ForConstructionPros.com

Editor’s Note: This first installment of a two-part series investigates the potential upsides of automated 3-D grade control systems, along with the challenges of implementation. Next month, we will examine what is needed behind the scenes to work with the software and electronic files.

Various size contractors performing differing types of construction are proving the value of using automated 3-D grade control systems. The main benefit cited is speed. And as the technology progresses, so does the productivity. Several end users share their experiences with this equipment.

A faster finish

Steven Counts, Inc. (SCI) has first-hand experience with the evolution of automated controls. SCI is a site development and roadbuilding contractor with 248 employees and over 200 pieces of yellow iron. It has been using Topcon GPS equipment for a little over two years. “We are utilizing GPS with machine control on four pieces of equipment,” says Chuck Counts. This includes John Deere 650J, Caterpillar D5N and Komatsu D39 dozers.

When SCI first started using automated controls on a John Deere 650 two years ago, the operators were a little skeptical. “The biggest hurdle initially was getting the operator to understand how he was saving time using this system,” recalls Counts. “When we first got the system, the operator had to run just a little bit slower than he normally would in doing his grading. Where he may have run in a low third gear for normal grading without it, he was having to run in high second gear.” This was due to the processing speed of early control boxes.

Counts pointed out to the operators that, while they were working a little bit slower, they no longer had to get off the dozer and pull a string to measure the grades. The work was actually getting done faster. “There is quite a bit of difference when the operator doesn’t even have to get off of the machine to know that he is on grade,” he explains. “And when he is done, he can just move straight over to the next project.”