describes the center as a sprawling museum housing an extensive collection of antique Caterpillar equipment, meticulously restored to pristine condition.

"It's probably the finest collection that anybody can go see... there's 84 indoors and then hundreds out back. [66:42]

The upcoming Century of Caterpillar event, scheduled for September 12th through 14th, is a highlight of the episode. Featuring restored antique machines in action, the event promises fireworks and drone shows, celebrating Caterpillar's 100-year legacy.

"There's gonna be thousands of people there. There's like an open air play... they're putting together a drone show. [64:59]

Aaron expresses his excitement and plans to attend, emphasizing the uniqueness and educational value of witnessing antique machines operating in the field.

Leadership and Communication

Aaron and Phil delve into the critical role of leadership and effective communication in ensuring successful operations. Phil shares personal experiences where overcommunication and clear directives led to improved performance on job sites.

"You gotta over communicate as much as you can... [103:22]

Aaron emphasizes the importance of fostering an environment where questions are encouraged, debunking the myth that not asking questions equates to competence.

"It's like the worst they can tell you is quit telling me that. I understand. [105:26]

Both speakers advocate for a culture of continuous feedback and knowledge sharing, highlighting how leaders like John Moyna set exemplary standards by consistently teaching and mentoring their teams.

Conclusion

Episode DT 334 of Dirt Talk by BuildWitt offers an insightful exploration into the world of earthmoving equipment through Phil Rausch's experiences and MTS's innovative approaches. From navigating career transitions and leveraging industry events for relationship building to spearheading groundbreaking equipment solutions and fostering a culture of training and education, Phil provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic construction landscape. The episode culminates with a celebration of industry heritage at the Earth Moving Legacy Center, underscoring the importance of preserving history while driving future innovations.

Notable Quotes:

• Phil Rausch [02:03]: "You can see a year's worth of customers in four days."
• Aaron [05:53]: "It's still very much shaking hands, building relationships, building trust."
• Phil Rausch [43:20]: "By an ejector pushing it out, cleans the bed out and then you're not carrying back a couple of yards every round."
• Phil Rausch [56:17]: "I see a lot of companies running old scrapers, running old dozers... which they rebuild because they prefer the old stuff over the new stuff, which is crazy."
• Aaron [105:07]: "You have to give them the information and I need to give it to them many times over."
• Aaron [105:26]: "It's like the worst they can tell you is quit telling me that. I understand."
• Phil Rausch [90:04]: "Our sales team goes out and we do operator training for our customers."
• Aaron [05:53]: "It's still very much shaking hands, building relationships, building trust."

This episode is a must-listen for industry professionals seeking to understand the interplay between innovation, relationships, and effective leadership in the earthmoving sector.