CTL Grader Blade SharpGrade Aims to Compensate for Skilled Labor Shortage
Facing a growing skills shortage, the earthmoving and construction industries are seeking solutions to a lack of suitably trained and experienced staff. Job openings average 382,000 U.S. jobs per month. Labor attraction is a major issue for construction companies, particularly skilled roles.
Aware that this skills shortage was a serious global issue, New Zealand equipment designer and manufacturer SharpGrade turned their attention to more automation-driven products, products that could place a semi or even unskilled operator in the driver’s seat of a compact track loader and with literally only hours of training, have them grading surfaces with the speed and precision beyond that of a highly skilled operator.
SharpGrade focused on connectivity between the iron, the blade, and the operator, including the physical design of the grading attachment. SharpGrade owner and president Rodney Sharp explains, “Time is money, so the greater the productive hours the better the return. We designed integrated software and iron that can precision grade with minimal operator input so the necessity to hire and retain highly skilled operators was minimized. Technology may not entirely replace experience, but it can significantly bridge the gap.”
SharpGrades range of grader blade attachments range from 73 inches to the 128-inch SharpGrade G-128. The recently released G-109 features hydraulic retracting front wheels and has been so popular the company has had to recruit additional personnel to keep up with demand.
All SharpGrades incorporate the patented QuadRod linkage, which eliminates the need for the A frame, Circle drive and Front pivot ball. Their unique design eliminates cross coupling, an inherent feature that makes conventional grader blades so hard to learn and use. The linkages are lifetime lubricated, eliminating the need for daily maintenance.
User-concentric control system
Secondly, the company’s proprietary QuadGrade 2D control system has been designed with a user-concentric approach, creating an optimum operator experience. QuadGrade options include a wired-screen/interface, with laser or sonic sensors. QuadGrade Power Pro has an on-board, swappable battery pack that operates wirelessly from a tablet or mobile device. This eliminates all wiring, allowing the SharpGrade to be swapped between base machines, making it ideal for the rental industry.
“Understanding exactly what the market needs and wants is important,” said Sharp. “Each year we as business owners travel to the USA for a significant period. We attend industry events, visit dealers and end-users to ensure our product development direction is in line with the expectations of our valued clients throughout the world”.
Beyond 2D, Topcon MC Mobile has become the control system of choice in the rapidly growing 3D market, integrating with QuadGrade control. The majority of SharpGrade grader blades leaving the factory are being pre-fitted with MC Mobile ready kits.
“If we can design and deliver grader attachments with machine control solutions that are accurate, productive, intuitive, and easy to use, we can help to overcome the skills shortage by replacing experience with a robust, integrated technology package that delivers reliable, consistent and accurate results,” Sharp said.
If you are in the earthmoving, landscaping or rental industries, SharpGrade is most definitely a brand to keep an eye on.
