Trimble's expansion of Siteworks Machine Guidance broadens benefits to small site operators

Trimble, well-known for its surveying and machine guidance solutions for excavation, has broadened its focus to include compact machines, opening up the opportunity for small site operators (SSOs) to benefit from machine guidance technology. In addition to its existing offerings for excavators, dozers, and other equipment, Trimble announced the availability of its Trimble Siteworks Machine Guidance (SMG) Module for compact track loaders (CTLs) during the 2024 Trimble Dimensions 2024 opening keynote address. This new addition is part of the company's broader strategy to make advanced construction technology more accessible for contractors with minimal staff and equipment.

Trimble connects with small contractors

According to Steve DiBenedetto, Trimble's CEC Field Solutions Software product manager, Trimble has historically catered to the large enterprise customer, which he calls the company's "bread and butter." These larger firms often have in-house engineering teams, extensive budgets, and the resources to deploy complex software and hardware. More recently, Trimble has sought to serve smaller operations. The goal is to lower barriers to entry, such as cost and technical complexity, for all small site operators.

The right tools make a difference

In the effort to help SSOs streamline their workflows, Trimble offers a range of solutions that address tasks from surveying and layout to on-machine guidance and project management. By focusing on integration and ease of use, Trimble aims to bridge traditional surveying methods with in-cab operator assistance, allowing SSOs to expand their capabilities, enhance precision, and take on larger, more complex projects.

Siteworks Machine Guidance

The Siteworks Machine Guidance Module was first introduced for excavators in 2023. Trimble has expanded its SMG Module to include support for compact track loaders with on-machine guidance and operator assistance for CTL buckets. This development marks the first new machine type integrated into the Siteworks Machine Guidance Module since its introduction and represents Trimble's first machine guidance solution specifically designed for compact track loaders.

The new module provides surveying and layout functionality through Trimble Siteworks Software, which can be used off-machine for design and layout tasks. On-machine guidance is available by attaching the module directly to CTL buckets for real-time elevation and positioning feedback. Since the hardware and software can be transferred between multiple machine types, including compact track loaders, skid steers, and excavators, SSOs can rely on it for a money-saving, versatile solution.

With this expansion, Trimble aims to give contractors a user-friendly, cost-effective platform that integrates both surveying and grade control capabilities so the operator doesn't need to rely on back-office support and can use the bucket for levelling materials to the specified design, rather than having to switch to a separate grading or box blade attachment.

DiBenedetto describes Siteworks as "Our construction surveying software solution that bridges the gap between off-machine applications for traditional survey and on-machine guidance." In practical terms, this means one solution can serve two purposes: collecting accurate site data off the machine and guiding the operator when in the cab. According to him, Siteworks is ideal for "small site prep" work such as housing foundations, ball fields, or smaller commercial projects. For an SSO that might be laying out a simple drainage path, Siteworks allows them to record a few key points and generate a suitable surface design quickly — without a full design department.

Earthworks for excavators and CTLs

Building on Siteworks, Trimble Earthworks is a machine guidance platform that can be used on excavators, dozers, graders, and compact track loaders. "We now have technology that allows you to swap the same sort of expensive bits between different machines," says DiBenedetto. This flexible, modular approach resonates with SSOs that may own one excavator and one skid steer or track loader. By equipping each machine with the necessary sensors and displays, operators get live, real-time grade feedback — enabling faster, more accurate digging or grading.

ProjectSight management tools

Trimble also offers comprehensive project management software that further simplifies budgeting, scheduling, and documentation tasks. Having these tools under one umbrella lowers the barrier to entry, letting SSOs tap into a broader digital ecosystem at their own pace.

Hardware components and system details

The SSO solution includes a Trimble SPS986 or Trimble R780 GNSS Smart Antenna — complete with tilt compensation and the Trimble ProPoint positioning engine — and a Trimble Field Tablet (or a compatible bring-your-own device) that runs the Siteworks software. According to DiBenedetto, this hardware bridges the gap between off-machine applications for traditional surveying and on-machine guidance in the cab. As a result, users can design or measure projects in the field and then transfer the GNSS receiver and tablet from a pole to a machine without needing a dedicated engineering team.

Subscription model and financing options

Trimble offers flexible purchasing options for the SMG module, including subscription-based plans, to reinforce accessibility for small site operators with limited resources or complex cash flow scenarios. 

"Shelling out [for a subscription] each month is much more manageable," says DiBenedetto. The Trimble subscription model delivers ongoing hardware upgrades and software updates. If the next generation of sensors or tablets is released, subscribers can request new hardware without additional purchase costs, maintaining access to the most current technology.

Dealer network and social media outreach

Trimble continues to rely on its SITECH distribution channel for sales and support. DiBenedetto calls the dealer channel the front line for smaller operators that typically look to local dealers for demonstrations, set-up, and training.

The company also leverages social media to connect with this market. DiBenedetto says that many operators share videos on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, showing how technology such as Siteworks improves accuracy and reduces project timelines. This online word-of-mouth and initiatives, such as local "dirt days" at dealerships, are harnessed to inform SSOs that may not otherwise realize the capabilities of machine guidance.

Reduced complexity and data-driven value benefit SSOs

One of the largest hurdles for SSOs is a lack of specialized staff to operate complex software or interpret technical data. Trimble's approach is meant to reduce complexity so that individual operators can still make use of advanced positioning and design tools. 

Data and metrics are central, too. Trimble's products track performance, productivity, and even machine usage, allowing SSOs to refine their bids and optimize workflows. "You can tighten up your bids," says DiBenedetto, "and be even more competitive than somebody that doesn't have the technology because you're able to dig to design or dig to grade much more accurately."

With the integration of Trimble WorksManager Software, operators are even more empowered to keep projects on track and on budget when crews are dispersed across multiple job sites. This cloud-based tool enables real-time sharing of designs and remote support.

DiBenedetto is confident that the smaller the contractor, the larger the potential impact of improved efficiency when adopting Trimble's SSO solutions. Even minor gains can free up time and resources that can be allocated to additional work. "If you can do a job two days faster, that's a whole other week freed up," he says. This can allow an SSO to compete for additional and larger projects.

There's more opportunity for innovation in the SSO space

DiBenedetto describes the small site operator segment as "super underpenetrated from technology," indicating that Trimble sees an opportunity for continued product innovation in the SSO space. By making advanced software and hardware more accessible, the company anticipates both broadening its customer base and driving potential improvements in industry-wide efficiency. The goal is to ensure that even operators with minimal technology experience can get started quickly.