Growth comes laser-guided for P3 Earthworks

While certain aspects of Tauranga-based contractor Chad Empson’s machine fleet look pretty standard, the 26-year-old also has a trick piece of kit up his sleeve that gives him the edge over the competition.

His Kubota SVL90-2 mini skid steer is set up with a bespoke Topcon laser guidance system that, he believes, is a one-of-a-kind for New Zealand. Topcon distributor Synergy Positioning Systems helped Chad set the system up when others told him it couldn’t be done.

“A couple of years ago, I was working in Western Australia and was pretty familiar with another laser and machine control brand over there,” he says.

“But when I got back to New Zealand and wanted to set up my skid steer with a laser system, that company didn’t offer any help at all. I think it was just in the ‘too hard basket’ for them to bother with. I had seen a similar set-up on YouTube though and could really see the potential to incorporate the technology on a skid steer, so I persevered with the idea.”

That perseverance paid off when Chad got in touch with Synergy Positioning Systems laser specialist Sam Rye, who admits the set-up was something that was new to him as well.

“I’d never heard of putting the Topcon system on a tracked skid steer, but we sat down and figured out what we needed to do,” says Sam.

“It was a custom build, but at the end of the day we’re able to take the Topcon technology and bespoke build it to fit any operational application. It just takes a bit of dialogue between ourselves and the client to get them up and running.”

Chad’s Kubota has a dual-mast set-up which gives him accuracy and flexibility in equal measure.

“The system allows me to match grades so easily. I can complete bulk-out work and corner tipping too, but I can still trim fine grades; coupled with the small footprint of the machine, this means I can work fast and accurately even on really confined jobs,” he says.

Gallery

The system serves Chad well on larger projects too, on which he is being engaged more often as his business grows.

“I recently completed a 1000 square metre horse arena which required a one degree slope in two directions. It involved a fair bit of fine grading and the owner was a bit bamboozled when I first turned up with the Kubota, but I think he was pretty blown away by the result.

“My ability to turn that one around quickly comes down to the Topcon gear; no question about it.”

Chad is already thinking about his next custom-designed piece of equipment too; a grading beam which he plans to put the laser receivers on in order to complete smaller subdivision driveway work.

But while he’s keen on new technology and finding ways in which it can offer him better productivity, the Topcon system gives him something much simpler too.

“Because of the skid steer I think I have a real point-of-difference. You need to stand out from the crowd in construction – especially in a busy place like Tauranga where there is a lot of competition – but we’re growing fast and I want to apply this sort of technology to everything I do.

“Utilising laser systems and machine control is becoming such a big part of the industry now; I want to stay on top of that technology in order to provide the best service possible as the company expands and takes on more work from a larger client base.

“I kind of see it as just good business sense at the end of the day,” Chad concludes.