As technology becomes more sophisticated and precise, a variety of industries, including land clearing and earth moving, have found ways to take advantage of newly created products. As the team at Weddle Enterprises in Somerset, KY, explains, the implementation of GPS has dramatically increased job efficiency and accuracy. These systems are now built into the heavy equipment used for land clearing projects; older equipment can also be retrofitted to accommodate the technology. This guide outlines how the industry benefits from this development.

How Does GPS Technology Work?

These high-tech systems import design files from an engineering firm into the GPS to guide the heavy equipment operator’s work. This allows the machine operator to make more informed decisions using the grade and design features.

GPS systems can alert an operator when they are a mere three centimeters off the design grade, which dramatically improves accuracy while also reducing material use and surveying expenses. These systems also allow machine operators to define grade elevations and angles, even when they haven’t been provided with a preset design.

How Are These Systems Used?

Earthwork contractors use GPS technology in conjunction with a wide range of heavy equipment, including motorgraders, scrapers, hydraulic excavators, and soil compactors. Depending on the type of equipment being used, land clearing professionals will use either an indicate-only tool or a fully automatic GPS system. Some setups even allow for integration with three-dimensional designs.

By integrating GPS systems into heavy equipment operation, land clearing teams have been able to significantly improve worksite efficiency, resulting in better and faster results for their clients, and the ability to take on more work. It should come as little surprise that an increasing number of contractors are updating their equipment with this valuable resource. 

If you need help preparing a site for new construction, the team at Weddle Enterprises has the skills and equipment to handle any land clearing project. Their services are backed by over 40 years of industry experience, ensuring your project is completed quickly and on budget. To learn more about how these excavation contractors can help you, visit them online or on Facebook, or call (606) 678-4057.