CONEXPO-CON/AGG recently reported that concrete paving opportunities are paying off in more ways than one for customers and dealers alike who embrace forward-thinking ways to help customers. Eddie Brown, Machine-Control Specialist-Ozark Laser and Shoring, in charge of paving—managing, selling, and supporting stringless concrete technology, claims the many benefits of stringless paving make it attractive to customers. “[Absence of] string lines on the job enhances safety and access,” Brown explains. “Also, more accessibility to the job site for concrete trucks and equipment; the safety of no string lines (not getting caught up in string lines); paving machine maneuverability—it can get around the site much easier—all make the system valuable to the customer.”
“Topcon Positioning Systems is the leader in the stringless curb and gutter,” Brown explained. “There are [competitors], but theirs is a different type of technology. Topcoat [exceeds others’ capabilities by] running multiple machines off the same transmitters. As a dealership, it is a great option to have. With our lineup of equipment, we can provide our customers with a real potential for growth and increased profitability,” Brown adds.
One way in which 3D concrete paving has increased growth for Ozark is by opening doors for other areas of business, too. Brown said,“Our client had almost no machine-control systems for any of their equipment, but were interested in the Topcon stringless curb and gutter system. From that relationship, Kansas Paving ended up investing in a [full-scale] Topcon automated suite with dozer and motor grader systems, as well as survey rovers.”
Brian Lingobardo, Topcon 3D Road Construction Systems Manager, touted that Brown’s experience had a very encouraging outcome and is an example of why Topcon focused on the 3D concrete paving market. “Eddie made a connection with a valuable customer that his dealership had never been able to do business with before on the 3D side, because either the customer just had no interest or no time. But because they bought this [particular] curb machine and wanted to go stringless, it opened up the door to other sales as well,” Lingobardo said.
According to Lingobardo, that’s not the only example of 3D paving acquiring more business. “… another customer bought a Topcon system on his curb machine. That customer has around 20-plus competitors’ systems, but because those competitors had no curb-and-gutter solution, we were able to show him what business opportunities he would gain through having a Topcon system in his lineup,” said Lingobardo.
Brown is confident that business will continue to grow with continued successful results, and the sharing of those successes through future successful productivity. “So far, everyone we’ve worked with is very pleased with the outcome of utilizing stringless technology, from the efficiency of the job, to the ability to cut their labor needs by—in some cases, as much as 80%. No string lines … just survey and go!” Brown says.
To read the full article, please go to:
CONEXPO-CON-AGG: http://www.conexpoconagg.com/news/may-2016/stringless-paving-eases-work-site-challenges/ or TOPCON VIDEO: “Opening new doors with 3D concrete paving”:
https://www.topconpositioning.com/en-na/insights/opening-new-doors-3d-concrete-paving.
Home Page Photo: Power Curber Scattergood Stringless:
http://www.worldhighways.com/categories/concrete-paving-compaction-
testing/features/australian-contractors-stringless-slipforming-switch/