Machine Control spreads its wings

Traditionally 3D machine control systems have been used on a relatively narrow band of equipment types: graders, dozers and excavators (if “tradition” can be applied to a technology that’s only been around less than two decades). But in the past few years, we’ve seen an accelerating trend to putting these systems on a wider range of equipment, as contractors and other end-users seek to extend the productivity, efficiency, materials saving and time-reduction benefits across their entire fleet. Equipment that is now being successfully fitted with machine control technology includes: Front-end loaders (both wheel and crawler) Backhoe/loaders Skidsteer loaders Rollers and compactors (both soil and asphalt) Pavers Profilers and milling machines. And as more and more equipment types are

JK Williams first adopter of Topcon 3D Paving Control Systems

NSW civil contractor JK Williams has recently purchased a new GOMACO Commander III slipform paver fitted with Topcon’s MillimeterGPS™ precision 3D paving control system. The US-built GOMACO Commander III can lay pavement up to 8 m wide, as well as carry out a wide range of kerb and gutter work, including Jersey kerbs, barriers and barrier kerbs up to 2.4 m high, standard kerb and gutter, rolled kerbs, kerb-only, in a wide range of profiles. On a recent job the paver was laying around 1.5 km of kerb and 2 km of footpath for Penrith Council at Glenmore Park in Sydney’s Western Suburbs. The company will also be using the system on a major dam construction project, incorporating