Operator Richard Baker and his amazing six year 3D machine control journey

Owner operator Richard Baker and the amazing 6+ year Leica Geosystems part of Hexagon 3D machine control journey for Baker Groundworks

Back in 2019, Richard was the first operator Peter Haddock spoke to who fully embraced Leica Geosystems 3D machine control. At the time, he was running a small Case excavator.

Fast forward to today, and Richard is operating a 30 tonne, custom spec Liebherr Earthmoving Equipment 926 equipped with Leica Geosystems semi-automatic 3D machine control and an Engcon UK Ltd  tiltrotator.

It’s an amazing story from a humble guy who has supported many others to take the technology plunge.

His business and reputation have both grown, and he now employs his son Zack. Talking about his journey and new setup at a major housebuilding site in Longbridge set for 600 new homes, he said: 

“The combination of this Liebherr Great Britain machine, the 3D machine control and its CoPilot functionality with the engcon tiltrotator is something else. And our advanced MittX Aluminiumproffset lighting package helps us complete more work, especially in the winter. 

“We now get through the work quickly, efficiently and safely, and because of that, people just seem to want us to keep churning work out for them.”

“On this site, we are digging drains that are eight metres deep. You can’t see the bottom. But I just hit the semi-autonomous button, and it digs it for me. The tablet in the cab is literally my eyes.

“And we have worked out we can now shape roads 100% faster, as you just hit the button and it finds the camber. 

Richard has also become a trusted expert for Leica Geosystems and Engcon: 

“Customers often get sent our way if they’re unsure about committing to purchasing a setup like mine.

"So I am more than happy to show them how it all works, and where possible, we even let them jump in the cab and try it themselves. It’s quite an eye opener for those that have never used it.”

Peter added: “It has been an absolute privilege to follow Richard’s journey. He’s a great guy and really inspiring, and to see the impact his technology journey has had on his business is just brilliant.”