Digby Construction LLC sees increase in cost savings and operational efficiency with Komatsu iMC dozers
Billy Digby has always loved equipment and playing in the dirt. Digby views construction as an art form and operates an earthwork-focused company.
“It’s the concept of taking nothing and making it into something,” Digby noted. “It’s in my veins, and I couldn’t really see myself doing anything else. I spent about 10 years as a general manager for another company then decided to go out on my own. Even though we have grown quite a bit during the past few years, I’m still very hands-on. I’m not a sit-behind-the-desk kind of guy; never have been and never will be.”
Building with intelligence
Technology has played an increasing role in Digby Construction’s processes, and about two years ago, it added a couple of Komatsu D65EXi-18 intelligent Machine Control (iMC) dozers with integrated GPS grade control to its fleet. The company also recently purchased a Komatsu GD655 motor grader equipped with an aftermarket Topcon GPS system.
“We demoed the first intelligent dozer,” recalled Digby. “An average pad would take around 10 days, but with that machine, the time was cut in half. Obviously, that was a game changer for us because the profit margin went up. Now, we visit a site, take some shots and build a model. That gets plugged into the dozers and grader, and we go from there.”
General Manager Casey Settle said the dozers and motor grader have not only sped up site construction but lowered the company’s owning and operating costs.
“We engineer the site as far as grade and how it drains,” explained Settle. “After we clear, we put the iMC dozers to work roughing in the location, building pits, putting the pad to grade, and laying the base material.
“Once we download the site plan to the machine and do a quick calibration, it’s a matter of letting the machines do the work,” Settle continued. “They know where they are in relation to final grade at all times and are highly accurate, so there is no guesswork or a need for a grade checker. Our time, material and fuel cost savings have been significant.”
**The opinions expressed here are from the end users who are quoted.
