“On Grade’s relationship started with Aptella about eight years ago now,” Kent recalls. “We moved into a subdivision that we really felt we needed to step up with the technology.”
Today, OnGrade operates a fleet equipped with Aptella’s latest machine control systems, including two dozers. Their older dozer runs the Topcon MC² with a mast-based machine control setup, while on the newer machine Kent opted for the Topcon 3D-MC MAX integrated mastless dozer system, the very latest in precision grade control. Working on large scale subdivision developments like Falcons Run in Rolleston, Christchurch, the precision that technology delivers is something Kent sees every day on the ground.
“The blessing is getting DWG drawings and just throwing them straight into that equipment and being able to put together exactly what’s been designed,” he says. “It’s a real win for both parties as well, because they actually get to see that pure precision of what they’ve designed and it makes it a whole lot easier for us as well.”
The accuracy of modern machine control hasn’t replaced great operators. It’s amplified them. “Old dozer drivers were amazing and very good at what they do,” Kent says, “but you just can’t take away from this accuracy.” And the ease of use across the fleet means any operator can jump in with confidence: “You hop in any machine and there’s a screen in front of you telling you exactly where you are and exactly what height you’re at. You just can’t beat that.”
Flexibility on site has also been a game changer. The MC Mobile unit allows operators to take the screen out of the machine entirely. “Being able to take the screen out of the machine that you’re in and walk around and check heights that’s offline of your normal work is incredible,” Kent says.
With an in-house surveyor and full survey equipment, OnGrade has removed the guesswork from every stage of a job. “We can be partway through the job and know exactly how much material we’ve moved, or we need or require, so that saves a lot of double handling,” Kent explains. That same survey capability pays dividends at claim time too. “The efficiencies from the survey equipment also give us a lot of help around claim time. It really clarifies things for clients and ourselves, and we all know where the job’s at at any given time.”
For Aptella Territory Manager Jamie Nelson, watching OnGrade’s growth over eight years has been just as rewarding. “On Grade have really embraced the technology, which makes me really excited to continue to work with them in the future and see where we can take their business.”
