KSM showcases how Komatsu’s Smart Construction solutions can help increase efficiency and potentially lead to greater profitability

A chance to operate Komatsu’s Intelligent Machine Control (IMC) equipment and learn more about its advanced Smart Construction solutions that help increase job site productivity and efficiency drew hundreds to Smart Construction Demo Days, which were hosted by Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc. (KSM) and held at the company’s Dallas and Lubbock locations in Texas, as well as its Oklahoma City, Okla., branch.

“Some customers are brand new to the technology, and some already have it and are interested in adding more,” said Dennis Cox, Director of Smart Construction, KSM. “I think one of the things that prevents the adoption of technology is fear of the unknown. These events shed light on the numerous benefits. We wanted to give them all an opportunity to see how it can fit into their business, streamline their operations, and potentially increase profitability.”

In addition to Cox, Komatsu IMC Product Manager Neal Rogers and several of KSM’s technology solutions experts (TSEs) were on hand to answer questions and help attendees understand how they can incorporate both machinery and technology into their operations.

“Events like this are a great way for us to understand where customers are in their adoption of technology and how we can help at each step along the way,” said Rogers. “With IMC equipment and our other solutions, customers get the benefit of viewing data at practically any given time every day. That leads to the ability to be more proactive in making decisions and adjustments in their practices that can potentially lead to significant increases in time and cost savings.”

IMC equipment in the spotlight

At each event, attendees could get in the cab and run several Komatsu IMC 2.0 dozers and excavators with integrated GPS grade control. Both allow plan models to be uploaded into the machines and have been proven to reduce costs associated with surveying and staking.

“Because the GPS is integrated, there are no masts or cables to put up and take down, so production time is increased, and there are cost savings in not having to replace those items,” said KSM TSE Austin Briner. “The dozers are especially helpful for new operators. They automatically work to maximize the material on the blade, so even a novice can be productive right away. We put a guy in one a few weeks ago, and within days, you would have thought he had five years of experience.”

The Komatsu IMC 2.0 dozers allow operators to use automatics from first pass to last. They include proactive dozing control, which enables operators to cut/strip from existing terrain, regardless of their experience level. IMC 2.0 dozers also feature technology such as lift layer control, tilt steering control, quick surface creation, and added satellite systems that improve satellite coverage, allowing operators to work in more challenging areas such as near woods or on urban job sites.

“I’ve never run a dozer in my life and didn’t think it would be this simple to operate,” said Ryan Guerra, a transportation technician with Caddo Nation of Oklahoma, after running a Komatsu D71EXi-24 IMC 2.0 dozer. “They did a great job of explaining the technology and walking me through it to get started. Once it’s set up, all you have to do is lower the blade and go forward. The machine will grade out exactly where it’s supposed to. I was definitely impressed by that.”

Komatsu IMC 2.0 excavators virtually eliminate wasteful overdigging as they let you dig straight to grade, and once target elevation is reached, the machine won’t allow the operator to go past it. Additionally, you can accurately excavate slopes and finish grade tasks such as ponds with limited movement. Testing has shown that IMC 2.0 excavators can help improve production by up to 33% and efficiency as much as 63% compared to conventional excavation and grading methods.

“I’m used to stringline and grade stakes to get to grade; with the IMC excavator, you set it to automatic, get to grade, and you can’t dig anymore,” said Rogers Group Plant Manager Ricky Dunn, who tested out a Komatsu PC210LCi-11 IMC 2.0 excavator at the Lubbock event. “You don’t have to worry about digging too far and then having to fill it back in or moving too much material and hauling material back. With the excavator, you are on grade every time. That’s a great advantage.”

Smart Construction Retrofit

KSM showcased machines with add-on systems as well, such as Komatsu’s Smart Construction Retrofit for standard excavators. Retrofit is an entry-level, indicate-only system that’s three-dimensional and gives operators the advantage of seeing where they are on a project and their relation to target elevation.

“Retrofit is a good introduction to using GPS on an excavator,” said KSM TSE Zane Miller. “It can’t do everything an IMC machine can, but it’s a nice bridge between a standard machine and a fully integrated one. It’s easy to add on, easy to use, and has the potential for big savings just like all the Komatsu Smart Construction solutions.”

Once Retrofit is installed, users download the Smart Construction Pilot app and use it with their connected device. They can set audio alerts that will change tones the closer they get to finish grade, and the visual representation on the app helps keep operators from digging too deep.

Additionally, attendees could operate a Komatsu D51EX-24 dozer with a Topcon aftermarket system and a Komatsu GD655-7 motor grader with a Trimble dual GPS system.

Project management at every stage

Attendees also learned how Komatsu Smart Construction solutions can be beneficial in building site models, keeping track of production and labor hours, and remotely monitoring and troubleshooting machinery.

“IMC and Retrofit are great introductory ways to bring technology into your operations at the field level,” said Cox. “Additional solutions such as Smart Construction Fleet, Remote, Drone, Office and Dashboard bring connectivity from the field to the office and help make estimating, bidding and project management so much more efficient, and we were excited about sharing that with those who attended the events.”

Smart Construction Drone provides survey technology that builds an accurate topography of a site safely, quickly and easily. Preconstruction flyovers let you see things you can’t with paper plans, and consistent drone flyovers throughout a project give you information about progress across the entire site and assist with project tracking.

By combining 3D design data with aerial mapping and intelligent machine data, you can confirm quantities and visualize progress with Smart Construction Dashboard. 3D designs can be directly uploaded into IMC machines with Smart Construction Remote.

“Remote is one of the most popular solutions because it allows you to directly upload design files and updates to machines without driving to the job site, as well as remotely support operators who may have questions about the plans,” elaborated KSM TSE Eddie Garcia. “It lets GPS and project managers remotely connect with the machine and see exactly what the operator does on their monitor. It saves valuable time and costs such as decreased fuel usage.”

Garcia added that all solutions can help increase savings, production and efficiencies. For instance, Smart Construction Design lets you make the leap from 2D to 3D and quickly move from rolled-up paper plans to digital design files with data that can be shared, replicated and updated. Smart Construction Fleet lets you track load counts with a mobile app and works with any brand of equipment. Smart Construction Field connects humans, machines and materials to automate data collection at the job site for accurate analyzation of operational costs and efficiencies in real time. Smart Construction Office is a project scheduling and management solution that serves as a central hub for all your jobs and can help replace manual production and cost tracking with streamlined daily automation.

“There really is a solution for everyone, no matter the size of their operation,” stated Cox. “Events like this highlight that, and we encourage anyone who wants to improve their production and efficiency to contact us, and our TSEs can help guide them to which solution is best for their operation and show them how to implement it.”