19 minute read
Topcon Ireland Form Unique Partnership with ICS
from Plant & Civil Engineer 2021
by 4SMNI
partnership TOPCON IRELAND FORM UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP WITH INTELLIGENT CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS
Intelligent Construction Solutions (ICS), which provide land models so earthworks contractors can get the most out of their 3D machine control systems, has formed a unique partnership with Topcon Positioning Ireland.
The Downpatrick based company, which has a well established reputation for providing innovative and groundbreaking solutions, says the partnership will offer a ‘reliable end-to-end service that gives the construction industry in Northern Ireland exactly what it needs.’ “It’s way too common that clients have invested heavily in machine control systems and are not using it to its full or not at all,” comments ICS founder Matthew Kelly, who has more than 15 years experience in the construction industry throughout the UK. “What this exciting new partnership does, it allows us to provide a complete machine control solution and give the support and training needed to help operatives on current and future products. “ICS’s unique selling point is the fact that it has the ability to supply, install and provide engineering support to clients across the whole island of Ireland. “Having machine control on your excavator or dozer can help to increase productivity and save time. We can guarantee a state-of-the-art GPS system install and land modelling support to keep your fleet of excavators at their optimum production rate.” He adds: “The benefits for customers of this partnership are significant. Through ICS, we can offer Topcon users service and product support through a local and direct line of communication to help them with any product setup or installation issues. All they have to do is pick up the phone.” With machine control systems becoming increasingly accessible to even the smaller developer now, the partnership can only thrive in the months ahead and beyond.
3D Modelling
Matthew has a team dedicated to 3D modelling and currently supports numerous construction projects with this service. By modelling your project before starting the works onsite gives you the opportunity to visualise the ground works and make adjustments, boasting an efficient engineering process. Its particularly useful to incorporate this with drainage models as this allows us to detect possible clashes or issues. This early intervention saves time onsite and money. One client Barry from KAP properties commented: “We are a residential developer where efficient construction workflows are paramount. We have worked with ICS for a number of years, getting 3D models of all the earthworks and drainage and have been able to see the benefits instantly. It gives us the peace of mind our problems will be highlighted early and solved preconstruction to allow us to do what we do best, produce high quality turnkey homes”.
More Efficient
“Machine control is much more affordable today and contractors are growing in appreciation for using such systems which offer added value and more efficiency to their projects. “However, many contractors using machine control are still not utilising it to its full potential; some, we believe, may only be using as little as 10% of its actual capacity. Now with ICS onboard, we can help and support end users to be more aware of the benefits,” says Matthew, whose company also provides land surveying, setting out,
L-R; Stephen Kelly - digger operative, J&S McKee Ltd; Simon Crowhen, Topcon; Paul Jenkinson, Topcon; Matthew Kelly - principle engineer, ICS Ltd; Richard Cassidy - site supervisor, J&S McKee Ltd; Mark McDonagh - ground worker, J&S Mckee.
drone surveying, 3D modelling, and cut-fill analysis as well as earthworks management. “By integrating ICS technology and experience into your current workflows we can guarantee that time and money will be saved as well as reducing your carbon footprint – and even more so now that we have teamed up with Topcon Ireland.” The new partnership, though only weeks old, has got off to a great start, with machine control systems being installed on excavators and dozers throughout the J & S McKee ltd fleet. J & S McKee Ltd are Civil Engineering Contractors from County Antrim who have been involved in many award-winning projects across the Country. J & S McKee Ltd can carry out large scale civils work on commercial applications right down to site clearance and sub structures for private domestic projects. This new addition to the fleet will make them stand out from the crowd. The support they have with ICS will complement the services they already provide. J & S McKee Ltd will have the ability to carry out work without the need for an onsite engineer and have the support of a full design engineering team only a phone call away. Sean McKee director of J & S McKee Ltd comments: “We are super excited to embark on this partnership with Topcon Ireland and ICS. It’s a big investment for the company but feel its calculated by using a product from a global company such as Topcon and receiving the support of ICS. It has given us the edge we need to improve efficiencies and pass these savings onto our clients.” Karol Friel, Sales Manager, Construction at Topcon, comments: “Partnering with ICS bolsters the support we’re able to provide our customers. ICS is truly an expert in its field and the team is adept at providing full and bespoke support solutions for contractors on any scale. It’s important to us that we create partnerships with like-minded companies that have the same approach customer support as we do, and ICSs dedication to providing a full end-to-end service for its customers in Northern Ireland is exactly what is needed to help the industry introduce innovative solutions to increase precision and efficiency.”
Sales & Hire
ICS offers not only sales, but also hire, of Topcon survey and machine control equipment and are able to advise each client as to what is the best option for their project Hiring equipment can be a cost effective way to ensure you have right tools for each project you take on without upfront purchase costs or ongoing service and calibration charges. It is easy to off hire and the equipment can be delivered and collected at short notice. Furthermore, ICS can provide you with the training required to operate the hardware and software. Alternatively purchasing your own equipment can save money and time on projects which are long term or if you have repetitive work for the future. It relieves the issue of having to hire on and off repeatedly. “We can show you all of our product options and highlight the benefits and advantages of each product so you can find the ideal equipment for your projects. We will also provide post sale support services and training for your equipment and staff.”
Remote Control
ICS additionally offers an after-care package second to none through virtual support. Data sharing software allows ICS to manage your plant virtually from an office environment at any time to ensure your machine has the most up to date plans and 3D models when it matters most. It also has the ability to monitor progress, collect field data and provide you with written monthly reports. “This service has the additional benefit of allowing us to support and manage all jobs nationwide.”
news Developing operator skills with new Training School
SITECH UK & Ireland is supporting Balfour Beatty and Flannery in their launch of a new plant operator training school. The Operator Skills Hubwill provide training and upskilling opportunities in GPS, semi automation and other construction technologies. The Hub will ensure operators are ready for the demands of the modern day, digital construction site and to support major infrastructure projects like HS2.
GPS and machine control can help plant operators generate highly accurate site data, reduce surveying errors and improve project efficiency. To maximise its benefits familiarisation training for operators has become a top priority. The Operator Skills Hub will support operators at all levels, from apprentices to those with a great deal of site experience. As well as CPCS training and testing facilities, participants can benefit from using relevant technology and completing focused modules. For example, the Eco-operator course explores the greenest approach to driving plant machinery and increasing efficiency. As part of the programme, SITECH provided various machine control kits that will be used on the school’s plant and equipment. It has also supplied a training simulator, which provides operators with the opportunity to hone their skills in a safe environment as well as being a great tool for engagement activities. “Machine control and other construction software can improve project efficiency by minimising delays and reducing errors. However, many operators leave training college without the practical experience using these platforms,” explained David Kirkpatrick, Strategic Sales & Partnerships Manager at SITECH. “Because of their benefits, GPS and telematics will play a vital role in big infrastructure projects, such as HS2, creating a need for operators to develop these skills. “Supplying the simulator and Trimble kits was also great opportunity to strengthen our supplier relationships with Balfour Beatty and Flannery. We were united towards a common goal - inspiring and upskilling the next generation,” continued Kirkpatrick. “As one of the largest providers of operated plant in the UK, it is imperative that we are able to provide a consistent, quality training experience for operators,” explained Patrick Flannery, Managing Director at Flannery Plant Hire. “It is clear that as the industry continues to adopt and drive innovation, we have to engage operators, helping to retain our industries best talent and ensuring they have the tools to deliver value on-site. “This purpose-built facility reflects our vibrant and evolving industry and seeing the first intake of the new Trailblazer Plant Operator Apprentices starting their careers here is hugely exciting.” “With real and growing skills shortages across our industry, inspiring young people has never been more important,” added Andy Ormerod, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s Plant and Fleets Services. “Our new Operator Skills Hub provides a unique offering — one that will revolutionise the way in which we upskill plant operators and equip them with modern, digitally enhanced tools to support a safer, more productive construction and infrastructure industry.” “Over the last year, we have been proud to partner with Flannery and collaborate with our peers, valued supply chain partners and local communities in order to create this truly immersive and exciting educational experience; providing a central resource to benefit major construction and infrastructure projects, such as HS2,” concluded Ormerod. To find out more about the Operator Skills Hub, visit https:// www.operatorskillshub.com/.
Post-Furlough Anxiety: How to Reassure Construction Staff Returning to Work
Almost half (45 per cent) of furloughed construction workers are anxious about their return to work, according to recruiter Randstad.
A poll of almost 1,400 construction workers from across the UK highlighted the relationship between postfurlough anxiety and the failure to offer best practice HR . Only 18 1 per cent of those who had returned and classified their onboarding experience as “very good” were anxious. In contrast, of those construction workers who had either no onboarding or an experience they regarded as either “poor” or “very poor”, 92 per cent were anxious on their return to work. Adrian Smith, senior director of operations at Randstad UK said: “Normally the onboarding process would be reserved for introducing newly hired employees into an organisation. But these aren’t normal times and workers who have been furloughed for a year will benefit from some help integrating back into the wider company. “It might be arduous for some teams who are spread pretty thin at the moment but while standard onboarding might be expected to last for a couple of weeks to be effective, postfurlough onboarding is much shorter. Done properly, it will help employees feel more confident and competent when they get back on the job. It’s about investing the time to protect well-being and to ensure a productive returning workforce.”
Industry Breakdown
Some industries are diligently onboarding furloughed staff returning to work - while others have failed to embrace it. While a third of furloughed employees (34 per cent) receive either no (or very poor) onboarding on their return to work, this rose to 38 per cent of employees in Construction. Manufacturing was better (27 per cent) as was Rail - where only 17 per cent said they had no or very poor on boarding. Adrian Smith said: “It’s worrying that such a high proportion of employees in sectors like construction aren’t getting the onboarding attention they deserve. Once construction rejoiced in a reputation for being quite old-fashioned. But I thought we’d kicked the days of sub-standard HR in the industry into the long grass.” Equally, only 36 per cent of those construction workers who had weekly check-ins with their organisations said they were nervous about returning to work, compared 46 per cent who have bimonthly check-ins or 67 per cent who had no check-ins at all. Adrian Smith said: “The more that staff communicate, the better they work together – accomplishing goals, developing skills, and giving and receiving feedback. While furlough has changed the purpose of the check-in somewhat, the importance of keeping the lines of communication open remains.
Brilliant…fantastic…my excavator is as versatile as a Swiss Army knife. That’s how contractor Mark Richards describes his tiltrotator from Rototilt.
Mark operates his own successful plant hire company which is based at St Austell in Cornwall and says the Rototilt tiltrotator has transformed his business. The tiltrotator is fitted to a 9 tonne Mecalac 9MWR; on its own, this all terrain userfriendly machine is a well balanced, highly manoeuvrable, agile, compact yet powerful excavator, but when it is coupled with the Rototilt tiltrotator it becomes much more. “With such a small base machine, I can accomplish so much more having it fitted with the tiltrotator,” says Mark. “I work a lot on my own, but having the Rototilt is like having another couple of extra hands to call on; it makes the Mecalac much more productive and efficient.” Switching attachments is also a simple process, enabling Mark to carry out a wide variety of tasks without the need for using other machines - from screening top soil and hedge cutting to digging foundations and drains. “I can reach places where a traditional digger and bucket just couldn’t, so I can take on projects that I might not have considered in the past. I used to employ a number of diggers, but now I can easily work with just the one machine,” says Mark, who has been using tiltrotators for the past five or six years. “I think I may have been among the first in this area to have invested in a tiltrotator; they have become much more popular since, and I am not surprised. It is a big investment, but it soon pays for itself because of its efficiency and productivity; projects can be completed so much quicker – even my customers can see its benefits.”
R3 Model
Mark opted for the latest Rototilt R3 model, suited for 6 to 12 tonne excavators. Key advantages of the R3 are the smart design with integrated swivel, enhanced hydraulic connections as standard, fully integrated central lubrication and load-holding valves on the tilt cylinders. The hydraulic system is developed to operate at up to 250 bar for maximum performance. Rototilt’s tiltrotators are robust and reliable thanks to their cast rotor housing which is both stronger and lighter than welded alternatives. The new worm gear on the R3 boasts improved geometry and stricter wheel and screw manufacturing tolerances, providing smoother operation and reduced friction. The worm gear is also equipped with a new worm screw with integrated lubrication channels, which improves and further extends the service life of the tiltrotators. Large bearing surfaces effectively absorb and distribute excavation forces. The specially designed guard for the hydraulic motor is integrated with the cast rotor housing and protects it against impact and shocks from beneath. Rototilt’s tiltrotators are oil filled. The advantages of oil over grease are numerous, including continuous lubrication, better heat dissipation, a longer service life, particle removal, fewer lubrication
points and cleaner components, the latter simplifying maintenance. Rototilt’s central lubrication system offers convenient tiltrotator lubrication. It is designed to be connected to the machine’s central lubrication system and features an easily accessible interface on the mount. The system also simplifies manual lubrication if the machine lacks a central lubrication system. Self-lubricating bushings on the cylinder attachments mean fewer lubrication points and consequently simpler maintenance. All Rototilt cylinders feature load management as standard, which increases workplace safety; the load is secure, even in the event of a hose rupture, for example
Control systems
With Rototilt you can choose the control system that optimises your excavator and contributes to increased performance, better handling and more options for settings. The Innovative Control System, ICS, is a smart control system that features a clear and simple display that quickly gives you overview and control. With the ergonomically designed handle you can control tilting, rotation and any extra function during the same excavation movement. Choosing the pulse function, for example, will help you to quickly and evenly spread the material. You can also get individual operator settings and smart troubleshooting that even suggests corrective actions. An important ICS function is the safety solution SecureLock. With a built-in sensor in the quick coupler, you get a warning both on the display and with an audio signal if anything is wrong with the tool coupling. Continuous monitoring ensures that the tool remains locked in place. The safety lock also lets you know when tools are worn and require attention. For dual hydraulic circuits common on smaller excavators, TLE (Tilt Lock Extra) is an attractive and cost-effective control system alternative; it also works with larger excavators with dual circuits and can be complemented with SecureLock.
Indispensible
Mark says mastering the controls may have been challenging in the beginning, but it soon becomes second nature. “I couldn’t see myself working without a tiltrotator ever again,” he says. “It helps me save all round – on time, on fuel, on manpower.” Indeed, many users says they are 30 - 50% more efficient at most types of jobs when using Rototilt’s tiltrotator system, and they save fuel because fewer movements of the excavator are needed and the finished work is of a higher quality.
New Terex Finlay North of Ireland Dealer, Dungannon Plant Sales (DPS) have commissioned the first of two Terex Finlay J-1175 jaw crushers to long standing Terex Finlay customer Tony Harley & Sons.
Harley’s operate a rock quarry in Victoria Bridge (Strabane) serving the local construction, agriculture and concrete industries and provide a full range of equipment to their contract crushing & screening division. Initially established over 40 years ago, the business is going from strength to strength. Harley’s are a second generation business, and Tony Harley wants it to continue to succeed for future generations. “My two sons, Dermot and Aidan are an integral part of the business and in adding the J-1175’s to our current fleet of Finlay equipment ensures the business is in great condition to continue growing for the coming years and beyond.”
Solution Needed for Surge in Demand for Quality Aggregates
As demand for quality aggregates has increased, Harley’s needed to invest in two more new primary jaw crushers for their quarry and contract crushing business that would deliver a quality product, ensure maximum production uptime and meet the growing market demand for aggregates. After extensive market research, Harley’s decided to purchase a brace of J-1175 jaw crushers from Alan Fallon at DPS. The first J-1175 is already proving its worth working on a contract in County Antrim where it has been integrated into an aggregate production train along with a C-1545 cone crusher and 694+ inclined screen producing 4 specification products for the customer. The products produced range from a dust, 3 grades of chip to a standard crush ‘n’ run -75mm (3”). They also utilise the equipment to process recycled concrete, asphalt and concrete demolition material. The 2nd new J-1175 will work alongside the existing one and will also work with the other Finlay equipment they have across various sites.
Flexibility in applications
Harley’s are a NIEA Licenced Waste Hauler & Muck Shifting Contractor that undertake construction and demolition site waste clearance. The fully hydraulic closed side setting adjustment and hydrostatic drive for the jaw chamber not only ensures precise chamber control but enables reverse crushing functionality when operating in concrete and asphalt recycling applications.
Reliability & Consistency
Tony Harley comments: “We have always been impressed with Terex Finlay and added the J-1175 to our operations due to its versatility and reputation. The machine has been built to a high specification and we knew we could depend on it, especially with some of our application
TONY HARLEY & SONS INVEST IN TEREX FINLAY JAW CRUSHERS FROM DUNGANNON PLANT SALES
been of hard rock the J-1175 box is a proven machine in this area. “We have learnt this the hard way but found it is the only machine for this application, it can also handle recycled materials to produce clean, consistent end products to meet our customers’ needs. Service plays a vital role in the crushing and screening industry. We have been impressed with the support that we get from the factory and Terex Finlay helpdesk and DPS in the past. We also know that we can depend on them to keep us running smoothly. The machine is easy to set up and can be easily moved from site to site.”
Robust equipment & Dependable Service
Alan Fallon said, “Having been in the industry for nearly 30 years it’s nice to have a machine that you can depend on especially in hard rock applications. From past experiences, this is now a major asset to have in our product range. “The independent pre-screen with its aggressive screening action allows you to extract the dirtier material before it reaches the jaw box, giving you a much better, cleaner end product. We are very happy to be on board with Terex Finlay and really appreciate the repeat business from Tony and the lads.”
Key features of Terex Finlay J-1175
- The robust high performance hydrostatic driven single toggle jaw chamber provides high capacity with large reduction ratios. -Automatic variable speed VGF ensures continuous choke feeding of the crushing chamber for optimal productivity.
- High powered hydrostatic drive ensures precise chamber controls and reverse functionality for clearing blockages and assisting in demolition and recycling applications. - Fully hydraulic closed side setting minimises downtime and offers quick adjustment.
