Meeker believes 2D technology is a smart choice for contractors working on simple jobs like flat house pads in a subdivision, while 3D technology will pay off for larger and more complex jobs. Their shoulder and elbow don’t hurt as much.”Īccording to Mairet, a common mistake is confusing 2D and 3D grade control capabilities. “2D or entry-level grade control solutions do not use a design plan for controlling the blade. 3D solutions make use of an engineered design surface and control to a specified elevation on complex projects or models,” he said. “For more experienced operators the technology makes their lives easier. “Automation gets an operator up to speed and more productive, faster,” said Sam Meeker, product marketing manager for Caterpillar.

Adoption of Grade Control TechnologyĪdoption is being driven by a shortage of skilled operators.

“The more you use it, the faster the payback”, he added. “Pay back varies based on utilization,” said Jason Anetsberger, Sr. “The time, material, and machine wear savings that come with grade control solutions quickly recover the premium paid for grade control solutions,” said Sean Mairet, product marketing manager, grade control, John Deere Construction & Forestry. Whether you call it Intelligent Machine Control (Komatsu), Cat GRADE (Caterpillar) or SmartGrade (Deere), buyers can expect to pay a considerable premium for the technology, which also requires an additional investment in a base station. Today it estimated that about half of all dozers sold are equipped with autonomous grade control technology that uses GPS to complete jobs faster and with greater accuracy, eliminating the need for rework. Integrated 3D grade control revolutionized earthmoving nearly a decade ago.

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