Since 1981, Silver Star Construction Co. Inc. has focused on competitively priced, safe and high-quality construction throughout central and southern Oklahoma.  Silver Star Construction services include earthwork, stabilization, sidewalks, concrete paving and asphalt paving.

Working with Territory Manager Ryan Bebee, Silver Star Construction has rented multiple pieces of Komatsu intelligent Machine Control (iMC) equipment from Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc. (KSM), including a PC490LCi-11 excavator, D65PXi-18 dozer, and more recently, a D51EXi-24 dozer.

Jeff Deaton, Dirt Superintendent for Silver Star Construction, visited with KSM’s Ryan to discuss the impact they are seeing from Komatsu iMC technology in their operations.

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Bebee: Thank you for taking the time to do this interview, Jeff. We sincerely appreciate Silver Star Construction as a customer and are excited to learn how Komatsu iMC and Smart Construction technology are impacting your business.

First question — have you seen any noticeable impact in your operations by utilizing Komatsu iMC machines? Efficiency, productivity, reduced project times, etc.?

Deaton: One of the biggest impacts is not constantly having to stop and check grade. With the information in the machine, you have your game plan right in front of you. You know where you need to be and what moves you need to make. In addition to increased productivity, another big impact is the ability to shorten the learning curve for less experienced operators and minimizing their potential for mistakes.

Bebee: I understand you and your team have a lot of experience with machine control equipment, including integrated and aftermarket solutions, but the PC490LCi excavator is actually the first excavator with integrated machine control technology you have utilized. Regarding productivity and efficiency, what’s been the feedback on how it is different from a conventional excavator?

Deaton: We don’t run stakes on any of our jobs. So, without another machine running with it… say you have an integrated bulldozer or motor grader running with the track hoe, you have a general idea of, “Hey, there’s 4 feet of cut here,” but you don’t actually know where the tow of the slope is. With the PC490LCi — you always have all the information, which shortens job times and allows us to be more precise.

Bebee: What is your impression of the D65PXi?

Deaton: The D65PXi can move a lot of material in a short amount of time with someone who knows what they are doing. You still need to have the general concept of running a dozer, for example knowing where you need material and what way to push it. But, with the integration of the GPS, not stopping every 30 minutes to check stakes or worrying about running them over, while knowing exactly where grade is at all times — the production goes significantly up.

Bebee: How does Komatsu intelligent Machine Control technology compare to the aftermarket systems you are also using?

Deaton: In my opinion, the integrated machines work ten-fold better than the aftermarket systems. The sensors and hydraulics are designed and built to all work together. While the aftermarket systems perform well, with integration there are no poles, no cables and just a smoother overall operation.