Our new phone system

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new phone

Our new phone system includes state of the art call logging that means if everyone in the support team is busy when you ring, a support ticket will automatically be generated to ensure that your request is actioned and escalated as efficiently as possible. No more emails and scribbled notes and numbers copied down incorrectly!

When you place a call to your local Position Partners branch or dial 1300 867 266, the first thing you’ll notice is that instead of going straight through to our reception, you will be asked to select which department you’d like to be put through to. Don’t worry, there aren’t so many options you’ll get all the way through and forget what the first one was!

Select from the options of Technical Support, Workshop Repairs, Sales & Hire or Accounts and other departments, and your call will go through to a team of people that will answer your call and get you the right support as quickly as possible.

If everyone in the team is busy at the time of the call, the important thing is to leave us a message so that we can ask the most appropriate person in the team to call you back as soon as possible.

We hope you find our new system effective. As with any new technology, we are constantly refining it to make the process as good as can be, so if you have any feedback for us, please drop us a line http://www.positionpartners.com.au/online-enquiry/ or let us know over the phone when you call.

Take a load off

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Brenton Simpson manages two Hanson quarries in Victoria, one in Tarrawingee in the North East and another in Moama, on the New South Wales border. Although neither quarry has a weighbridge on site, Mr Simpson says he has minimised risk and increased accuracy thanks to the introduction of on-board weighing technology.

Some 18 months ago Mr Simpson installed Loadmaster loader scales on two Komatsu loaders to track movement of raw material through the plant as well as ensure road trucks were loaded within legal tolerances.

Mr Simpson chose the trade approved Loadmaster α100 system, which enables users to transact off the weight figures.

“In addition to increasing the accuracy of every load moved through the site, the loader scales have given us better reporting of material movement and minimised risk by accurately loading road trucks,” he said.

Once a week, trucks are sent to a private weighbridge to cross check the weight accuracy. “It is very rare for a truck to be out of tolerance,” Mr Simpson said.

Mr Simpson said that tracking materials through the plant helps to minimise paperwork and increase productivity on site. “Every time an operator picks up a bucket under a conveyor belt and moves it to a stockpile, it is recorded and provided to me on a monthly report,” he said. “I can easily keep tabs on stock levels and how much material is in each stockpile.”

When asked why he opted for the Loadmaster scales over other brands, Mr Simpson explained that local support from Australian distributor Position Partners, was a deciding factor. “We looked at the ease of the use of the system first and foremost, and the Loadmaster seemed a very user friendly system.

“Having the support of Position Partners in Victoria is also very important,” he added. “After visiting us for on-site training to get us up and running, the team is very responsive if we ever come into technical issues and they can also login remotely which saves a lot of time as you don’t have to wait for a technician to arrive on site.”

On the other side of the state in Winchelsea, Ryan Davis is the third generation manager of Armytage Quarry, operated by family-owned R.A.K Davis & Sons. 

Six months ago, the company also invested in two Loadmaster α100 systems for its Volvo and Komatsu loaders and Mr Davis said it has been a great improvement by minimising paperwork and enabling the company to accurately transact by the tonne rather than the metre.

“The loader scales mean we can keep up with the times and accurately transact by the tonne,” Mr Davis said. “It also gives us an accurate record of what material has gone and where, so we no longer have to sift through paper dockets when a client calls because we have their order history on the screen straight away.”

Mr Davis said that the technology has been embraced by all his staff, largely due to how easy it is to use. “We have a 50/50 split between the younger generation where the use of technology is second nature, and the older generation that need a little more proof before they trust it,” he said.

“We’ve found everyone has really got on board with the loader scale system because it’s easy to use and also very reliable,” he added. “We also bought the printer option which means the operator can print out a record inside the cab.”

R.A.K Davis was first introduced to loader scales when it took delivery of the company’s new WA480 Komatsu wheel loader. “Komatsu recommended Loadmaster on-board weighing technology as a good addition to the loader to increase productivity and reduce wear on the machine by loading accurately each time,” he said.

“When I learnt that the RDS Loadmaster is sold by Position Partners, who have two branches in Melbourne, I was happy to go ahead with fitting systems to the new Komatsu and our Volvo as I knew we’d get local support. Sure enough, they’ve been great getting us up to speed and can normally solve any technical glitches over the phone” he added.

MAX Productivity

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Sydney-based sportsground and golf course specialists Flemming Golf are realising maximum productivity with Topcon’s latest dozer machine control.

Flemming Golf is a family owned company that works throughout Australia and overseas, constructing sports fields and golf courses. Having worked with Topcon laser and machine control technology for many years, manager Heath Flemming said they were keen to try out the latest addition to Topcon’s solutions, 3D-MCMAX, when they took delivery of their new CAT D6N dozer.

“We run a number of dual grade lasers, survey rovers, 3D dozer and excavator systems and a 2D tractor system, to eliminate pegs on site,” Mr Flemming said. “Once we’d ordered the dozer, we asked Position Partners [Topcon’s Australian distributors] what machine control system they’d recommend for it.”

The company recently bought a new CAT D6N dozer, which features a six-way blade ideal for the new 3D-MCMAX system.

“We find a 6-way blade more versatile than an SU blade for the work we do,” Mr Flemming said.

Topcon’s 3D-MCMAX is a fully integrated, mastless 3D dozer solution that utilises Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) in place of GNSS receivers and cables connected to the blade via a mast.

With one IMU mounted to the back of the dozer blade and another on the undercarriage of the machine, Topcon’s dozer system processes positioning information up to 100 times per second. In contrast, a standard 3D system with only one positioning sensor updates position information only 10 times per second.

“We’ve had great success with the 3D-MC2 solution, which offers similar processing speed and responsiveness to the newer MAX option,” Mr Flemming said.

Although the machine has yet to be used full time on a project as its installation is still recent, Mr Flemming said it has some key differences to the older Topcon solutions they use.

“The responsiveness and reliability is still the same high standard you’d expect from Topcon, but not having the mast certainly makes visibility easier, especially when you’re grading tricky landscapes such as golf courses,” he said.

“The new Topcon screen with the integrated lightbars is also a great update, still very easy to use like the older style but just a bit faster and more modern. We’ve had no problems upgrading, even the old man who’s 68 has operated it and just picked it up without any additional training,” he added.

When asked why they opt for Topcon, Mr Flemming said: “We have tried other systems but they couldn’t keep up, so Topcon is a clear winner in our view.

“Grading a golf course is not like other applications where you could be working to the same level for quite a distance,” he added. “With the constant twists and turns and change of contours, we’ve found Topcon much more responsive technology.”

Another key reason for always choosing Topcon, is Flemming Golf’s relationship with Position Partners.

“As the first installation in Australia, there were bound to be a few teething problems with this new system,” Mr Flemming said. “But because we have a great relationship with Position Partners and have full confidence in the capabilities of their technical team, we knew we’d be up and running very quickly.”

Flemming Golf utilises Position Partners remote control and support technology, Tokara, to assist with sending design files to machines and getting technical help when required. “Tokara is a fantastic solution because it gives you peace of mind that no matter where the job is, the technical team can login to your machine and help with a software upgrade or to explain a new feature on the system, for example,” Mr Flemming added.

Topcon announces update to 2D indicate system for excavation

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Topcon Positioning Group announces an update to its entry-level machine control system for excavation — the X-52. The 2D system is designed to offer cost-effective indicate grade control.

“The X-52 system features the all-new MC-X1 controller, which offers compatibility with all brands and models of excavators,” said Kris Maas, director of construction product management. “Operators with limited exposure to machine control systems will find the system intuitive and very easy to use. Its reliable and rugged TS-i3 tilt sensors detect the precise positioning of the boom, stick and bucket at all times.”

The system is designed to provide a forward-thinking investment for contractors who want to enhance its capabilities in the future. “Later this year the X-52 will be upgradeable to a full 3D system, which allows it to expand along with business needs.

“The X-52 not only allows operators to work faster and with better accuracy, but also promotes a safer work site by keeping grade checkers out of the trenches,” said Maas.

The system is designed to pair with the GX-55 touchscreen control box to offer sunlight-readable indicate grade reference in any climate condition.

PLEASE NOTE: We do not as yet have an arrival date for this product in Australia, so if you are interested please drop us an email http://www.positionpartners.com.au/online-enquiry or call 1300 867 266

Topcon announces next generation concrete paving system

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Topcon Positioning Group announces the next generation of automated concrete paving — the ZPS system — with the new Z-Robot and Z-Stack sensor. Using enhanced Topcon Millimeter GPS® technology, the ZPS system is designed to bring unmatched accuracy to concrete paving with a fraction of the hardware required for traditional LPS (local positioning system).

The new Z-Robot is an advanced robotic total station with integrated Z-beam laser technology. The Z-Robot is designed to provide a hybrid function of high-precision, optically-based vertical accuracy control and the convenience of Z-beam laser positioning to maintain that accuracy across the paver.

“The ZPS system’s self-leveling Z-Robot cuts setup time in half compared with previous concrete paving methods,” said Murray Lodge, senior vice president and general manager of the Construction Business Unit. “With traditional systems, you need multiple, expensive robotic total stations to control the paver at any given time and at least another complete set of instruments for downrange transition. With the ZPS system, only one Z-Robot controls the paver — increasing productivity and profitability, and dramatically lowering the cost of the solution compared to LPS.”

On-board the paver, the ZPS system uses the new Topcon Z-Stack modular-designed system that seamlessly integrates GPS, optical targeting, and Z-beam reception into one unit by interlocking the required sensing technologies in one rugged “stack.”

“The Z-Stack sensor is revolutionary,” said Lodge. “It combines time-proven Topcon positioning technologies into one multifunctional, consolidated and complete system that provides better accuracies and more efficient paving than ever before. The system requires no separate base station and only one cable needed for power and connectivity.

“The system also offers a wider working area, with a range of up to 150 more feet than with traditional methods — minimising instrument transitions,” said Lodge.

PLEASE NOTE: We do not as yet have an arrival date for this product in Australia, so if you are interested please drop us an email http://www.positionpartners.com.au/online-enquiry or call 1300 867 266

ConExpo wrap up

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CONEXPO 2017

This year’s ConExpo show represented an immense unveiling of the newest equipment, technology and product breakthrough in construction. From earthshaking big iron to ground breaking innovations, it’s all assembled in one place to help you work smarter. If it’s new, it was there – there was plenty to see!

The show consisted of 2,500 exhibitors showcasing new products and technologies from for every major construction industry including asphalt, aggregates, concrete, earthmoving, lifting, mining, utilities and more. There were over 150,000 attendees that range from contractors, to dealers & distributors, to service providers, engineers, producers, municipalities, and more.

The theme of Topcon’s impressive booth (far more attractive and punchy than the competition, in our humble opinion!) was “The Intersection of Infrastructure and Technology”. Unlike previous years when Topcon has spread its portfolio across a number of different sites, this year all solutions were visible in the one location, which not only made it easier to learn about all that was on offer but also signals the shift in our industry away from product silos to integrated platforms.

The booth was broken up into the different construction product areas, such as Survey, Layout, Paving, Grading, Excavating, etc and was highlighted by the very impressive SmoothRide Theatre and the Dozer Arena, which ran shows a couple of times an hour throughout the day to go through applications and features of the MC product.

Upstairs featured a VIC (Very Important Customer) area where dealers and customers could have a drink and take a break from the show, there were also meeting rooms behind the booth that we could hold meetings with customers.

We had 4 Position Partners staff working on the booth for a portion of the show, all spent their time interfacing with customers on the booth in the North Hall, writing up quotes and spreading the word about all things Topcon. An excellent experience for our guys, who were looked after very well by Greg Frankish our Regional Manager and the rest of the Topcon team throughout the week.

Here’s a time lapse video of Topcon’s stand build:

 

 

This year Position Partners was joined by our largest ever Australian contingent, with around 170 of our valued customers coming to check out the latest developments in the industry. It was great for everyone to get an opportunity to talk to Topcon representatives and other contractors at this show that is like no other!

Topcon introduces new 10-inch touchscreen display for construction machine control

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GX-75

Topcon Positioning Group announces the release of the latest addition to its longstanding line of touchscreen control boxes for construction machine automation — the GX-75.  With its 10-inch touch screen, the system is designed to offer a large and easy-to-use display for operators.

“The GX-75 is the largest touchscreen display for Topcon construction machine control ever available,” said Kris Maas, director of construction product management. “Its 10-inch, bright, rugged and sunlight-readable screen allows operators in the cab to see more of the project file, at once, in practically any weather condition.

“It is also a perfect system for operators using the Sitelink3D monitoring and management service to instantly communicate job site progress to the office in real time, as well as quickly receive updated plans and job files,” he said.

The GX-75 is currently available for use with dozer, motor grader and excavator machine control systems. It comes with a standard lock connector used with previous Topcon control boxes, allowing for backward compatibility.

“The display also includes LED light bars that allow operators to easily see where they are in relation to grade with just a glance,” said Maas.

The GX-75 includes an adjustable mounting backpack designed to provide versatility — whether an operator prefers to view project information on the left, right or center of the cab.

Additional features include integrated virus protection, and easily-accessible USB ports for saving and downloading job files.

PLEASE NOTE: We do not as yet have an arrival date for this product in Australia, so if you are interested please drop us an email http://www.positionpartners.com.au/online-enquiry or call 1300 867 266

Aussie industry night at ConExpo 2017

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The Aussies showed the Yanks how to party at our industry night during ConExpo 2017! Hosted by Position Partners and Ostwald Bros, it was a great night shared with many of our valued customers. With thanks to our sponsors Komatsu Australia, Grays Online and Iron Capital Group. 

Here’s a selection of photos from the night: 


Komatsu representative with Malcolm Harvey from Daracon
Ray O’Connor from Topcon with Mike Forrest, Position Partners

Matthew Ostwald, Ostwald Bros and Harry Katsanevas, Position Partners
Ray O’Connor, Topcon and Harry Katsanevas, Position Partners


Howard Ostwald, Ostwald Bros, Gordon Nicholson and Ray
Shadforth, Shadforth Civil Engineering
Murray Lodge, Topcon, Mike Forrest, Position
 Partners, Jamie Williamson, Topcon, Ray
O’Connor and Brian Juroff, Topcon

The Quantum Mini concrete scanner has arrived! Unique GPR combines two frequencies for ultimate accuracy on every job

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US Radar’s new Quantum Mini is the only Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) in the world to offer dual frequency technology, enabling it to locate anomalies both within and beyond the concrete layer from the one system.

It also boasts the longest range of any concrete scanner on the market, with the ability to scan almost two metres below the surface.

Now available throughout Australia, South East Asia and New Zealand, the Quantum Mini certainly stands up to local testing by distributor Position Partners’ technical team.

“Our experts have put the system to the test to ensure it’s up to the weight for the local market, and they’ve been very impressed with the Quantum Mini’s performance,” said Cameron Waters, Geospatial Business Development Manager.

“The system switches seamlessly between a 2000MHz frequency for locating anomalies within the concrete layer, and a 1000MHz frequency to scan beyond the concrete,” he added.

All the data is available instantly on the GPR’s 26cm screen, eliminating the need for post processing back at the office and ensuring that the user is capturing all the data he or she needs in real time.

Ideal for scanning walls, floors, ceilings and other concrete structures, the Quantum Mini has a compact, durable, all-in-one design that makes it extremely easy to use.  It also includes built-in laser levelling technology to line up passing grids for accurate scan data, as well as assisting with the accurate mark-out of rebar, post-tension cables, voids, utilities and other anomalies.

“It really is the only concrete scanner you’ll ever need,” Mr Waters said, adding “The dual frequency means it can handle a wide range of applications and accuracies, it has sophisticated software for comprehensive data analysis and it’s also very user friendly.”

Other benefits:

  • Horizontal slicing for sophisticated data analysis
  • Automatic report generation to save time
  • Flexible file formats to export data to other software platforms
  • 8-hour battery life with hot-swappable batteries to keep up with your day

 

 

Surveying at speed

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Queensland-based surveying firm All Points Surveys has increased productivity with high speed robotics and cloud-based software.

All Points Surveys specialises in residential set out work throughout South East Queensland. Having recently upgraded their robotic total stations to the new Topcon GT series, owner Andrew Corfield says the company has improved the workflow between field and office, saving the team time and money. GT Ac

“We were running older Topcon total stations and took advantage of a recent trade in special from Position Partners (Topcon’s Australian distributor) to upgrade to the latest model,” Mr Corfield said.

“The speed of the GT robotic is quite something, its performance is dramatically improved compared with the older technology and it very rarely loses lock with the prism,” he added.

To complement the new high precision total stations, All Points Surveys also upgraded its small handheld data collectors to the Topcon FC-5000 survey tablets.

“Having the larger touch screen makes it much more user friendly for our field parties and it’s easy to see the screen in all weather conditions,” Mr Corfield said. “We’ve also added SIM cards to the tablets so that they are more than just a data collector, they are computers with 2-way communication to the office.”

Before upgrading the company’s systems, Mr Corfield explained that at times information was transferred between field and office parties over the phone, whereas now it is done digitally by sending and receiving files via the Internet.

“In the past I would often have to give the field teams point coordinates over the phone, whereas now I can simply send them the file from my desktop and they will have it instantly on their tablet,” he said.

Seamless field to office communication is made possible thanks to MAGNET Enterprise cloud-based technology. It combines MAGNET Office CAD software, with MAGNET Field for the GT robotic and FC-5000 tablet, along with cloud connectivity that enables instant sharing of data files and real-time collaboration between field and office tasks.

“Although I was very happy using my old version of Civilcad, I must admit that the workflow productivity has been greatly improved with the cloud-based system,” Mr Corfield said. “The field guys are young and this technology comes as second nature to them, they picked it up straight away and they love it.”

Mr Corfield said the team needed very little training to get up to speed with the new instruments and software, although he does appreciate the service and support from Position Partners’ local team in Brisbane.

“The latest technology is fantastic, it’s a complete end to end solution and everyone on the team enjoys working with it on a daily basis,” he said. “The robustness of the hardware is impressive – I think you could use it underwater it’s so tough, although I’m glad of course we don’t have to lol!”