Question 1

What are the key specifications of the Ligchine ScreedSaver Elite?

Accepted Answer

The ScreedSaver Elite features an 18-foot boom reach with a 12-foot screed head, providing approximately 180 square feet of coverage per pass. It's powered by a Kubota V1505 diesel engine with approximately 35 horsepower. The machine includes all-wheel drive for superior traction, 65-gallon onboard fluid tanks, and an integrated pressure washer for cleanup. Operating weight is approximately 9,000-10,000 pounds including the screed head. The Elite is transportable with a 3/4-ton pickup truck and trailer, making it highly mobile for contractors.

Question 2

What makes the included Topcon 3D profiling system valuable?

Accepted Answer

The Topcon GT-1203 LPS robotic total station system enables true 3D concrete paving without stringlines, GPS signals, or laser transmitters. The system tracks the screed's position 20 times per second using prisms and a sonic tracker, maintaining millimeter-level accuracy. This package includes the GX-55 display, MC-R3 receiver, and all necessary software and hardware. The system works indoors, outdoors, in tunnels, or anywhere GPS signals are unavailable. It's an open architecture system, meaning it can be transferred between multiple machines to maximize ROI.

Question 3

What types of projects is the Ligchine ScreedSaver Elite best suited for?

Accepted Answer

The Ligchine ScreedSaver Elite excels at medium to large warehouse floors, commercial flatwork, parking lots, exterior pavements with multiple slopes, and industrial facilities requiring FF/FL specifications. The 18-foot boom reach and 12-foot head make it ideal for projects ranging from 5,000 to 50,000+ square feet. With the 3D system, it handles complex contoured paving, ramps, and multi-slope applications that would be extremely difficult with traditional stringline or 2D laser methods. It's particularly valuable for projects requiring high floor flatness numbers and tight tolerances.

Question 4

How does 3D paving differ from traditional laser-guided screeding?

Accepted Answer

Traditional 2D laser systems work on single grade or dual slope applications using rotating lasers and require flat reference surfaces. 3D systems like the Topcon LPS read digital site plans and follow complex contours, variable slopes, and drainage patterns automatically. This eliminates stringlines entirely, saves significant setup time, reduces labor costs, and enables contractors to bid on projects with complicated profiles. The screed follows the 3D model precisely, adjusting elevation continuously rather than following a single plane.

Question 5

What is the typical production rate with the Ligchine ScreedSaver Elite?

Accepted Answer

With 180 square feet per pass and the 12-foot head, operators can place approximately 1,000-1,500 square feet per hour depending on concrete delivery, site conditions, and operator experience. The all-wheel drive and efficient boom operation allow faster repositioning between passes. The 3D system significantly increases productivity by eliminating stringline setup and adjustments. With the Lichine ScreedSaver Elite, many contractors report completing warehouse floors in half the time compared to traditional methods, while achieving superior floor flatness results.

Question 6

What maintenance does the Ligchine ScreedSaver Elite require?

Accepted Answer

Daily maintenance includes inspecting hydraulic fluid levels, checking tire pressure, cleaning the screed head, and running the onboard pressure washer for cleanup. The Kubota diesel engine requires oil changes every 200-250 hours, fuel filter replacement every 400-500 hours, and air filter service based on dusty conditions. Hydraulic filters should be changed annually or every 500 hours. Grease all boom pivot points, drive components, and steering linkages weekly. At 293 hours, this unit has just completed its first major service interval and is barely broken in.

Question 7

How difficult is it to learn to operate the Ligchine ScreedSaver Elite?

Accepted Answer

Operators with concrete finishing experience can typically become proficient with the Ligchine ScreedSaver Elite within 2-3 days of hands-on training. The wireless remote control simplifies operation compared to older ride-on screeds. The 3D system has a steeper learning curve, requiring approximately one week to master setup, calibration, and digital file management. Ligchine provides comprehensive training with purchase, and Topcon offers separate training for the 3D system. Most contractors report their crews are fully productive within the first month.

Question 8

What is the advantage of the side-shift screed head design of the Ligchine ScreedSaver Elite?

Accepted Answer

The side-shift capability allows operators to move the screed head laterally around obstacles, penetrations, and stick-ups without rotating the entire boom or machine. This saves significant time when screeding around columns, drains, equipment pads, or other obstructions. The head can shift up to 5+ feet side-to-side while maintaining grade control. This feature is particularly valuable in congested areas or when screeding close to walls and existing structures, reducing manual hand-finishing work.

Question 9

Can this ScreedSaver be used indoors and outdoors?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the ScreedSaver Elite works equally well in both environments. For indoor work, it can operate on 2D laser mode or with the 3D LPS system, which is specifically designed for indoor use where GPS signals are unavailable. The Kubota diesel engine is fuel-efficient and produces relatively low emissions compared to gasoline engines. For outdoor applications, the 3D system works without limitation, and contractors often use it for parking lots, ramps, and site concrete with complex drainage patterns.

Question 10

What are the transport requirements and dimensions of the Ligchine ScreedSaver Elite?

Accepted Answer

The Ligchine ScreedSaver Elite can be transported on a standard equipment trailer pulled by a 3/4-ton or 1-ton pickup truck. Transport dimensions are approximately 16 feet long (with head), 6 feet wide, and 8-9 feet high depending on boom position. Total transport weight is approximately 10,000-11,000 pounds including the machine, screed head, and 3D equipment. No special permits are required for normal highway transport. The machine loads via ramps or can be lifted with a forklift using designated lift points.

Question 11

How does the Topcon total station system get set up on site?

Accepted Answer

Setup involves positioning one or more robotic total stations on stable tripods with clear line-of-sight to the work area. The system is calibrated by occupying known control points or establishing local coordinates. Prisms are mounted on the machine, and the sonic tracker monitors screed head height. Digital site plans are loaded into the GX-55 controller. Initial setup takes 30-60 minutes for experienced operators. Once established, the system runs continuously, and multiple robots can be positioned for seamless transitions across large sites.

Question 12

What is the fuel capacity and typical runtime of the Ligchine ScreedSaver Elite?

Accepted Answer

The Kubota diesel engine of the LIgchine ScreedSaver Elite has an 8-gallon fuel tank. Under normal operating conditions, expect approximately 4-6 hours of runtime per tank depending on concrete placement rate and boom movement. Fuel consumption is approximately 1.5-2 gallons per hour during active screeding. The diesel engine is more fuel-efficient than comparable gasoline engines and provides better torque for hydraulic demand. Most contractors refuel during concrete delivery breaks or at shift changes.

Question 13

Are replacement parts and service readily available from Ligchine?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Ligchine maintains excellent parts support with direct sales at 1-812-903-4500 and dedicated service line at 1-833-342-5544. The Kubota V1505 engine has widespread parts availability through Kubota dealer networks nationwide. Topcon has extensive dealer support for the 3D system components. Common wear items on the Ligchine ScreedSaver Elite include screed blades, hydraulic hoses, drive belts, and tires. Ligchine's responsive customer service is frequently praised by contractors, with technical support available during operating hours and emergency support arrangements possible.

Question 14

What software is included with the Topcon 3D system?

Accepted Answer

The package includes Topcon's field software for machine control running on the FC-6000 controller, which manages communication with the total station, displays the 3D model, and provides real-time position and elevation feedback. Design files are typically created in CAD software or Topcon's SiteLink3D office software, then exported to the controller. The system accepts standard file formats including LandXML. Training is included to cover file preparation, system operation, and troubleshooting. Software updates are available through Topcon's myTopcon customer portal.

Question 15

What makes this particular 2021 unit with 293 hours a good value at $225,000?

Accepted Answer

At only 293 hours, this Ligchine ScreedSaver Elite is essentially new—barely past break-in for the engine and hydraulics. It includes $100,000+ worth of Topcon 3D equipment that would be purchased separately. The machine has been professionally maintained with service records available. Comparable new ScreedSaver Elite machines retail for $150,000-175,000 without 3D systems, and a new Topcon LPS package costs $80,000-120,000. Buying used saves significant depreciation while getting a nearly-new machine with proven technology. The 90% tire life and excellent hydraulics confirm proper care and light use.

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