technology for the project. Powell recommended the X63 (formerly 3DXi) excavator control. Unlike laser excavator systems, it allows the operator to “see” the excavator’s exact position as well as the teeth of the bucket compared to the finished grade. It’s especially suited for deep cuts and blind excavations like they encountered on the rock rim.

Powell also recommended that Sun purchase Topcon’s HiPer
Lite + rover for grade checking.

As the blasting began, they began to realize that the sandstone rock was broken up into manageable pieces during blasting. It was decided that the first two feet of backfill would be pulverized rock and the top two feet would be imported sand. This was good newsfor Sand Hollow because it saved them money, but a potential headache

for the average construction company because it meant another level of construction staking. However, with Sun’s newly installed GNSS machine control in their excavator, it was a “stakeless” system so there was minimal negative impact on the work.

Russell said he wouldn’t have done the project any other way. “The biggest thing is that it gives you sight (with respect to the grading plans) so you are never working blind.”

Once Sun was finished, 25 percent ahead of the scheduled time, everyone knew the extra work was worth it. The five-hole swing through the rock rim created the most spectacular string of golf holes in the entire State of Utah and perhaps the country.

Topcon’s X63
3D Machine Control for Your Excavator

Topcon’s X63 provides the operator with all the information needed to expedite excavation tasks.