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But 3D grade control technology is starting to become more prevalent in attachment applications. "We have so many smaller contractors who are investing in the technology because it is not only user friendly, it makes sense for them to know where they are all of the time," says Bob Highfill, 3D machine control, Topcon. For example, consider its application on a box blade. "You can send a good operator out on the job and not even have another guy with him. He knows exactly where everything is and where it needs to be."

Productivity boost
Shane Thomas Construction, Forest Hills, CA, is a small operation that has discovered the benefits of running a dual antenna Topcon GPS system in indicate mode on its Case 570 MXT skip loader with a box blade. The skip loader has a lot of advantages over a dozer or motor grader. "It is a lot cheaper," says Shane Thomas. "A new skip loader is $60,000. And because you are on tires instead of undercarriage, the operating costs are low."

However, you need to work within its capabilities. "The skip loader is not for moving bulk dirt," says Thomas. You need to be within a foot of grade. Yet, its ability to work in tight areas with a box blade attachment is a real benefit.

"I am kind of a specialist with this tractor. I will do the ridges, the valleys and all of the stuff that would take a blade time. I take away all of the technical stuff, and [the motor grader operator] just goes for square footage," says Thomas. "On a commercial parking lot, you will have a lot of flow lines. You will have a lot of valley gutters." This is where the Topcon system has proven useful. "It shows you the cutoff points for the different sections."

Thomas recalls a recent project that was over 2 million sq. ft. There was just a motor grader and a skip loader with box blade on the site. "We were averaging about 250,000 sq. ft. a [week]," he notes. "I could do 50,000 up to 75,000 sq. ft. a day. I roughed it in so fast."