SITECH puts Trimble experience in operators’ hands

Technology that is changing the face of construction went on show and customers got their feet dirty at a special open day near Adelaide.

SITECH Construction Systems, the official distributor for Trimble products, teamed with earthmoving ‘giants’ Kobelco, Komatsu and Hitachi to demonstrate the next generation of machine control at the Trimble Experience open day, which was held at Waterloo Corner on September 12.

The open day included demonstrations and the opportunity get hands-on with the latest Trimble technology.

On the machines, operators were able to experience Earthworks, a software and hardware combination that is revolutionising earthmoving with cutting-edge technology providing semi-automation of excavator controls.

Still on machines, live demonstrations were held showcasing how an operator can create their own infield designs and use payload to improve efficiency.

Off the machines, everyone got hands on with Trimble SiteWorks, the next progression in 3D visualisation for site set-out and measurement.

Throughout out the day, workshops demonstrated how drone technology coupled with Trimble Stratus can easily provide volumetric measurements for earthworks progress and claims.

Experts were also on hand to demonstrate Trimble WorksManager, a new data management tool taking care of design revisions, remote support and IBSS networks.

The day was capped off with Trimble SiteVision – the new augmented reality tool coming soon that can be run on a mobile phone so you can visualise works before you even start.

Thanks to our OEM partners, we were able to fit a Hitachi ZX360LC-5B excavator with the works –  Trimble Earthworks Autos, Payload Scales and a Blaxtair Pedestrian Detection Camera.

Also at the day was a Komatsu PC360 Excavator from T&J Construction, a Kobelco SK260LC-10 Excavator and a John Deere GP622 Motor Grader, all equipped with Trimble Earthworks Auto.

Big Chief Hire provided the site for the event and also supplied a grader, water cart, loader, electronic signs and three operators. It was the perfect site with plenty of room to spread out and no objection to digging plenty of holes!

UPG and BuildingPoint were also on hand to show the latest in scanning technology and building layout tools including Trimble’s SX10 Robotic Total Station and RPT600 Layout Station.

Over 120 customers attended the day, including operators, business owners, foremen, surveyors and local government representatives, as well as 15 staff on site.

The reaction from those who took part was very positive, with many commenting on how good it was to spend real quality time in a machine with the latest technology.

Among the most popular features on show were the automatics on the diggers, which really showed how this breakthrough translates into supreme accuracy and big savings in time and money.

While this was the first such day staged – specifically for operators – it won’t be the last thanks to the interest and response it generated.

“Our industry continues to excite – there’s always a new solution that’s helping our clients in the way they tender, win and deliver their projects,” SITECH’s Brent Daniel said.

“To put the entire Trimble construction system on show for a day was a great achievement and a reflection of SITECH’s capability.

“Our success is measured by our customers’ success.”