Topcon 3D-MC Edge in Action: How H2 Enterprises Is Bringing 3D Machine Control to Conventional Grading Equipment

Topcon 3D-MC Edge gives contractors a way to add 3D machine control and automatic grade control to compatible equipment that may not have been built with integrated GPS technology. On a roughly 3,000-acre solar project near Pueblo, Colorado, H2 Enterprises is using the system to help its crews tackle demanding fine-grading work while getting more capability from equipment already in its fleet.

In this episode of The FourCast, presented by Foursight Solutions, Territory Manager Mike Sydow visits H2 Enterprises to see that technology at work.

Mike joins Bryan Bachowski, General Foreman, and Paul Proctor, GPS Analytics 3, to get a firsthand look at how H2 Enterprises is applying Topcon 3D-MC Edge to real-world grading challenges.

What Is Topcon 3D-MC Edge?

Topcon 3D-MC Edge is a machine control solution designed to bring 3D guidance and automatic hydraulic control to compatible grading equipment.

For contractors, the important part is flexibility. Instead of limiting 3D machine control to equipment that came from the factory with integrated technology, 3D-MC Edge can create another path toward automating compatible machines and implements already working in the fleet.

That can be especially valuable for contractors looking for ways to improve grading accuracy and productivity without automatically replacing a proven piece of equipment.

How Is H2 Enterprises Using 3D Machine Control?

On this project, scale is only part of the challenge.

H2 Enterprises has approximately 3,000 acres to grade, with crews working toward tight tolerances in fine, challenging sand. The company needed a practical way to bring greater precision to box graders that weren't originally equipped with integrated GPS machine control.

Topcon 3D-MC Edge provided that opportunity by combining 3D design information with automated hydraulic control.

The result is a grading setup that can help operators follow the project design while reducing some of the guesswork traditionally involved in maintaining elevation and slope.

How Does Topcon 3D-MC Edge Help with Fine Grading?

Fine grading demands consistency. Even an experienced operator must continuously monitor the machine, material and desired grade, particularly when ground conditions are constantly changing.

With 3D-MC Edge, operators can use digital design information and machine guidance to better understand where the cutting edge needs to be in relation to the finished grade.

Depending on the compatible machine and configuration, the system can deliver capabilities such as:

• 3D machine guidance using project design data
• Automatic hydraulic control for blade elevation and cross slope
• In-cab visualization of design surfaces and linework
• Terrain information to give operators greater jobsite context
• No-go zone visibility to help identify areas that require additional awareness
• Machine control capabilities for compatible equipment that does not have factory-integrated GPS control

On a large project like H2 Enterprises' solar development, the ability to consistently work toward the digital design can become increasingly valuable as the number of acres and grading passes adds up.

Can You Add 3D Machine Control to Existing Equipment?

In many applications, yes. That's one of the reasons solutions such as Topcon 3D-MC Edge are worth considering.

The system opens possibilities for compatible equipment and cutting-edge applications including:

• Box graders
• Scrapers
• Pans
• Tractor implements
• Skid loaders
• Other compatible grading equipment

Compatibility and installation requirements can vary by machine and application, so choosing the right configuration is important.

That's where working with an experienced construction technology team can make a difference.

Why Does Dealer Support Matter with Machine Control Technology?

Buying machine control hardware is only part of the equation. Making sure the technology is properly installed, calibrated and supported in the field is what helps turn that investment into a tool the crew can confidently use.

At Foursight Solutions, our team works directly with contractors on machine control installation, calibration, troubleshooting and jobsite support.

That hands-on experience also helps us evaluate an application before recommending a solution. The goal isn't to add technology simply for the sake of adding technology. It's to determine where machine control can solve a real problem for the contractor.

For H2 Enterprises, that means supporting a system being put to work in an unconventional but practical grading application.

Can 3D Machine Control Help Contractors Get More from Their Existing Fleet?

That's one of the biggest takeaways from this project.

Contractors don't always need an entirely new machine to take advantage of newer construction technology. In the right application, retrofitting compatible equipment with 3D machine control can help bring additional capability to machines and implements crews already know how to operate.

Potential advantages can include:

• Improving consistency when working toward finished grade
• Giving operators immediate access to digital design information
• Automating compatible grading functions
• Increasing the versatility of existing equipment
• Expanding machine control technology across more of the fleet
• Reducing reliance on purely manual grade-control methods

The best solution, however, depends on the equipment, application, project tolerances and how the contractor intends to use the system.

Our Foursight Solutions team can help identify those requirements before determining whether 3D-MC Edge or another machine control solution is the right fit.

Real-World Machine Control with H2 Enterprises

What makes the H2 Enterprises project interesting isn't simply the technology. It's the way the technology is being applied to solve an actual jobsite challenge.

Bryan Bachowski and Paul Proctor share how their team is handling the demands of fine grading a large solar development and why finding creative applications for machine control matters in the field.

It's a good example of what we see throughout the construction industry: The greatest value often comes from matching the right technology to the right problem.

If you're working with conventional grading equipment and wondering whether 3D machine control could fit your operation, this episode of The FourCast provides a practical look at what's possible.

Learn More About Topcon 3D-MC Edge

For contractors interested in exploring the system further, Topcon provides additional product information, features and specifications on its 3D-MC Edge product page.

You can also visit Foursight Solutions to learn more about construction technology, machine control solutions and field support. 

For detailed product specifications, visit Topcon's 3D-MC Edge product information. 

Common Questions About Topcon 3D-MC Edge

What is Topcon 3D-MC Edge?

Topcon 3D-MC Edge is a 3D machine control solution that can bring machine guidance and automatic control capabilities to compatible grading equipment. It can give operators access to digital design information while integrating with the machine's hydraulic controls.

Can Topcon 3D-MC Edge be added to older equipment?

It may be possible to add 3D-MC Edge to compatible equipment that wasn't originally equipped with integrated GPS machine control. The machine, hydraulic system, implement and intended application should be evaluated before selecting a configuration.

What types of equipment can use 3D-MC Edge?

Potential applications include compatible box graders, scrapers, pans, tractor implements, skid loaders and other equipment using a cutting edge for grading. Specific compatibility should be confirmed for each machine.

Does 3D machine control automatically control the blade?

In a properly configured compatible application, 3D machine control can integrate with the hydraulic system to automate functions such as elevation and cross slope. The exact functionality depends on the machine and system configuration.

Is GPS machine control useful for fine grading?

3D machine control can be particularly useful in fine-grading applications because it allows the operator and control system to work from digital design information rather than relying exclusively on conventional grade references.

Can machine control help me avoid replacing existing equipment?

Potentially. Retrofitting compatible machines or implements can be one way to introduce 3D machine control without immediately replacing equipment that's still productive. Whether that makes financial and operational sense depends on the machine, project requirements and expected use.

Who can install and support Topcon machine control in Colorado?

Foursight Solutions supports contractors with construction technology and machine control solutions, including installation, calibration, troubleshooting and jobsite support. For contractors considering a retrofit, our team can evaluate the equipment and application to help determine the appropriate solution.

About The FourCast

The FourCast, presented by Foursight Solutions, goes into the field with contractors, equipment operators and construction technology professionals to look at how new tools are solving everyday jobsite challenges.

From GPS and GNSS positioning to machine control and grading technology, we focus on the practical side of construction technology: what it does, where it works and how contractors can use it to get the job done.