Overcoming Extreme Weather with 3D Precision Grading at Hunter River High School
A new sports field project at Hunter River High School in Heatherbrae, near Newcastle NSW, recently put both machinery and perseverance to the test.
This job was set up to run with high-efficiency site prep using a 3D model and Topcon’s LN150 Robotic Total Station, guiding a Level Best GB96 Grader Blade with precision. But just days into the project, the region was hit with a major weather event — 500mm of rain in under 24 hours. The flooding, just minutes from site where the Hunter and Williams Rivers meet at Raymond Terrace, shut down the job for weeks.
What had been a clean and straightforward project turned into a mud-laden challenge. Hundreds of tonnes of already-delivered topsoil became waterlogged. Once the rain eased and the ground began to dry, the team was faced with the tough task of reclaiming and working with saturated, turned material — a far greater challenge than spreading dry, freshly delivered soil.
This is where the Level Best GB96 Grader Blade with Topcon 3D LPS Auto Guidance system proved its value.
Set up and supported by Aptella (formerly Position Partners), the LN150 Total Station and Topcon MC Mobile machine control system enabled the crew to regain control and bring the project back on track. The auto-guidance allowed consistent grade correction across the site, even with less-than-ideal material and conditions.
Nathan Litchfield of Level Best Australia, who got directly involved on the ground, commented:
“The guys at Aptella have been very helpful and supportive throughout. This LN150 / MC Mobile combo is not only much more affordable than previous systems and competing brands, it’s also quite easy to learn and use. I was able to master the full setup and operation after just a few hours of support from Aptella. Pretty impressive really.”
In addition to using the GB96 throughout the job, Nathan personally bolted on side wings to finalise the finishing. Unlike hydraulic wings, which are prone to damage on bogged-down or heavy machines, the bolt-on design proved quick to attach (in under four minutes with a battery rattle gun) and highly effective.
This hands-on experience allows Level Best Australia to better assist contractors facing real-world site preparation challenges.
“There’s nothing quite like having done it yourself when it comes to supporting your customers,” Nathan added.
If you’re looking to improve your earthmoving workflow with reliable 3D guidance and precision equipment, reach out to Level Best Australia on 1800 60 88 50 or visit levelbest.com.au.