ForConstructionPros.com

You're likely aware of the advantages grade control systems can offer on finish grade machines such as dozers and motor graders. But less known is the fact that modern technologies that compute the precise position of an excavator bucket promise similar productivity gains and reduced labor costs. To get the inside scoop, we interviewed five contractors who have witnessed these benefits firsthand.

Operator praises precision
Orem, UT-based Kenny Seng Construction performs concrete, utility and earthwork for projects such as elementary schools, high schools and supermarkets. Its Caterpillar-based fleet includes excavator models ranging from a 305 to a 330. We caught up with operator James Bawden on a school construction project in Moab, UT.

For the last year and a half, Bawden has run a Caterpillar 322 excavator equipped with a Topcon 3-D GPS system. "It is really user friendly," he reports. "It is easy to learn, but you still need a skilled operator." The system will give you the starting point, but it is still up to the operator to pull grade.

Bawden admits that a laser system is the most accurate. However, you can get very close with the GPS depending on how much you are willing to slow down. "With the 3-D GPS, you can get to within 15/100ths of a foot. If you want to really slow down and do it yourself, you can pretty much get to grade, but then you are going too slow for production. For everything final, we do use a site laser and a laborer."

The real benefit of GPS has been the reduced staking effort. "It eliminates a surveyor," says Bawden. "You obviously have more production because you are not waiting on a surveyor. You can go ahead and excavate. You have less need for a laborer to check grade with a site laser. Basically, it is better all around. It ups your production and you save money on help."