Why GPS and Laser Grading Will Change the Way You Think About Excavation Services

When you look for excavating contractors near me, you aren’t just looking for someone with a big shovel. You are looking for a partner who can move earth with surgical precision. In the construction industry, "close enough" is no longer the standard: absolute accuracy is.
At Bettensons Sand and Gravel Co Ltd, we have spent decades building Red Deer from the ground up. While our roots go back to the days of manual surveying and simple machinery, our current operations leverage the most advanced GPS and laser grading technology available. This isn't just about having the latest gadgets; it’s about fundamentally changing the economics and timelines of your project.
Beat Your Deadlines…
The most common friction point in any site preparation project is the schedule. Traditional grading involves a constant back-and-forth between the operator and a surveyor holding a grade stake. This "stop-and-check" cycle adds hours: and often days: to a project timeline.
- Continuous Operation: With GPS-guided excavation services, our operators see the digital site plan directly on a screen in the cab. They know exactly where to dig and how deep to go without ever leaving the seat.
- Reduced Rework: By hitting the grade correctly the first time, we eliminate the need to go back and "fix" low spots or over-excavated areas.
- 70% Faster Execution: Industry data suggests that crews switching to GPS machine control can complete grading tasks up to 70% faster than traditional methods.
When we say we pride ourselves on coming in ahead of schedule, this technology is exactly how we make it happen. We aren’t just working harder; we’re working smarter.

Beat Your Budget…
Cost overruns in excavation are usually caused by two factors: wasted material and excessive labor. When an operator over-excavates by even two inches across a large commercial site, the cost to backfill that space with expensive aggregate adds up fast.
- Lower Material Waste: Precision to within millimeters means you only buy the gravel and sand you actually need.
- Minimized Labor Costs: Because the technology does the "thinking," we require fewer surveyors on-site and fewer man-hours to reach the finish grade.
- Fuel Efficiency: Fewer passes with heavy equipment means lower fuel consumption: a saving we pass directly onto our clients.
Whether you are looking for excavation contractors near me for a small residential foundation or a massive industrial site, the cost-saving benefits of GPS grading remain the same. We ensure your budget stays where it belongs: in your pocket.
Achieve Precision…
While GPS is excellent for large-scale site work and roads, laser grading takes precision to an even higher level, often required for building pads and indoor slabs.
- Vertical Accuracy: Laser systems provide vertical positioning accuracy within a couple hundredths of a foot.
- Sub-Finish Grade: This level of detail is critical for ensuring proper drainage and meeting the strict tolerances required for concrete pours.
- Automated Blade Control: Our equipment can be set to automatically adjust the blade or bucket based on the laser signal, ensuring a perfectly level surface every time.
By combining GPS for horizontal positioning and laser for vertical accuracy, Bettensons provides a comprehensive solution that handles everything from the rough cut to the final polish.
Lower Your Project Risk…
Site preparation is the foundation, literally: of your entire project. If the excavation is wrong, everything that follows will be compromised.
- Utility Strike Prevention: Advanced GPS mapping allows us to integrate existing utility data into our digital models, significantly reducing the risk of hitting buried lines.
- Drainage Integrity: Improper slopes lead to standing water and foundation damage. Our technology ensures that water flows exactly where it's supposed to.
- Data-Driven Decisions: We provide digital "as-built" records of the site, giving you a permanent record of exactly what was done and where.
Consider the Bettenson's Advantage…
We aren't just a tech company; we are a legacy company. Our history in Red Deer is visible in every corner of the city. We've seen the industry evolve from the
Trackson Traxcavator to the high-tech GPS Equipment we use today.
We serve a wide variety of sectors across Central Alberta, including:
Residential Land Development: Creating stable, perfectly graded lots for new homes.
Commercial & Industrial: Large-scale site prep for warehouses, retail spaces, and industrial facilities.
Municipal Infrastructure: Precision road grading and utility excavation for local governments.
Agricultural Projects: Laser-leveled pads for barns, silos, and drainage solutions.



