Case Study – Construction Publications Inc

Technology helps CG Jones Construction take projects from conception to completion

Alissa B — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 13:58:08 +0000

CG Jones Construction

CG Jones, LLC Construction looks to technology to help take projects from concept to finish, on time and on budget

In 2013, civil engineers Trey Alexander and Brad Williams started a business to meet the overwhelming demand for project design solutions in their area. Their stated goal was to offer quality civil engineering and surveying services as well as common-sense solutions.

Through the next five years, clients expressed the need for new site and civil general contractors, so in 2018, Alexander and Williams formed CG Jones, LLC Construction to provide innovative solutions to complicated problems. It has since grown to 20 employees.

“We’ll take on any public or private civil construction project, but our forte is design-build,” expressed Alexander. “By partnering with the engineering side of our company, we’re able to take our clients’ projects from concept to finish. We’ve built a reputation on ensuring that whatever our clients need, we’ll finish on time and on budget.”

Alexander said a major factor in their ability to do that is due to the machines the company runs. Because of his experience through a former employer, he knew industry-leading technology would play an integral role at CG Jones Construction. That’s why the firm utilizes Komatsu dozers and excavators with integrated intelligent Machine Control (iMC) GPS systems. Its fleet includes D51PXi-24 and D61PXi-24 dozers, as well as PC210LCi-11 and PC290LCi-11 excavators.

“The first piece of equipment I bought was an intelligent machine because the entire precept of our business is built on using leading-edge technology,” explained Alexander. “The iMC capabilities make hitting grade easier for our operators and also make them more productive. I expected we would be more efficient with an iMC machine, and that’s proven true.”

A CG Jones Construction operator grades with a Komatsu D51PXi-24 dozer. “Our operators have realized they’re much more productive in the Komatsu equipment because they know where they are (in relation to target elevation) at all times,” said Co-owner Trey Alexander. “They know what a job site is supposed to look like when it’s done, and they’re able to achieve that more efficiently with the iMC equipment. Every operator I’ve put in the seat of an iMC machine, no matter how much experience they have, prefers them.”

Operators prefer iMC machines

During the past few years, Alexander and Williams have acquired other companies. A crew from one of them was accustomed to operating a competitive brand of equipment. They now prefer Komatsu, according to Alexander.

“They realized they’re much more productive in the Komatsu equipment because they know where they are (in relation to target elevation) at all times,” Alexander said. “They know what a job site is supposed to look like when it’s done, and they’re able to achieve that more efficiently with the iMC equipment. Every operator I’ve put in the seat of an iMC machine, no matter how much experience they have, prefers them.”

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Komatsu Intelligent Machine Control technology helps Nicol & Sons complete projects in less time with significant costs savings

Alissa B — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 21:52:54 +0000

Komatsu Intelligent Machine Control technology helps Nicol & Sons complete projects in less time with significant costs savings

In 1972, Stuart Nicol and his two sons, John and Jerry, founded Nicol & Sons Inc. As a small, family-owned operation, John later gave his two sons, Jason and Joel, opportunities to be involved with the company from a young age.

“Dad always had something for us to do, whether it was working or cleaning the shop and the pickup,” recalled Joel. “In the summer we did a lot of ditch work and seeding. Occasionally, he let us run the machines. My brother and I built a passion for the company and the construction industry growing up in that environment.”

After graduating from college, Jason and Joel returned to work for Nicol & Sons full time. Joel is vice president and foreman, and Jason is vice president and superintendent. Since joining the firm, they have expanded the types of projects it takes on.
“When my dad and grandfather started the company, they focused on county drain work,” noted Jason. “We excelled at those types of jobs through the late ‘90s. Eventually, my brother and I transitioned toward street projects, site work and some precast bridgework.”

‘A difference maker’

The Nicols said that introducing Komatsu intelligent Machine Control (iMC) equipment with factory-integrated GPS technology has increased Nicol & Sons’ productivity. Its fleet includes a PC360LCi-11 excavator.

“With the iMC machines we’re able to accomplish the same amount of work as a company with 20 employees,” said Jason, noting that currently it has a staff of 12. “Jobs that would have taken five or six days to complete now only take us two. Although we’re a smaller company, this equipment allows us to take on more challenging projects.”

Recently, Nicol & Sons completed a large site work project for a local school. While completing the subgrade work, the company faced several challenges.

“Due to the size of the football field, we had to dig elaborate foundations,” said Jason. “The GPS technology on the PC360LCi-11 shined when digging those, because we were able to complete everything in two days using only one operator and three dump trucks.

“When we finished, we were on grade and saw huge time and costs savings,” he continued. “We wouldn’t have been able to complete this type of project the old way using stakes and lasers. The iMC technology is a difference maker.”

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Komatsu Smart Construction: Saving Money for 2 Wisconsin Contractors

Construction Publications, Inc — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 18:23:13 +0000

Komatsu Smart Construction: Saving Money for 2 Wisconsin Contractors

See how Smart Construction technology and support from Roland Machinery increase productivity and reduce costs for CornerStone One & A.W. Oakes on the new headquarters site for Komatsu Mining in Milwaukee

To learn more about this unique technology and what it can offer, follow this link. Read about the different capabilities and how they could help your construction business.

Advanced Dozer Streamlines Operations and Increases Profit

Construction Publications, Inc — Tue, 26 May 2020 14:00:00 +0000

Advanced Dozer Streamlines Operations and Increases Profit

Ranch owner Art Guttersen turned a blizzard into a business. “Nobody could get to work, and there were oilfield companies installing wells on the property. I leased a motor grader to move the snow and open the roads for them. I think I moved the same snow every day for three months,” he recalled.

Guttersen saw an opportunity to provide additional resources to the oil and gas companies working the 32,000 acres that comprise Guttersen Ranch, and that was the catalyst for Gusher Oilfield Services. It now offers drill pad, road and tank battery construction; grading; heavy hauling; and reclamation services, among others.

Proven Results

To streamline operations, Gusher Oilfield Services GPS Technician Luke Leonard builds topographic maps using a data collector and rover. Then, he makes a design file that can be plugged into the company’s Komatsu intelligent Machine Control D65PXi-24 and D39PXi-24 dozers and used for pad construction and reclamation.

“Our operators let the machines do the work; they’re simple and have led to greater efficiency,” shared Leonard. “We love the integrated system, which eliminates wasted time or additional expenses that come with the masts and cables of traditional aftermarket GPS.”

“The D65PXi pushes and carries a sizeable load; and with the six-way blade, operators can do all the mass dirt moving, slope cutting and finish work for pads with one machine,” added Construction Superintendent Joey Timco. “Previously, depending on pad size and the amount of material to move, construction could take five to 10 days. Now, with the D65i, we’ve cut that time in half. The smaller D39PXi is perfect for reclamation, because it involves working in some tight areas that are close to well heads.”

Gusher Oilfield Services mounted a permanent solar-powered GPS base station with Virtual Reference Station control in the middle of the ranch at a height of 27 feet. A Technical Solutions Expert with the local Komatsu distributorship assisted with setup and calibration.

“He was instrumental in ensuring everything functioned properly,” said Leonard. “Additionally, he trained our operators on the ins and outs of the system. His expertise ensured that we were up and running quickly to maximize production and efficiency.

Chicago Waste Company Relies on 15 PC210LC Excavators to Boost Success

Construction Publications, Inc — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 14:00:00 +0000

Chicago Waste Company Relies on 15 PC210LC Excavators to Boost Success

Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS) is one of the largest waste and recycling companies in the Chicago area. In order to process the massive amount of waste material that comes through its seven locations, LRS requires equipment that is dependable, versatile and durable. It found a solution with a fleet of 15 Komatsu PC210LC excavators outfitted with Komatsu waste packages.

Relying on Komatsu PC210LC Excavators

“Our PC210s run up to 20 hours a day – sometimes as many as 11 hours straight – which is vital to keeping us on schedule,” explained LRS Managing Partner Rich Golf. “We know that they are going to run every day.”

The company uses its PC210LC fleet to sort through piles of waste material, removing pieces that can hinder the performance of its production line.

“It is an instrumental tool,” shared Golf. “Operators can identify items that might be harmful to machines downstream like hoses, electrical cords, plastics or bulky items.”

Golf touts the versatility of the PC210LC for its ability to feed the operation, a task typically reserved for a large wheel loader.

“It takes up less space, uses less fuel and eliminates tire costs,” said Golf. “It does the job of a WA500 wheel loader, just more efficiently.”

An Excavator With Enhanced Performance

To help the PC210s perform 20-hour work days in unforgiving conditions, LRS equips its excavators with Komatsu waste packages.

“Overheating can be a serious problem,” stated Golf. “However, the Komatsu package includes an enhanced cooling feature with wider fins and radiators that swing out. It improves access to the area and allows us to blow them out quicker to keep everything cool.”

Komatsu Contribution Boosts Success

The waste package also includes an enhanced boom arm and stick as well as extra safety guarding around the cab. Golf credits the Komatsu waste package as one reason why LRS excavators work past the 15,000-hour mark – with some already at 25,000 hours. They also play a role in ensuring that those hours are completed safely.

“Komatsu has done a great job of creating waste packages that meet our needs,” noted Golf. “This helps make the machines more durable as well as safer for the operator. Safety has been our top priority from day one, and that has been important in our relationship with Komatsu.”

New Technology Can Increase Accuracy and Speed for Construction Companies

Construction Publications, Inc — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 07:00:00 +0000

New Technology Can Increase Accuracy and Speed for Construction Companies

A few years ago, Bill Jagoe, Owner of Jagoe Excavating, approached Mark Ballard, President of R.A. Alexander & Sons, about expanding the existing relationship between the two companies. The new collaboration helped both firms immediately by filling gaps for each. Together, the two businesses can now handle nearly any earthwork-related project.

Benefits for R.A. Alexander & Sons included the ability to offer utility-installation services and the opportunity to upgrade its equipment fleet. For the latter, Ballard contacted his local Komatsu distributor to discuss additional intelligent Machine Control equipment to complement the D51PXi dozer he purchased. Ultimately, Ballard acquired a second D51PXi as well as a D61PXi dozer and PC210LCi excavator. All feature factory-integrated grade control technology that makes operators even more effective from start to finish.

Advantages in Accuracy and Speed Immediately Apparent

“Augmenting our fleet with intelligent Machine Control equipment made us 40 to 50 percent faster, and we’re achieving accuracy within two-tenths of an inch,” stated Ballard. “Having a model that we can plug in and follow, speeds us up significantly. We save the most time on minor details associated with parking lots and streets. It’s also phenomenal on earthmoving projects with major grade changes. There’s no lost time with operators stopping to read plans or ask questions. Everything is on the in-cab monitor.”

Jagoe said the results were noticeable right away. “I was surprised there weren’t any stakes at the jobsite. However, I noticed that the machines never stopped moving, and they were finishing jobs sooner. The intelligent Machine Control products save us money on things like surveying and material costs. Plus, we are able to do more projects because we can work so much faster.”

Early Intelligent Machine Control User Proud of Results

Construction Publications, Inc — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Early intelligent Machine Control User, Joe Liesfeld, Excited by and Proud of Results

Liesfeld Contractor takes pride in being at the forefront of construction technology. The Richmond, Va., earthwork contractor was one of the first in its community and surrounding area to use a dozer with an aftermarket GPS grading system.

“It was awkward, but it was cool; and, at times, it would grade by itself using an indicator system,” recalled Vice President Joe Liesfeld III, who along with his father, Joe Jr., own and operate the firm. “The technology continued to improve, which helped with efficiency, but the drawback was that our operators had to spend time installing and taking down masts and cables every day. That takes a bite out of production time.”

When Komatsu introduced its initial intelligent Machine Control dozer in 2013, Liesfeld Contractor jumped at the chance to be the first to demonstrate the revolutionary D61i-23 with factory-integrated GPS that required no time-consuming set up of masts or cables.

Komatsu has since added five more sizes of the machine: D39i, D51i, D65i, D85i and D155i. Some of the dozers are in their second generation, including the D61i-24s. All feature fully automatic blade control from first pass to last. During rough-cut, if the system senses excess blade load, it automatically raises the blade to minimize track slip and maintain forward momentum. The blade also automatically lowers to push as much material as possible for maximum production in all situations.

“Right away we recognized that the original D61i was a game-changer,” stated Project Manager Kelby Morgan. “Komatsu built a bulldozer around GPS, versus trying to adapt GPS to the bulldozer. By doing that, they created a superior product. After the trial period, we made it part of our fleet and have since put additional units to work. We use them in all facets of construction, from stripping topsoil to putting a site to final grade. The accuracy is outstanding.”

Accuracy of intelligent Machine Control Delivers Productivity

With thousands of machines in North America and total fleet hours into the millions, Komatsu’s intelligent Machine Control dozers have proven to reliably deliver accuracy on jobsites.

“The blade is a dirt pusher, and it’s also our survey crew,” stated Liesfeld. “The dozers always know where they are in relation to final elevation. They have virtually eliminated staking and the need for extra labor to check grade, which is a huge cost savings. After the site model is loaded into a machine, we set up a base station and a benchmark, and that’s it. We have noticed the biggest savings with fine grading. This technology allows us to do (finish grading) three to four times faster than before we acquired the first intelligent Machine Control dozer.”

Liesfeld Contractor’s Technology/GPS Manager Chris Ashby builds 3-D site models based on CAD files provided by engineering firms. After checking for accuracy, he sends the models to the dozers via Topcon’s SiteLink3D system.

“It’s seamless, and once the model is loaded, the machine is ready to go to work,” said Ashby. “The operator always has an overall, site-grading map available on the high-res monitor, detailing elevations and where cut- and-fill locations are. If there is a change, I can send an update directly to the machine, so that adjustments are virtually instantaneous.”

Excavators Effective in Every Application of intelligent Machine Control

Ashby can also transmit revised information to the firm’s intelligent Machine Control excavators. Komatsu announced their arrival with its PC210LCi-10 – the world’s first such excavator – approximately one year after the D61i-23 dozers. Liesfeld Contractor runs a second-generation PC210LCi-11, as well as PC360LCi-11 units.

Among a host of standout features in the excavators is an exclusive control function that goes beyond simple guidance to semi-automatically limit overexcavation and trace a target surface. Once the target elevation is reached, no matter how hard an operator tries to move the joystick to lower the boom, the excavator won’t allow it. This reduces wasted time and the need for expensive fill materials.

“The main uses for our excavators are trench digs for dry utilities, so the models are done on a ditch-by-ditch basis, because each is unique,” Ashby pointed out. “Recently, on a large project, we had dozens to dig. If each required staking and we needed someone to constantly check grade, the cost would have been fairly high. Once I loaded the models, the operators could simply excavate the trenches and move the dirt.”

Morgan added, “There were a lot of ups and downs to those utility trenches compared to straightforward ditch digs, which added to the complexity. As a result, there was no way to use laser guidance. Every grade break required staking, but the integrated system eliminated the need for that. The technology allowed us to work confidently, knowing that once the excavators reached target depths at each point of the trenches, our operators could not go beyond that.”

On the same project, Liesfeld Contractor used the excavators for additional applications. “They have the versatility to move mass quantities of materials, as well as do precision work such as slopes, so we were able to construct a relatively large pond rather quickly,” said Ashby. “Because these excavators are accurate and could put the entire area to grade, we did it without a dozer. That eliminated additional machine costs.”

Chicago Landfill Chooses Komatsu Dozer To Add to Fleet

Construction Publications, Inc — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Chicago Landfill Chooses Komatsu Dozer To Add to Fleet Due to Warranty and Price

The Midway Division of Waste Connections, Inc. serves the Chicago area through its Winnebago Landfill in Rockford, Ill. The 500-acre facility accepts 16 million pounds of solid waste daily, so having reliable equipment is paramount to the operation’s success.

When his dozer fleet began experiencing earlier-than-anticipated component failures, Midway Division District Manager Lacy Ballard decided it was time to make a change. He turned to Komatsu and his local distributor to add a D155AX-7 dozer with a waste package, which offers enhanced features, such as striker bars and additional gap sealing, to protect the machine’s vital components.

D155AX-7 Komatsu Dozer Delivers Results

“We were able to purchase a brand new D155 with amazing warranties for less than what we were quoted for a used, competitive dozer with 3,000 hours,” said Ballard. “Even before putting it to work, the D155 provided significant value.”

That worth continued to increase once the dozer got into action clearing tippers, which are tractor-trailer loads of garbage.

“The D155 doesn’t work nearly as hard to push the garbage; we haven’t experienced any overheating issues with the torque converters,” said Ballard. “The regeneration process is the best of any Tier 4 machine we’ve owned, the tracks are easy to clean and the visibility from inside the cab is amazing. It’s the total package.”

Stamp of Approval by Chicago Landfill

To top off the acquisition, Ballard says that the service and attention he receives from Komatsu is above-and-beyond.

“The experience is second-to-none,” shared Ballard. “Komatsu has been extremely beneficial in helping us address concerns, provide training and be proactive. For example, we had an issue with debris getting into the radiator, so Komatsu came to retrofit a fix and will incorporate it into the design of future D155 models. The attention we receive with just one machine speaks a lot about how Komatsu treats its customers.”

Komatsu Dozers Receive Endorsement

While this was the first Waste Connections facility to utilize a Komatsu dozer, it’s possible that additional D155AX dozers will be put to work at the organization’s other landfills across North America.

“I gave a presentation on the dozer at our annual corporate meeting, and I recommended it to our district managers,” stated Ballard. “I’m very happy with the decision to go with the D155 and Komatsu.”