GNSS Tech Proves to be a Game-Changer

Lance Latimer’s vision for his company, Alpine Civil Contractors (ACC) started with a stringless slipform paving system but has since grown to include GNSS technology on almost every type of heavy equipment the company operates in all facets of the site development process.

That push to GPS, and the reputation it‘s helped Alpine earn for fast, accurate work, has led to the company to become one of the area’s most sought-after contractors and to achieve A-List status with major home developers.

EXPANDING THE ADVANTAGE

A good part of Alpine’s client list involves some of the largest homesite developers in the region—companies that have millions of dollars tied up in developments, but can’t issue a building permit until roads, ponds and any special features are in place. These are the people to whom Alpine has made its services invaluable.

“We’ve sped that process up considerably, using Topcon GPS technology on our excavators, dozers, and motor graders. We even have machine control on one of our loaders which we use for fine-tuning grade with the roadbuilding crew,” he says. “Our operator loves it because he knows where the grade is no matter where he’s at on the site. That makes it easy for him to work alongside a blade building sub-base for road prep.

THE VALUE IN STRINGLESS

Latimer says an important part of his pitch to new clients is to point out how much they save by not having to pay surveyors to pound hubs and stakes in advance of the stringline crew.

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“On larger developments, that savings can be tens of thousands of dollars,” he points out. “I tell them they can save that money or put it into contingency, or whatever. It’s a nice plus.”

Latimer says he knew stringless paving technology existed, but not well enough to understand its real value. After doing some research, however, he began serious discussions with GOMACO and Topcon Positioning Systems.

“Both Matt and I immediately saw Millimeter GPS as a game-changer,” he says. They knew the capital investiment was substaintial but would find payoff in efficicency.

This optimism rang true. ACC’s performance on major projects turned heads and garnered praise based on their ability to beat projected deadlines and provide a previously unseen level of quality. The fact that the Topcon machine control solutions are fully compatible with their existing OEMspecific systems was also key in bringing that advantage about.

CAPITALIZING ON CAPABILITY

Major housing development work can be largely a waiting game. Latimer is certain it was their ability to streamline the workflow that struck a chord with developers.

“Once they saw the results of us owning the entire project, they didn’t want anything except a full turnkey general contracting bid from us,” he says. “They know we will get it done quicker, have a better handle on QC, there will be no delays, etc. Out at GVR, we’ve shaved nearly two months off the schedule. Not only does it get sales moving, it also improves their standing with the corporate side of the business. And most of that time savings can be tied directly to the technology because we no longer have to wait. Once we build the models…we are ready to go with overall control of the project.”

For example, Seth Aberle, ACC’s machine control specialist, explains that one project of paving 10,000 linear feet of 5-ft. wide sidewalk would have taken close to two weeks using a traditional approach. “Using the Topcon Millimeter GPS system, we were able to get it all poured in three days,” he says.

“Going forward…we are very fortunate to have a tremendous backlog of work taking us well into 2022,” Latimer says. “If we have to add more people and it makes sense to do so, we will. But we will not force the issue; we will never sign a contract and then try to figure out how to get the guys to fulfill that contract. And it’s most important to remember that a huge part of our success is the result of the guys in the field, our people, our subcontractors, and so on. So, we have the technology, we have the people, we have the work and we have a solid reputation for providing quality. I’d say we’ve been blessed.”

Larry Trojak, owner and president of Trojak Communications.

Adapted from

ForConstructionPros.com/ 21404002.

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