See the Difference Technology Makes
“We Would Not Be Able to Do What We Do Without It.”
“Ten years ago, this jobsite would have looked completely different,” says Adam Roy, owner of T.W. Roy Excavation Inc., the Pleasant Plain, Ohio, business his parents started and still help run. “We would have had a lot more people on the ground.”
The jobsites also would have been crowded with equipment. The reason there are fewer workers and machines—and reduced costs as a result—is technology.
“Technology is critical to what we do today,” Roy says. “We would not be able to do what we do without it.”
“The biggest difference going from the previous generation of equipment to the next gen is just how well the machines have been integrated with the grade control and the new technology,” Roy says.
T.W. Roy operates Cat® D5 and D6 XE Dozers, Cat® 345D L Excavators, and 730 Articulated Haul Trucks, among other equipment. His Cat dealer has also installed advanced grade control technology onto Cat 627K Scrapers, making those machines highly advanced.
Here are some specific ways the next generation machines and advanced Cat technology have benefitted T.W. Roy.
Technology has “enabled us to do a lot more work with a lot fewer people.”
– Roy, Owner of T.W. Roy Excavation Inc.
Productivity Gains
Technology has “enabled us to do a lot more work with a lot fewer people.”
That means reduced costs and the elimination of some machines.
The Production Management function enables Roy to spot issues immediately, so adjustments can be made quickly.
Cat Grade with 3D on Next Generation Cat Excavators being used by Roy’s utility crews has led to productivity gains of 10-15%.
Helping Less Experienced Operators Succeed
Technology has been a big part of solving the experience gap with operators. “We’re able to get them up to speed sooner,” Roy says.
Safety
The next generation machines have unrivaled safety.
“With the next gen equipment, we really appreciate a lot of the safety implementations,” Roy says. From “handle placement in relation to steps and ladders” to new camera displays for easy monitoring.
Greater Comfort
The comfort of the cab is evident immediately, Roy says. “The seats and the operator environment have been greatly improved, along with the HVAC system.”
The next generation machines are much quieter, too, he says.
Reduced Fuel Usage
Fuel efficiency has increased with next generation machines.
“We’ve seen improvements in the 10-15% range on the next gen excavators.” Dozers also have shown fuel savings–especially in lighter applications.
Ready to Work
Roy appreciates that the technology is factory integrated, calibrated and ready to work when it arrives at the jobsite. “We bring a new piece of equipment to the jobsite, and we put it to work,” he says.
Lower Maintenance Costs
The maintenance points on next generation machines, particularly filters, are easier to access. Service intervals are extended. “It helps reduce overall operating costs and increases productivity because there’s less downtime.”
A Quicker ROI
These benefits boost profitability, for T.W. Roy. “Return on investment can be gained quicker just through productivity and higher utilization.”
Getting Started
“I would advise a smaller business owner to start investing in the technology now,” Roy says. “It’s the way the industry is going.”
Help is available for those who want to access technology.
“Caterpillar dealers will help you,” Roy says. “They’ll help train your people and understand how to use this technology. Once you have it, it will just make your operation so much more efficient.”