The Topcon 3D-Xi indicator 3D GPS+-based control system for excavators has increased productivity and efficiency by up to 50% on a riverside project for Sydney-based contractor Ford Civil Contracting.
Fitted to a Komatsu PC300-7 excavator, the 3D-Xi system is playing a key role in the construction of a seawall and associated works for the Department of Defence at Ermington on the Parramatta River in Sydney’s western suburbs.
Topcon’s 3D-Xi indicate GPS+ system for excavators is designed to give the operator all the information required for excavating and placing material. A screen inside the cabin displays realtime movement of the bucket, stick, boom and entire machine, while plan, profile and section views can be selected singly or in combination to suit operator preferences and the requirements of a particular project.
A scrolling cut/fill indicator provides instant visual indication of the bucket’s position relative to the terrain model on the operator’s screen. On the Ermington project, Ford Civil’s 3D-Xi PC300-7 is excavating the river bottom and bank, which consist of silty muds, boxing out for the riprap basalt seawall. The riprap is being put down in three separate layers, with the size of rock changing for each layer, so ensuring the material is properly excavated, then the riprap correctly placed, is critical.
“We are getting productivity increases of about 50% on the seawall construction, and between 20 and 30% on the other boxing out and shaping activities,” said Ford Civil’s managing director Stuart Ford. “Those are very real efficiency and productivity gains we are achieving. “Our crew also finds this 3D-Xi system very versatile. It is very easy to pick up the varying directions and the batter changes in constructing the wall.
The Topcon 3D-Xi indicator 3D GPS+-based control systems are available from Laser Beams.