Vol 2 - No 1

An Interview with Machine Control Users

Written by Ron Ciccarone

Created on Monday, 30 January 2012 19:32

A 176Kb PDF of this article as it appeared in the magazine—complete with images—is available by clicking HERE

I thought it might be a good idea to talk to some of my machine control customers and get their comments and experiences. I do most of my contact with my clients by phone and internet. I have personally only met a couple of them. Interesting how business has changed in the digital age.

The companies interviewed are small to medium size firms. The type of projects that I have prepared for them are commercial retail sites, small subdivisions, apartment projects and roadways.

Normally I prepare two types of data for the projects. One set of data is for the machine that includes the 3D digital model and relevant linework to help the operator see where they are on the site. The linework usually consists of contours with elevation labels, and lines delineating curbs, centerlines, building pads, and any other pertinent information.

The second set of data is for the GPS rover that is used for grade checking and stakeout. It is similar to the machine data, but may also include storm systems and utilities.

I asked each client the same five questions and will list it with the compilation of their answers.

How long have you been using machine control devices?
• The clients have owned automated machine control and GPS rover equipment from 1.5 to 6 years. So there is a wide range of usage experience among those interviewed.

How much equipment is using machine control?
• They are employing dozers, motor graders, and excavators and all have one or two GPS rovers. The average was two machine control units and one or two GPS rovers.

What percentage of jobs is the machine control employed?
• This was an interesting question; at first they would say 20% to 40%. However, as we talked they would use it on as many jobs as they could. A lot of their projects are too small or just don't work for this type of automation. So they would increase the percentage to 80% to 90%, or as much as they can.

What are your major benefits from using machine control?
• Savings in time and money to accomplish the grading tasks, more accurate and efficient movement of dirt.
• Better control quantities
• Many do their own internal stakeout for the project, eliminating the timely sequencing with surveyors.
• No longer using string lines

What are the major problems?
• GPS coverage on the site due to trees, buildings, etc.
• Design problems and rework
• Synchronizing and handling the data.

General comments
• Would really miss the system, it keeps us competitive

I will let you draw your own conclusions regarding the comments from my clients. I really enjoyed having the conversation with them and look forward to future projects with them.

In closing, automated machine control is definitely leaving its mark on the industry. It is expanding from just moving dirt, to paving, trenching, dredging and I am sure there is more to come.

Ron Ciccarone, LS, has been involved in survey automation since the 60s, data preparation and 3D modeling since the late 90s, and owns his own business building data files.

A 176Kb PDF of this article as it appeared in the magazine—complete with images—is available by clicking HERE

 

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