Topcon machine control provides total ‘dozer accuracy

If you want proof of how effective Topcon’s 3D-MC machine control systems can be, just ask Gisborne-headquartered civil contractor Matt Mead.

Two years ago, he didn’t own a bulldozer at all. Now he has two, both fitted with Topcon machine control systems, and both working flat out on a number of different projects. Matt has been assisted by New Zealand Topcon distributor Synergy Positioning Systems to see the full benefits of using Topcon machine control systems.

“We didn’t have any projects where machine control seemed like a cost-effective solution a couple of years ago, but as we started to grow and take on larger projects, I employed a couple of guys who had used various types of machine control in Australia; they were big fans of Topcon specifically and recommended it to me as the ideal system.

“They really convinced me it could be something we would benefit from,” says Matt.

“Then we got the contract to complete a log yard for Downers; we committed to purchasing our first dozer for the project and it seemed like a good moment to trial machine control technology.”

Matt says his company, Earthwork Solutions, initially leased the Topcon 3D-MC² system – which incorporates a GX-60 control box, GPS+ antenna, MC-R3 receiver and a pair of sensors – from New Zealand distributor Synergy Positioning Systems. Pretty quickly, with improvements in accuracy and speed notable, Matt decided to purchase the technology.

“We’ve done three log yards in the last couple of years; two without machine control and the latest using the Topcon system. The projects were like chalk and cheese. On that last build, we were able to work with less people around the machines, be more productive and overall meet our client’s expectations without any major hassles.

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“The way in which the Topcon 3D-MC² machine control system allows us to work – quicker and more cleanly – also means that at every lift, even intermediate lifts, the job looks really impressive. It’s very accurate and the technology virtually eliminates mistakes; and remember these are big machines we’re using to complete often really fiddly tasks.”

Topcon’s advanced control software provides a machine position update up to 100 times per second, using an inbuilt gyro and compass to measure axis positions, along with roll, pitch, yaw and machine acceleration. Taken together the operator has an impressive real-time picture of where the blade is positioned in relation to both machine and terrain.

Topcon’s technology is completely revolutionising the role that the bulldozer plays for many operators. The 3D-MC² system allows the operator to work more confidently, performing fewer, faster passes.

Not only does this translate to faster turnarounds on project delivery, it also means a safer working day for operators with reduced potential for fatigue, lower fuel usage across the fleet and less wear and tear on machinery.

“We recently completed a 10,000 square metre truck yard and thanks to the Topcon 3DMC system, our bulldozer did all but the very final trimming and shaping work, and all within 10 hours,” says Matt.

“If you’d pointed to that job five years ago and told me how it was done and in what space of time, I would’ve found it pretty hard to believe.”