Machine control technology is an investment, but when implemented effectively, it opens the door to significant growth opportunities for your earthmoving business. Here are five ways technology can help you position yourself as a leader in a rapidly evolving field.
1. Bid on Complex Projects and Win
For earthmoving contractors, profitability often hinges on precise bidding and efficient execution. With the right technology, you can confidently take on complex projects where others hesitate, giving you a competitive edge.
Take MDB Inc., a general engineering construction firm in Southern California specializing in earthmoving and demolition. The company leverages Leica rovers and machine control technology across its fleet of skip loaders and dozers, while creating 3D models with AGTEK software. This combination allows MDB to excel in highly technical grading work.
“We specialize in very complex grading projects,” says Tim McKenna, operations manager at MDB. “The technology enables us to tackle jobs others avoid.” Less competition often translates into higher profit margins.
For instance, MDB recently graded a 17-foot-high shotcrete wall with a 15-degree slope. To meet the job’s demands, their Leica dealer, DirtPrep Solutions, customized GPS equipment for precise cuts. “We were the only bidder,” shares MDB Owner Courtney Statham. “Nobody else wanted to take on the challenge.”
MDB has also carved out a niche in grading for artificial turf fields, which require tolerances as tight as 0.200 inch. Advanced tools like total stations ensure accuracy, even in areas with limited satellite coverage, giving MDB a significant advantage.
2. Boost Accuracy and Confidence in Bidding
Accurate cost estimation is the foundation of successful bidding. For MDB, Leica technology has provided a new level of confidence in their numbers. “When pricing a change order, I know the data I’m working with is accurate,” says Statham. “It’s a much higher level of confidence than what we had before.”
With reliable data at your fingertips, you can bid smarter and avoid unexpected costs, ensuring profitability on every project.
3. Enhance Collaboration Across Teams and Technology
In the field, compatibility between different systems is often a challenge. MDB has found Leica’s open-source software to be highly adaptable and easy to integrate with other machine control technologies.
“We can either set up the main system on a job or work under someone else’s setup,” explains McKenna. This flexibility makes MDB a valuable partner on collaborative projects, ensuring productivity and seamless operations with mixed technology fleets.
4. Complete Jobs Faster and Scale Your Business
Efficiency is key to growing your earthmoving business. MDB’s crews quickly adapted to Leica technology with support from Dirt Prep Solutions and Leica ConX, a cloud-based collaboration platform. The result? Faster project completions and fewer delays.
“For us, it’s about efficiency and productivity in the field,” says Statham. “The technology keeps us running faster and smoother.” The reduced downtime has allowed MDB to hit schedules consistently, increasing their capacity to take on more work.
5. Maximize Productivity, Even with Limited Staff
Labor shortages are a persistent challenge in the construction industry. Machine control technology can help bridge the gap by enabling your existing team to accomplish more. At MDB, 3D models created with AGTEK software guide field personnel through each stage of a project. “My guys don’t even need to know the grades,” says McKenna. “They just follow the model. All they have to focus on is production.”
By simplifying tasks and reducing the learning curve, technology empowers your team to deliver high-quality results, even with fewer hands on deck.
Invest in Technology for Long-Term Growth
Machine control technology is more than a tool—it’s a strategic investment that can transform your earthmoving business. From winning complex bids to improving accuracy, collaboration, and productivity, the right technology positions you for sustainable growth and success in a competitive industry.
To speak with a heavy construction expert who can guide you on your technology journey, contact us.
