Fleet managers and equipment owners are integrating precision construction solutions into their fleets.
Advanced precision construction technologies continue to proliferate in today’s construction market, but many business owners still associate these solutions with large-scale site prep and road building projects. The truth is that machine control technology is a highly scalable solution, and these systems have become more accessible than ever before to contractors of all sizes. In fact, there are many market segments where machine control is becoming more and more necessary to stay competitive.
This technology provides greater predictability and control over job costs, improves productivity and reduces the amount of re-work necessary on a job site. Over time, intelligent equipment utilization through machine control can reduce the wear and tear on machine components and ground-engaging tools, lower maintenance costs and fuel consumption, and extend the life of equipment.
Many new machines now come right from the factory with integrated systems that make it easy for business owners to start using these advanced technologies. The following is an overview of the technology itself, as well as a rundown of the systems available.
Machine control is defined as the use of integrated on-machine sensors and/or geospatial technology including lasers and positioning satellites—like Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) or Global Positioning System (GPS)—to either indicate or automatically control the machine functions in order to more efficiently achieve production goals. This technology can be divided into two basic categories: guidance/indicate-only systems, and automatic systems. A guidance/indicate-only system is designed to “indicate” operating parameters to an operator—usually a laser-based system that will beep and/or flash when a predetermined digging or grading parameter has been met or exceeded. Automatic systems are a bit more automatic in nature and require less input or manual control from the operator and are designed to control the blade or bucket function, physically preventing the operator from exceeding the parameters set for the jobsite.
There are several key considerations for contractors when it comes to determining the right machine control solution for their business. Business owners need to consider the site’s current conditions, the required accuracy of the finish work, as well as any potential application issues (complex slopes, etc.). They also need to take budget priorities into consideration, in addition to their existing fleet size. Business owners should also consider their future growth plans when determining the level of investment available for precision construction solutions.
1D systems are designed to regulate single plane grade and slope. 2D systems regulate grade and slope with many variations needed on the work site. The most advanced and capable of the available systems are the 3D systems which regulate grade and slope dependent on the positioning of the machine across the entire work site, based on GNSS machine position, laser guided sensors or total stations, and changing map/worksite topography.
It’s important to know that most 1D and 2D systems are easily scalable to 3D systems as a contractor’s needs grow over time. Many of the sensors, lasers and other basic components of these systems are integrated into 3D systems as well, so upgrading to a more advanced system is often easier and less costly when the time comes.
Equipment owners and fleet managers should consider their long-term needs and research the scalability of their machine guidance/control systems. Several equipment manufacturers have partnered with technology companies in order to offer some form of grade control option installed direct from the factory. Specifying grade control options direct from the factory not only saves time and money in the long run—by eliminating the future downtime for installation—it also means it’s easier and more affordable than ever for contractors to get started. Source