From Tape Measure to 3D Machine Control with Leica Geosystems and JCB

From tape measure frustration to 3D models and a new JCB 140X excavator, factory fitted with Leica Geosystems 3D machine control, all financed by JCB Finance. Peter Haddock visited SO Groundworks in Staffordshire to catch up with owner Shaun Oldham, who has transformed his business by teaching himself to be an engineer as well as being an experienced machine operator. Shaun: “We’d get an engineer out to set foundations and put pegs in, and then it was left to me with a 50 metre tape measure, checking everything across the site. Something that should have taken ten minutes was taking all day. “I thought instead of waiting on someone else, I’ll learn how to do it myself. Once I got introduced to Leica Geosystems iCON and the robotic total station setup, by Chris Woodhouse, it completely changed my thinking. “At first, I thought it would just help with setting out kerbs and edges. Now I’m doing full engineering packages myself with 2D and 3D models.” “This then led to a visit to Leica School in Shropshire for a 3D machine control demonstration with Steve Claybrook, and straight away we retrofitted our existing JCB excavators. “I then found out that we could get a JCB 140X from our dealer Watling JCB, fitted at the factory with the machine, attachments and machine control all bundled into one package through JCB Finance. “We now use Leica ConX, to send updated drawings and models straight to the machines even if I’m not onsite. The lads can keep working, and the job keeps flowing. “Were even looking at how to build in 3D avoidance zones around existing drainage and services using XWatch safety solutions.” Talking to operator Emmett about the new machine, he added: “The machine control is really well integrated into the JCB 140X. The tablet placement, wiring and visibility have all clearly been thought through properly. “With Shaun understanding both the engineering and the machine side, we’re all working from the same model and can see exactly what’s happening onsite.” #Earthworks #MachineControl #ConstructionTechnology #Groundworks