My path to 3D machine control

KSSS · 2024-04-05T00:46:06.000Z

So it has been painfully obvious to me over the last couple years that 3D is important. It is nearly impossible to compete with the competition who has 3D/GPS machine control on many projects. Several times this year on bids, the spec calls for GPS equipment to be incorporated on the project. Aside from requirements like this, the shear time and labor savings of 3D machine control makes it a game changer on capturing bids and being more profitable when you do get the bid. So my thought process has been to focus on what aspect of the various project is causing the most pain in not being 3D (I have 2D on two excavators and a box grader). It came down to excavating down to subgrade on building pads and completing asphalt/concrete grade on parking lots. While not impossible to do with staking, the time, money in staking, restaking projects, and the over/under ex done when doing it by the eye of the operators is very painful as well. The next item I think is most important to me is the excavator. The next point I am deliberating is what piece of equipment gives me the most flexibility/capability at a price point that I can justify. Here is where I am at currently, but am open to hearing other opinions. I would mount this on my Minitour. I would run this off of a Total Station, and while there are some limitations that, it will give me the accuracy for asphalt and concrete prep. I can also use the total station for other things as well, but that's of lessor concern. This Sharp Grade attachment, because the ends can hydraulicly fold in, I can use it like a box grader. I currently have a Sharp Grade HD B87 2D box grader, that I have presold if I go this route. I currently have a Bobcat grader attachment as well that I will sell. Fully extended the blade length is 11'. With the weight, power and the amount of track that the Minitour puts on the ground, I think this will be very effective at cutting grade at a productive level. I like this over a dedicated compact grader, its cheaper, works better in tight areas, easier to transport and for the size of project I do it fits better. There are 3 comparably sized excavating companies here using this same method. They 3D'd this attachment (they all use a BC grader) as their 3D equipped machine and use 2D or eyeball it to get close and finish with this concept for precision. I am about 90% sure who's 3D system I will use, but I will see that the thoughts are on this before I discuss that. I am curious what the thoughts are on this.

Started by KSSSApr 5, 202429 replies

MilExcNew MemberAug 29, 2025#21
Queenslander said: We also ended up settling on a GB124 with 2D Trimble, apparently Cat aren’t offering the smaller version here anymore. The 255 seems to be handling it OK. Almost a shame to put cattle on such a nice smooth surface. View attachment 346942 View attachment 346941 Click to expand... Nice looking setup. I bought one of these recently too. Been liking it so far. You just need an elevated tripod yet ot get those receivers above your cab
smifwalSenior MemberAug 29, 2025#22
That's Smooooth, did they tell you about setting the lasers above the cab so you can grade both ways and to keep the beam from bouncing off the glass. You can also get a set of telescoping masts($2500.00) so you don't have to climb up there to set up. They have metric/imperial units markings on them. You will need them if you decide to go UTS/GPS I ended up with them because the black stock was bent from the factory and none of the replacements they ordered were any better. Sitech said the measure up would account for the bend but it was noticably visible I had a few people ask me is that bent, did you run in to something, is that going to be accurate?and so on. But in the meantime here is a link for a rule sticker that I put on the black ones to save me time. I like to set only one laser to tone and set the other one to the same measurement so with the stickers I can get that without having to fumble around with the tape measure and the receiver. Workbench Ruler – Adhesive Backed – 1 Inch Wide X 8 Foot Long – Right to Left – Fractional – 1/16” Grads - Amazon.com Workbench Ruler – Adhesive Backed – 1 Inch Wide X 8 Foot Long – Right to Left – Fractional – 1/16” Grads - Amazon.com a.co
smifwalSenior MemberAug 29, 2025#23
I didn't need the elevating tripod with my mini but when I got the grader blade I ordered this one. It was way cheaper than the one sitech quoted me. Before ordering it I would set the laser up on the truck or trailer with my other tripod. Not always a option though. Bosch 110 in. Heavy-Duty Aluminum Quick Clamp Elevator Tripod with Heavy-Duty Webbing Shoulder Strap BT300HD - The Home Depot Visit The Home Depot to buy Bosch Heavy Duty Elevator Tripod BT300HD www.homedepot.com
QueenslanderJunior MemberAug 29, 2025#24
Yeah, I hadn’t got around to finding an elevating tripod when this little job came up. It was really only a one way deal anyway, pushing the excess down a 4% slope. I like the tape measure idea.
AMBMikeSenior MemberAug 30, 2025#25
Queenslander said: We also ended up settling on a GB124 with 2D Trimble, apparently Cat aren’t offering the smaller version here anymore. The 255 seems to be handling it OK. Almost a shame to put cattle on such a nice smooth surface. View attachment 346942 View attachment 346941 Click to expand... That's a nice looking setup! Does the 255 handle it OK? We have a GB124 set up for both GNSS and UTS that we've been pushing with a 299D3 and now a 285XE.
QueenslanderJunior MemberAug 30, 2025#26
It struggles to shift bulk material around, but then we have other gear to help with that. No trouble with stability or carrying the blade around, it just runs out of traction when pushing a big load. It comes in to its own finishing in tight spaces where we can’t a grader etc.
CM1995ExpertAug 30, 2025#27
Congrats! We run 2D on a Cat box blade that is extremely accurate.
MilExcNew MemberAug 30, 2025#28
I have a little trouble with one of my wings on my GB 124 not wanting to go forward like it should. If you're not careful they slap back so fast and then the one side seems to almost over center and the cylinder about cant get it started moving. Was curious if any one else had that trouble? Overall I like it. The masts do wobble a lot more than I like. I'm surprised it's as accurate as it is for how much they wobble. I may beef them up or just end up buying the telescoping ones. Its a lot of money for just masts.
AMBMikeSenior MemberAug 30, 2025#29
MilExc said: I have a little trouble with one of my wings on my GB 124 not wanting to go forward like it should. If you're not careful they slap back so fast and then the one side seems to almost over center and the cylinder about cant get it started moving. Was curious if any one else had that trouble? Overall I like it. The masts do wobble a lot more than I like. I'm surprised it's as accurate as it is for how much they wobble. I may beef them up or just end up buying the telescoping ones. Its a lot of money for just masts. View attachment 347007 View attachment 347008 View attachment 347009 Click to expand... The first time I used our GB124 the right wing wouldn't move at first. I tried cycling it several times then cycled the left side several times then back to the right side and it started moving slightly. It took several minutes of playing with it to get the full range of motion but it's been no problem since then. I have noticed if I'm trying to move one side against a load and it stalls the other side will move slightly... I've been really happy with the accuracy on ours and our concrete crews are happy as well. We're using a fixed mast for GNSS and UTS and it doesn't move much at all.
smifwalSenior MemberAug 31, 2025#30
Those little cylinders are garbage, if you pull one back too far the other one moves and they don't hold very well un a big load. When they blow up I am going to look at replacing them with a boss snow plow cylinder I saw a guy complaining on YouTube about the stock mast being wobbly right out the gate. I agree $2500.00 was too much, but over the life of them tit really wasn't that bad and I would need them when I get GPS

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