Enterprising Engineer bucks downturn with Trimble Robotic System
Wed 11th Feb 2009
Trimble's SPS610 Robotic Total Station with SCS900 software is proving a profitable solution for forward thinking engineering services contractor, Paul Gould.
As en experienced engineer and manager specialising in Earthworks and Civils contracting, Norfolk based Paul has been quick to prepare for the downturn in construction by setting up on his own. Fearing that the East would be hit harder than most by the predicted slow down, he recently established his own company with a view to providing economical setting out services across the South East. By undertaking anything from single site visits measuring stockpile volumes, to long term onsite engineering services, he believed that opportunities would still exist for the efficient and economical services he planned to offer.
Following extensive trials, he purchased a Trimble SPS610, one of Trimble's most versatile instruments offering construction-specific functionality and one-person operation. The SPS610 also features Trimble technology such as Magdrive for fast instrument turning and tracking speeds and MultiTrack which allows operation with conventional prisms or active targets, providing Paul with exceptional productivity gains.
"Setting up on my own meant that a robotic system was a must," explains Paul. "I've used most of the major manufacturer's instruments over the years and consequently I trialled several of the robotic options available. The Trimble SPS610 was by far my preferred choice and is excellent when used with the TSC2 logger. The radio connection is top class and extremely quick to set up whilst the software has obviously had an enormous amount of development and really is a dream to use. The online service means that I can download upgrades without delay and really get the most out of my system. A key benefit is definitely the ability to continue working in poor light conditions which would be impossible with equipment that required a person to use the optics. The majority of the time, no chain person is needed which means work can be accurately carried out in a much faster time. Importantly, I know that I am delivering a first class job because the system allows me to mark my own points rather than rely on someone else, often the most junior member of a construction team."
Paul concludes, "This is a system that really delivers and backed up by KOREC's helpful sales team and field instructors, offers the reliability that I need. My focus for a successful business is to deliver quality of service and economy. So far this has proved to be the correct decision and my company, Setting Out Services (Norfolk), has seen business steadily pick up over the lasts 6 months."
Paul Gould can be contacted on 07515 867148 or by email: paul@settingoutservices.com
ENDS
Images 1&2: Paul Gould of Setting Out Services makes the most of his one man SPS610 robotic system working on the top of the new John Lewis building on the Olympic site at Stratford
