MJ: One of the limitations of 2D is that it's a one-to-one ration - you need a laser receiver for each machine or each grade checker. LT: From there you step up into the 3D realm and there are some other complications - you need your models, you have a lot of other things to consider. What I like about 2D is the fact that it's a good starting point to get in and get people involved in managing the materials without going too deep, too fast. They start to use it in more and more spaces, and then the light bulb goes off - 'Why don't I use it over here?'

They can share that two-dimensional machine control system across a small dozer, a large dozer, a motor grader. Our dealer can come out and train them, and the training is minor - there's not a lot to learn or forget in terms of taking it off and using it on their other machines - it's very forgiving that way.

The training is less, and the cost of entry is lessened - it's a basic use and works very well. In terms of comfort level, it's fairly simple to use. Instead of standing out there with my grade rod, there's a laser receiver on the machine, and that laser receiver now indicates to the operator how much they need to raise the blade up or down. Most people, if they've moved dirt, have used a laser system, so now we're setting up the laser as an elevation resource. It's an entry-level purchase.ДЇor 2D we don't need a surveyor on staff to set it up. One of the great things about 2D from Topcon is that it's scalable - we don't have to ask that hard question of whether you should buy this one or that, because if it's in question, we can start with a 2D machine control technology and get them going. MJ: A 2D versus 3D conversation really looks at what you're looking to do - what's the day to day job look like? There are certain situations that 2D just doesn't fit, and some where 3D doesn't fit. LT: So let's talk 2D versus 3D - can you break down, if you're talking to someone who's fresh to the concept, the differences between them? It used to be when it first started happening, you had to pick OEM or aftermarket. What about the rest of my fleet? Can we put it on the stuff that isn't brand new?' And the answer is yes. So I'm going to order maybe my first one straight out of the factory.' Once they have that factory-equipped, then they can scratch their head and say, 'Man, I probably should have done this a few years ago. Traditional machine control in the aftermarket was the people out there that would take a gamble and say, 'Yeah, I want to put something additional on my machine.' And then you've got a more conservative-type personality that's saying, 'Wow, if all these big players that make the iron are offering this option, I guess it's not that big of a risk. There has also been impact from the OEMs embracing machine control. But, there's money left on the table when they're not using the best precision available. And they've been wanting to move forward with some sort of technology and met a little bit of resistance because they've made a decent living the way they were doing it. There are a lot of businesses that are transitioning to the next generation, where a son has taken over the father's business or the next generation is coming up. Mark Jones: The tide is turning, and I think there's a number of factors that play into that, Lee. What do you think is driving that in an industry that's often averse to technology? Lee Toop: Machine control is really booming in popularity, and more people are using these types of technology.

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