Excavators often play a critical role on most construction sites, as they are extremely versatile machines that can be utilized to perform a wide range of tasks. Since the original development of these multifaceted machines, they have undergone numerous innovations and upgrades over time to maximize their potential even more.
One of the latest innovations has been the integration of the Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. This has taken these machines to the next level in terms of their efficiency and effectiveness in construction projects of all types and scales.
When you think of GPS technology, the first thing that likely comes to mind is the navigation system used on your smartphone or car, which helps you figure out directions to your destination.
This technology, which utilizes satellites in space to pinpoint exact positions on earth, is essentially the same tech that excavators leverage nowadays. However, it varies in terms of how it uses this global positioning data.
Excavators with integrated GPS technology feed their precise location into their operator control system in real-time to greatly improve the accuracy of their tasks, such as digging and grading.
There are several benefits that construction site managers obtain from integrating GPS technology in their excavators. The most significant advantage is the improvement in efficient and accurate work.
Before GPS technology, construction managers had to conduct extensive manual monitoring and rely on much guesswork to keep track of their excavators’ locations at any given moment.
At this time, construction workers also needed to use grading stakes to survey a particular job site and communicate extensively with excavator operators about how much cutting and filling was needed in a given area. This required these workers to stand near the grading stakes while heavy machinery operated around them, in a process that was both time-consuming and hazardous.
Today, GPS technology has completely changed the approach to grading and digging on construction sites. The use of stakes can be eliminated almost entirely when a machine-control GPS system is being utilized, making accurate excavation easier and faster.
GPS technology provides excavator operators with real-time updates about the grade of the land at a construction site, allowing them to gain insight into how much earth needs to be moved.
In fact, modern excavators that are outfitted with sophisticated sensors and control interfaces that use GPS technology make it possible to achieve unparalleled accuracy when precise measurements and angles are critical.
For instance, when the foundation for a new building needs to be excavated, excavators equipped with GPS technology can closely follow digital plans to ensure that the foundation perfectly matches the architectural specifications.
In addition to improving the quality of work, this level of precision also reduces material waste and costs while saving time. Since the likelihood of success is increased when exact grade information and positioning are automated, excavator productivity can be improved, and the necessity to rework incorrect grades decreases.
In addition to the enhanced efficiency and accuracy that GPS technology-equipped excavators allow for, there are other ways that you can benefit from this tech, including the following:
With GPS tracking, a fleet manager can monitor an excavator’s location and usage patterns in real-time. This kind of data is incredibly valuable for assessing and improving equipment utilization.
When a fleet manager can see which excavators are idle or underused, they can take the necessary steps to ensure that all equipment is being used appropriately. Thus, they can also maximize site productivity and reduce operational costs through effective resource allocation.
With GPS technology, fleet managers can closely monitor excavators’ speed, movements, angles, operating conditions, and harsh events. This allows them to identify potential hazards and operator errors in real time so that they can improve the safety of operations on a given job site.
If excavators deviate from predefined routes, this technology can also help alert fleet managers so that they can quickly intervene in case of emergencies.
The reality is that the high value of modern excavator equipment has made it a target of theft. Fortunately, though, GPS technology serves as an effective anti-theft mechanism.
This technology enables fleet managers to track the exact location of stolen excavators in real-time and share this information with law enforcement officials so that this equipment can be quickly recovered.
Geofencing capabilities also make it possible to create virtual boundaries so that instant alerts are triggered the second an excavator leaves a designated area without authorization.
This technology can also track important equipment usage data that can allow a site foreman to better plan for scheduled maintenance.
Some systems even track error codes, sharing this information with the site foreman and dealership so any repair work can be diagnosed immediately and technicians can be sure they come to make repairs with the correct parts, reducing diagnostic and travel time. These codes are also tracked and can help shed light on small issues before they become large repairs.
Another benefit of GPS technology is that it generates comprehensive and valuable data reports and analytics that fleet managers can leverage to improve various aspects of their operations.
By analyzing historical data provided by this technology, fleet managers can make informed decisions to implement strategic improvements, such as optimized equipment routes for better overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
If you would like to benefit from the numerous advantages of GPS-integrated excavators outlined above, and you are looking for an excavator rental or to purchase a machine with these modern capabilities, Nors Equipment can help.
We have a widely stocked inventory of high-quality, modern excavators of different types and sizes from the industry’s top manufacturers. We have numerous new and used excavator options for you to choose from.
Many of the excavators we carry in stock are compatible with GPS technology. Someone from our team of heavy equipment experts would be happy to help you find the machines that best suit your requirements and budget.
If you only need an excavator on a short-term basis, we offer flexible rental options and competitive rental rates. If you are interested in a permanent addition to your fleet, we offer equipment financing options.
At the end of the day, our ultimate priority is our customers’ satisfaction, which is why we will do whatever it takes to get you exactly what you need.
For more information about our excavator rental options, or to learn more about the specific models of excavators we currently have in stock, call Nors Equipment at 1-833-730-0613 or contact us here.
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