On Nov. 13, Topcon Positioning Systems Inc. held a Field Day event at Benchmark Tool & Supply's Raleigh, N.C., branch location. The main purpose of the gathering was for customers to learn about Topcon's new X-53x automatic excavator system from the experts themselves. Attendees were treated to an up close and personal work session where they saw the excavator's precision, speed and power firsthand.

The X-53x's 3D machine control workflows improve the productivity, accuracy and profitability of excavator projects. Productivity improvements of 30 percent or more are common. Topcon delivers advanced and precise GPS positioning technology coupled with advanced sensors, controllers and easy-to-use on-board software. The operator experiences the workflow benefits on day one and every day using the system.

Configured as an "Indicate" system, X-53x provides real-time, dynamic on-screen bucket location and design view. This allows the operator to dig right to grade every time. Upgrading to the optional "Automatic" configuration makes the system smart and easy by hydraulically controlling the digging depth and bucket angle, making a pro operator faster and better and making a novice dig like a pro, according to the company. CEG

The guests were able test out a Hitachi excavator equipped with the newly introduced Topcon X-53x automatic excavator system.  

Andy Pugh (L) of Benchmark Tool & Supply goes over the event of Ken Smith of Odell Smith & Sons in Fayetteville, N.C.  

(L-R) are Stephen James of Chattam Civil Contracting in Siler City, N.C.; Chuck Harris of Benchmark Tool & Supply; and Ken Smith of Odell Smith & Sons in Fayetteville, N.C.  

With the automatic excavation system, the risk of over digging is minimized, while productivity is maximized, saving time and reducing costs.  

John Paton of Twisted Arc Residential Grading & Fabrication liked the productivity enhancements offered by the Topcon system.  

The Topcon system uses different data points on the machine to deliver on grade performance.  

The automatic excavation system features a new calibration method that uses a total station to communicate wirelessly with the system.  

(L-R): John Mooney, Levi Senter and Mike Gaillard, all of Benchmark Tool & Supply; John Patton of Residential Grading & Fabrication in Apex, N.C.; and Jared Robbins, also of Benchmark.  

On hand to answer their customers questions (L-R) are Isaac Thompson, Greg Fuller and Kyle Cohoon, all of James River Equipment.  

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