Many believe that precise grading can be a challenge. Doing it by eye and intuition, it can be. For that, grade control technologies have been developed for many categories of earthmoving equipment to help. A second assumption follows, that it’s something that only experienced expert technicians can set up. In reality, modern systems have become more user-friendly.
When discussing grade control technology with your equipment rental customers, here are a few key points to help the conversation.
This technology is available as either a 2D or 3D solution. A system of sensors interlink to inform the operator of the vertical position and location within the jobsite. This technology guides the blade or bucket of a machine with up to a millimeter of accuracy — allowing operators to achieve the slope and grade necessary from the project plan.
Benefits include:
- Faster job completion with fewer passes
- Reduced material waste and rework
- Lower labor costs and improved efficiency
- Consistent, high-quality results even with less experienced operators
“Any project that involves grading, leveling, quantifying jobsites or creating a precise slope can benefit — think building pads, road construction, drainage work or landscaping,” says Shaun Joy, RDO Equipment Co. account manager. “No matter the size of the company, grade control technology will speed up the progress, efficiency, and accuracy of any job.” Recently, RDO rented DW Companies, a construction company out of Minnesota, a dozer with grade control technology for a commercial job while their excavator was out of commission for required maintenance. RDO is a dealer representing John Deere, Vermeer, Topcon, and WIRTGEN GROUP. They include an onboarding training process that ensures a success story for every technology customer.
SmartGrade from John Deere is fully integrated into the machine, which reduces setup time, minimizes damage risk to componentry and improves reliability, SmartGrade is paired with controls designed to be intuitive with an easy-to-use user interface.RDO Equipment Co.
These systems add significant value to the equipment. Rental companies often charge a premium for machines equipped with the technology. However, savings in time, labor, and materials help offset that added cost.
Cost has also been another general misconception. While there is an upfront premium, customers who implement and utilize technology should start seeing a return on investment faster in comparison to past workflows of pulling tape and pounding stakes — paying for itself through man-hour savings.
These savings can also reduce general wear and tear on the equipment through its efficiency. Since operators would be making fewer passes and nearly eliminating grade staking, it reduces idle hours by keeping the machine moving dirt.
“It also increases resale value since technology-equipped machines are in high demand,” says Joy.
While dozers, motor graders, excavators, and compact track loaders are common equipment categories for grade control technologies, equipment rental businesses are often more focused on the smaller assets. According to Joy, compact equipment with 2D laser or entry-level grade control is becoming popular for landscaping, site prep, and utility work.
Companies have options when adding grade control technology to their rental fleet. Both integrated systems and aftermarket options to retrofit into equipment are available.
What customer wouldn’t want to get their grading job done more efficiently? More accurately?
