ForConstructionPros.com

Laser and GPS systems increase the versatility of pull scraper systems when properly set up. We turned to four earthmoving professionals to get the inside scoop on how they're using grade control to enhance the performance of their equipment.

An efficient, flexible solution
Evans, GA-based Garnto Gearig Brothers Construction is a grading and utility contractor that grades large commercial sites, as well as a few residential projects. "We move anywhere from a million yds. down to 50,000 yds.," says Travis Gearig.

The company uses Reynolds 18-cu.-yd. CMX and 14-cu.-yd. 14 CS scrapers pulled by 436-hp Case IH 430 tractors. "We pull some tandems and some triples depending upon what kind of situation we are in," says Gearig. The six scraper operators vary from two to seven years of experience.

Gearig explains the benefits of the pull scraper systems. "Pull scrapers work a lot better as far as regular dirt, not wet dirt and rock. You don't have to have a dozer pushing like with a rubber-tire scraper. You cut the dozer out, and you reduce fuel consumption," he notes. "[Pull scrapers] are more efficient for hauling up to 3,000 or 4,000 ft. After that, a lot of times, we will get trucks in there."

But even on longer hauls, there are advantages to a scraper system vs. trucks. With the scraper system, one operator can load and dump. "With a truck, you have to have a trackhoe to load it and a bulldozer to knock [the soil] down after you dump it. Then you have to come over it and fine grade it," Gearig points out.