Greenwood Steel Structures reduce job time by 70% using our laser grader
27th January, 2016
Leeds based Greenwood Steel Structures Ltd are specialists in the construction of steel framed agricultural and industrial buildings, such as poultry sheds, barns and recently an indoor horse ménage in Pollington near Goole. With a wealth of knowledge and industry experience under his belt it is not often that David Greenwood (Managing Director) comes across a new piece of equipment which can offer time and cost savings in the same way the Bobcat laser grader has been able to.
Greenwood Steel Structures are familiar with Bobcat equipment having used the popular compact loaders in the past. However, it was the first time they had tried out the new Laser Grader attachment which was supplied on hire alongside the T590 tracked loader from our plant hire depot in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. The grader was hired for the purpose of preparing and leveling the sub base as part of a job to construct a new indoor equestrian arena in Pollington, East Yorkshire.
David explained how using the traditional method (using a mini excavator alongside a grade check team using laser equipment) the job to grade the 2,000 m2 base would usually take between 2-3 days to complete. However, even on Greenwoods first attempt using the new Bobcat laser grader they were able to complete the work in just 6 hours, a staggering 70% time-saving, as well as a reduction in the amount of man power required. The compact and maneuverable Bobcat was also able to grade into the corners of the building, which normally would have to be finished off by hand when using a larger excavator.
David went on to explain the benefits of the Bobcat grader didn’t stop there, and that due to precision and accuracy of the machine they were able to ensure the sub base was graded to the minimum tolerance required. This would result in a large cost saving when a concrete floor is to be applied above the sub base, as the amount of concrete required is significantly reduced due to precise levels.
Bobcats precision laser grader is surprisingly easy to operate, using Bobcats “plug and play” system no workshop time is required to set up the attachment which can simply be connected to the loader and is ready to use. The Trimble laser receivers attached to the grader can be quickly and easily calibrated and connected to the laser transmitter. The Bobcat deluxe instrumentation display inside the cab of the loader also allows the operator to change the grade elevation without even leaving his seat. The grader can be used in both single and dual slope scenarios, as well as the precision level described above which is accurate to within 6mm.
This new grading equipment which is already popular overseas is sure to change the way this kind of work is carried out in the UK over the next few years, with companies such as MTS Plant leading the way by providing their knowledge and expertise of these products to industry contractors.
Contact the MTS Plant team now to learn more or to get a hire quote for your next project: