Building Confidence From The Ground Up

When UB Civils set out to replace one of its dozers, the team expected a straightforward like-for-like purchase. Instead, the Inverness-based civil engineering contractor discovered an opportunity to rethink its whole approach.

Working closely with Cat^® dealer Finning, the company looked beyond the machine itself and focused on how integrated technology could improve productivity, consistency and operator confidence. The result was a decision to invest in a Cat D6 equipped with Cat Grade with 3D, a move that is already changing the way projects are delivered.

“Our relationship with UB Civils is still relatively new,” explains John Brodie, Product Manager, Technology & Worktools at Finning. “Initially, they were simply looking to replace their existing machine, but we encouraged them to think about equipment differently, focusing not just on the machine itself, but on the wider productivity and technology package.”

Rather than just comparing specifications, the Finning team demonstrated how integrating Cat Grade with 3D could reduce rework, improve efficiency and help operators become productive more quickly. For UB Civils, it soon became clear that this wasn’t merely a replacement machine; it was an investment in the future of the business.

“Finning helped us initially by coming to site, walking us through the new systems to ensure we were being efficient first time,” explains Iain Peteranna, Contracts Manager at UB Civils. “With Cat Grade 3D, it minimises over-digging and under-digging, meaning less time wasted. It also ensures the operator's accuracy and frees up our civil engineers from being there all the time. It removes engineers from being in that space where the machines are, so there are safety benefits as well.”

For Finning, conversations like this are increasingly common. “Customers are quick to see the productivity improvements, reduction in rework and ease of use,” says Aaron McLaughlin, Finning Sales Representative. “The discussion then turns to how the technology can deliver greater efficiency and long-term value across their operations.”

That long-term value is particularly important in today’s construction environment, where skilled operators are increasingly difficult to find.

Like many contractors across Scotland, UB Civils is experiencing the effects of an ageing workforce and a shortage of experienced operators. These challenges are even greater in the Highlands, where the available labour pool is smaller and recruiting experienced operators is more difficult. Technology is becoming an important part of the solution.

“We've actually tried the Cat D6 with Cat Grade and then gone back and tried it again with our own engineers, just to see what the tolerances are between them. It's been working perfectly.”

Cat Grade with 3D also helps improve site safety by reducing the need for survey stakes and minimising the number of people working close to moving machines. At the same time, greater accuracy reduces unnecessary rework, saving both time and fuel while helping projects stay on schedule.

The success of the project has also highlighted the importance of partnership.

From machine selection and demonstrations to operator training and ongoing support, Finning worked alongside Caterpillar to ensure the technology delivered to its full potential from day one.

“Our role is to make sure customers don’t just buy the technology, but maximise the value it delivers,” says McLaughlin. “For example, once a customer is comfortable with Cat Grade, we can introduce them to VisionLink, which allows managers to distribute 3D design files and updates seamlessly from the office to every machine on their job site, eliminating the need for manual USB uploads.”

For UB Civils, that support has reinforced its commitment to embracing innovation wherever it creates tangible benefits.

As the construction industry continues to face workforce shortages, rising customer expectations and increasing pressure to improve efficiency, technologies such as Cat Grade with 3D are proving to be about much more than automation.

They’re helping contractors build confidence, develop people and achieve more with the teams they already have.

Sometimes the biggest transformation isn’t about replacing a machine, it’s about changing what’s possible once the operator climbs into the cab.