Machine control technology is becoming a must-have option on many projects, with a range of systems that utilise laser, sonar, GNSS, total stations or a combination of them to guide the operator to grade accurately, efficiently and cost effectively. However watch out for getting stuck with a system that can’t be upgraded or swapped between machines.

Every job is different and a single machine control system might not cut it for all of them. For example, grading house pads can be done very effectively with a 2D laser or sonar based system, whereas grading a road or larger project may need GNSS or a total station if there is dense tree coverage, overbridges or even tunnels.

Contractors should shop around to find the most flexible solution to suit their needs, one that will grow with their business and can utilise a range of technology to suit the application and the tolerance required.

Increasingly, new machines are coming with integrated systems fitted in the factory or by the machine dealer in Australia, with most graders and now some models of excavators and dozers arriving with basic machine control technology.

The limitation with factory fitted systems is that often they are not upgradeable, so if you need a more sophisticated solution it can be difficult without starting again with a different option.

“Topcon is the most flexible and easily adaptable brand on the market today,” said Joel Seddon, Machine Systems Product Manager for Topcon’s Australian distributor Aptella. “Customers can easily switch between entry-level systems and the most sophisticated technology we have to offer by swapping components in or out, without having to start again with a whole new option,” he added.

Aptella also offers comprehensive hire options across the product range, allowing contractors to use the system only when they need it without the capital outlay.

“Another thing to consider is that the factory fitted options will only work on that machine,” Mr Seddon continued. “You can’t swap them between machines as you can with most Topcon systems, so there is a limitation if you are keen to stretch one system between multiple machines.”

Topcon technology is compatible across all machine types, makes and models, making it a highly flexible and customisable solution. A GNSS machine control system can be adapted with a high precision laser receiver that combined will deliver millimetre vertical precision for fine grading tasks, a technology unique to Topcon.

“Topcon’s key differentiator is the adaptability of its components – you can make a 2D system 3D, or vice versa, swap a grader system to a dozer, grader, excavator or even a skid steer,” Mr Seddon said. “The factory fit options are a great way to increase a single machine’s capability to get to grade for basic tasks, whereas a Topcon aftermarket option will help all your machines get to grade, no matter what challenges the job holds.”