Skip to main content

MOBA machine control tools help in asphalt paving

Machine control systems from MOBA are playing an important role in laying out a new street in the southern German village of Apfeldorf in Bavaria. New development in the village is seeing the construction of 14 new homes as well as a new street being built and the time savings and cost savings of machine control systems are proving highly beneficial. Although well proven in larger projects, these technologies are now being used in smaller construction projects also, with major advantages for the users. Loc
January 12, 2015 Read time: 3 mins
A German contractor is seeing the benefit of MOBA machine control systems for small construction works
Machine control systems from MOBA are playing an important role in laying out a new street in the southern German village of Apfeldorf in Bavaria. New development in the village is seeing the construction of 14 new homes as well as a new street being built and the time savings and cost savings of machine control systems are proving highly beneficial. Although well proven in larger projects, these technologies are now being used in smaller construction projects also, with major advantages for the users.

Local construction firm Georg Kölbl, is working on the construction of the new street, using 1228 MOBA's 2D excavation system, Xsite LINK. The system was bought by the firm originally for use in digging construction pits and carrying out other excavation work. However, realising the benefits of the machine control systems, the firm is now using this technology for a much wider range of tasks. These additional duties now include digging channels, building foundations, positioning manholes, and digging drainage to precise depths.

By employing the system the firm can carry out this work with a team of just two, instead of the three people required previously. There is no need for a surveyor to check levels constantly while the system allows machine operators greater accuracy than before, as the position of the excavator bucket is displayed constantly in real time on the unit’s screen. The working is also safer, as there is no need for surveyors to access danger areas such as trenches to take measurements.
The firm says that the Xsite system is also making it easier to install the frost protection layer.  An approximate 450m3 of gravel can be distributed quickly and precisely according to plan, along a trench of approximately 220m in length. Previously it would have been necessary to compact down the material twice to achieve exactly the right depth. The firm says that this job can now be carried out in a single operation: using the bucket to measure the level, firming down and then using the vibrating plate compactor directly, to check the depth.

The company says that it is open to using new technology and having seen the MOBA package being demonstrated at an exhibition, the company was keen to try it out. After tests with the equipment, the firm realised the cost savings the system would deliver and opted to buy two of the packages earlier this year. Notably, the firm adds that the equipment quickly paid for itself due to the substantial cost savings in terms of reduced working time and by eliminating the need for any reworking.

Managing director Georg Kölbl said, “With this system, we can work to a precision of plus or minus 2cm. In addition, we no longer have to continuously check our measurements, the system does it for us. This saves both excavator and man hours, as it allows us to work with a much more efficient workflow."

He added that the system also saves on material costs. For example, when a building contractor is putting down a 10cm bed specified on plans for a water conduit, the customer is only going to expect to pay for the exact amount of material needed for the depth of 10cm. "If we put in more, we absorb the cost. But because we can set the depth very precisely using this system, we lay only the exact depth specified and know that we won’t have a need for extra material," he said.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Developments in concrete pavers boosts quality
    July 13, 2012
    The latest technology continues to improve the quality of concrete paving while contractors are also benefiting from more adaptable equipment - Mike Woof reports For many concrete paving applications, versatility is required rather than a high production rate. Leading paver manufacturers such as GOMACO, Power Curbers, Terex and Wirtgen all offer high mobility machines that can be adjusted to cope with an array of tasks. For a contractor, the advantage of these smaller pavers is that they can be configured q
  • Break into machine guidance without breaking the bank
    January 10, 2024

    Watch the video

    You don’t get the name “The Dirt Ninja” without a serious obsession with all things heavy equipment and the technologies empowering what’s next for civil construction. For over a decade, Tom Gardocki, co-owner of New Era Excavation, has commanded hundreds of thousands of views on his YouTube channel—with a description that reads, "Anyone can run equipment, very few can operate.” Well said.

  • Innovative GIS software offerings
    July 18, 2012
    The latest construction software developments can speed the construction process overall, Adrian Greeman reports Construction software is by its very nature a very fast moving technology, with new systems coming to the market almost continuously. There are some key developments however, such as major new product launches and market trends. One of the most important developments in the road design sector is the launch of the Bentley Systems V8i versions of its software, including its road design applications
  • Copy of New Midtown Tunnel open in Virginia
    January 30, 2017
    A project to construct the second Midtown Tunnel link in the US state of Virginia alongside the original connection has taken an important step forward – Mike Woof writes Commuters in the US state of Virginia will be pleased that the new Midtown Tunnel is now open to traffic, as it will help to boost capacity and cut congestion on the busy US 58 route connecting Norfolk and Portsmouth. The 1.13km tunnel link has been built to link with the interchange at Brambleton Avenue and Hampton Boulevard in Norfolk