Best Construction Equipment GPS Tracking Systems

Last Updated: Jun 7, 2023

What is GPS Tracking for Construction Equipment?

Construction equipment GPS tracking combines hardware with software to track your best and riskiest assets and heavy equipment for the construction industry.

It uses GPS tracking devices whose data communicate with satellite systems to monitor its location.

Each GPS tag is connected in one way to several satellites to calculate the position a particular satellite can take at any moment when checking for an indication.

The more GPS Satellites the tracking device has to communicate with, the greater the accuracy of its positioning reports and the faster a GPS tag reports the location of the asset tracking in real time, for construction managers.

Reliable Heavy Equipment Tracking

Is there a reliable way for an employee’s team to use a backhoe?

Without asset tracking, builders will only be forced to guess how much time their equipment and assets will be used and how effectively they will function.

Each GPS tracker uses the mobile cellular network, similar to your phone, to send the location data. Therefore, they all require some form of monthly subscription.

Tracking your heavy equipment provides you with real-time tracking data for the best way of detecting the exact location of your asset. GPS tracking gives you the flexibility to monitor the equipment in various places easily.

Are bulldozers needed on new sites? Find out where your bulldozer is and where they are not needed.

Track your Vehicles and Heavy Equipment

The GPS-connected trackers are designed to pinpoint the precise location of the equipment.

So it’s 100% possible to know the right equipment to use at the right place to be. GPS tracking technology will tell when someone is taking advantage of your heavy equipment.

The tracking software can be loaded into an app installed on a mobile device and is accessible through cellular networks. You can easily find your heavy equipment using the tracking software or application, and you can set alerts when it is used illegally.

You can use GPS to track a larger asset management system.

The lack of a work crew is costly for any job site. Fleet tracking can be a powerful tool for analyzing and making more informed resource decisions about workforce management.

Real-Time Data About Equipment Location and Use

These GPS trackers are used to track construction equipment and provide real-time information.

This system enables construction companies to monitor equipment at any given moment and allows them to take a proactive approach to their tasks.

Construction equipment tracking does not only provide information about asset locations, but managers will be able to track engine hours and performance, travel time, and other parameters. It helps to keep your team accountable.

Optimal use of Assets

The misuse of heavy machine equipment and assets adds to the cost of the construction site.

Equipment trackers can assist with the efficient use of asset-tracking information. Tracking your trucks allows companies operating multiple jobs to quickly locate their gear and deliver it wherever they need it.

The Fleet manager may monitor engine idle times to minimize idle time. Geo-fencing may be useful to stop unauthorized access of business equipment.

Protect your Investment in Heavy Machinery

How do I get more detailed information about GPS systems?

Similar technologies are applied to track all sorts of machinery and equipment – from cranes, excavators, and backhoes to bulldozers and fleet dry and refrigerated trailers or other machinery such as farm equipment.

Heavy equipment tracking devices are installed in machinery so management can monitor the utilization of assets at all times.

Heavy equipment asset trackers offer a wide array of security tools and services to keep your vehicles protected. Your heavy equipment is an expensive investment so it is essential for the equipment to function properly.

Increase your Equipment Uptime

A failure is a problem that can cause missed deadlines, loss of income, and an unhappy customer experience.

Construction Equipment Telematics is able to track and monitor maintenance needs and helps schedule proactive services faster.

Monitor Mileage and Engine Hours

Some GPS tracking systems can even monitor the voltage of your heavy equipment battery charging system. This allows you to monitor the engine’s running hours.

In addition, tracking systems also give you mileage and distance reports so you can schedule maintenance on your equipment.

The Best GPS Tracking Devices for Construction Equipment Review:

LandAirSea-54 Asset Tracker  (Made in the USA)

This GPS tracker is waterproof and has a built-in magnetic base.

An optional power cable is available for a 12v connection.

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This tracker offers a magnet-mount that’s 100 percent waterproof as well as complete global coverage. It’s a real-time tracking device ( 4G LTE) that also offers geofencing, location reporting, and historical playback. The box includes your tracker, charging accessories, and an on/off pin.

The cheapest subscription plan (as of 12/31/21) is $19.95 per month (for 3-minute pings) unless you choose prepayment on either a 6 or 12- month plan. There are considerable savings offered with both plans.

Pros

• Compatible with Android, iPhone, and MAC devices as well as PCs;
• One of the best tracking systems on the market when it comes to versatility;
• Made of weatherproof materials, ultra-durable for standing up to tough weather conditions;
• Has LED lights that you can disable (via the app) so your device won’t give away the location;
• Includes a built-in high-powered magnet that makes it simple to install the device on your equipment;
• Includes a SIM card and there are no other accessories needed;

Cons

• Subscription is required;
• Apps do not show direction, or speed, only location

Yes, this GPS tracker is not only an easy-to-use tracking device but also provides the capability of customizing all of your settings so you’re receiving all of the important updates (like tracker movement notifications and proximity alerts via emails,  text messages, or even push notifications. With all of those amazing features, you’ll rest easy knowing that, if something happens to your equipment, you’ll have a much better chance of recovering it and its contents.

Features: 

• Offers reliable asset tracking on job sites.
• Offers an ultra-compact design with a built-in magnet that’s super-strong.
• 100% waterproof.
• Attaches easily to the equipment frame.
• Tracking and mapping in real-time with Google Maps on the SilverCloud App or web-based software.
• Provides both email and text alerts.

Technical Details:

Trak-4 GPS Tracking System for Assets, Construction Equipment (complete w/ 12v wiring harness)

This equipment tracking solution is weatherproof and offers not only good battery duration and a battery life of 18-months but also supports text messaging.

It’s about the size of your open hand.

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Its internal battery is high-capacity, which means that it continues operating even after disconnection from the 12-volt power system (or if your 12-volt power system happens to go dead).

In addition, the Trak-4 12V is capable of reporting for more than 12 months without charging it again. 

Pros

• You can use this device with your computer, tablet, or phone;
• You get unlimited cell data;
• No contract is required;
• No activation or cancellation fees;
• SIM card built-in;
• Only costs $6.99 a month (if prepaid annually) or $12.99 per month (paid monthly);

Cons

• Subscription required;
• Only works in the U.S.

For charging, all you have to do is connect the device to 12-volts on your equipment for continual trickle charging. And, it’s quite easy to use, too.  Anybody can sign in and start to use this device in just minutes.

Basically, it’s “just attach and go”. You can start getting texts or email alerts whenever your device and your equipment leave or enter a selected area. You can also receive alerts when your battery gets low. The device itself is weatherproof and made for both indoor/outdoor use with its sturdy commercial housing, while still remaining conveniently small.

Features: 

• You can choose between Elite or Battery-Saver reporting frequencies.
• Your Trak-4 checks in once a day even when your equipment isn’t moving.
• You can track multiple units using the same map with Expert Mapping.
• Map history includes animated trails for indicating your device’s direction of travel over time.
• Sharing your device location with business associates, family, and friends in real-time is easy with  Unlimited Sharing.
• Trak-4’s cell-trilateration gives you an approximate location (if there’s no GPS signal available like inside your garages).

Technical Details:

Spytec (GL300) with App and Real-Time Tracking 

This GPS equipment tracking device is one of the fastest and easiest to use. This is one of the most popular brands when it comes to these necessary and valuable tools, and you can see why.

Can be externally powered with a 12v to USB cable.

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It utilizes 4G satellite technology for receiving location alerts via its Android and iOS apps. With its easy-to-use software, you can watch your tracker as it’s moving on a map, and customizing the boundaries and alerts is simple as well and the same goes for seeing speed, past data, speed, distance, and more.

Pros

• Very easy to set up and track;
• Extremely reliable;
• Rechargeable battery lasts up to two weeks;
• The automatic low-battery alert helps you with planning ahead and tracking longer;

Cons

• Customer support is only available via online chat;
• Requires monthly subscription;

How about reliable service, you ask? This Spytec GPS Tracker also offers a 99.99 percent uptime as well as a .256 millisecond processing time. Simply put, the cloud-based technology used by this tracker is capable of giving you all of the data that you want, and exactly when you want it.

Size and versatility are also very important factors when choosing GPS trackers and this one is one inch thick and offers a two-week battery life. All you have to do is set/activate and then use this tracker to keep your equipment secure. And, the affordable subscription is another plus.

Spytec’s subscription prices start at $19.95 per month if paid annually or $24.95 per month if paid monthly. With your subscription, you get free 24/7 support plus a lifetime warranty on your GPS equipment tracking device.

Features:

• Get flexible measurements (either imperial or metric units).
• Use follow mode for watching your tracker moving across the map in real-time.
• Track your team, users,  and/or tiered permissions.
• Use group monitoring on the same account.
• Get help from the Help Center and Webinars to get up and track with no unanswered questions.
• Create custom boundaries.
• Get detailed tracking information.
• Receive customized alerts.
• Get changeable maps.
• View your tracking activity in light mode, dark mode, or satellite view.

Technical Details:

Spark Nano 7 GPS Tracker by Brickhouse Security  

With this GPS equipment tracking device from Brickhouse, you get fast 4G Coverage for traveling across the state and even the country lines without ever having to miss any important data. This is one of the most popular brands when it comes to these necessary and valuable tools, and you can see why.

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That’s because the amazing Spark Nano 7 is operating on the 4G networks across Canada, Mexico, and the US, which are lightning-fast with future-proof coverage.

Pros

• On standby, the battery lasts up to 15 days;
• While active, the battery lasts 8 days;
• You can track it on your cell phone with any provider;
• The magnet is quite strong;
• The tracker is both small and sleek;

Cons

• Only programmed for use in Canada, Mexico, and the US;
• Subscription required;

The Brickhouse Security subscriptions are affordable. They include three different plans for you to choose from. They are the annual plan, the quarterly plan, and the monthly plan. The most cost-efficient is, of course, the annual subscription plan at $17.99 per month ($215.88 per year). Next is the quarterly plan at $22.99 per month ($275.88 per year/$68.97 every three months). The highest price is for the monthly plan at $29.99 ($359.88 per year). However, there are no contracts required for any of the subscription plans and the company offers you the option of hassle-free cancellation at any time.

Features:

• Smallest GPS Tracker with coverage (4G) all over North America.
• Waterproof magnetic case.
• View your GPS equipment tracker’s location in real-time.
• No long-term contract is required.

Technical Details:

Tracki – 4G GPS Hidden Tracker/Locator

With this GPS tracker, you can get the whereabouts of your equipment in real-time via Android, iPhone, or on the Web app.

This one also has a larger battery option in addition to a 12v hardwire power cable.

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It features advanced 4G LTE Technology. These days, with 2G and 3G coverage gradually coming to an end, it’s now time to start upgrading to 4G LTE because it can provide better network coverage for ensuring a stable high-speed connection for tracking devices. 

Pros

• This 4G hidden magnetic GPS tracker has a strong magnet and high-gain GPS module;
• Activation only requires a simple email to the company’s support line;
• Comes with a Sim card already installed;
• Doesn’t require a clear view of the sky;
• Three working modes, including normal, intelligent, and power-saving;
• Various Smart Alerts range from a vibration alert to a geofence alert, low-battery alert, and more;

Cons

• Can be difficult to update the time;
• Some units would only display kilometers per hour and meters;

This hidden GPS tracker is capable of keeping a 180-day tracking history. It also features historical track playback and multi-smart alerts. In addition, it’s built to last from the heavy-duty materials used in manufacturing to the IP65 water-resistant housing. And, this tracking device also features an extended battery (10000mah) that can last as many as 20 days or more (on a full charge). 

With 30-second updates and three working modes for supporting efficient power saving, you have the option with this tracking device for modifying your settings according to your particular needs. And, this GPS tracker uses Google Maps for mapping and tracking. If you’re involved in fleet management, this device is convenient for keeping you advised of your equipment’s current locations in real-time. 

One of the more unusual (and always welcome) features of this tracker is the fact that it comes with one free year of subscription service included. And, renewal for the second year is only $69.00.  So, your company can easily afford a tracker for each and every piece of equipment and track their whereabouts via Android, iPhone, or Web app.

Features:

• SIM card included.
• Supports a 3G/4G network.
• Is an innovative GPS+LBS type of tracker/locator that’s well-designed for keeping assets safe.
• Delivers high-quality and very powerful software functions.
• IP65 waterproof.
• Provides a history playback, tamper alarm, geofence, and more.

Technical Details

Construction GPS Tracking Software & App

Each of these trackers comes with an app that allows you to track the location of your equipment.

Most also include a desktop app that makes it easier to monitor from the commercial dispatch centers and terminals.

They may also have an API that can tie the tracking data into your backend systems.

Cheaper Way to GPS Track your Construction Equipment

Trakkit GPS offers a WiFi-based tracking system that does not have monthly fees.

It can track mileage and even engine running hours if paired with the fleet power cable.

** Keep in mind, that other trackers may be asset locators, not true GPS trackers. They track only once per day, so they do not show you where your equipment traveled or how long it was at a certain location.

And the most important part is the monthly cost. The Trakkit GPS tracking data plans start at $0/mo depending on the type of tracking you need.

Long-term GPS tracking offers considerable savings for companies wanting to track their construction equipment.

See our article on the total yearly costs of owning a GPS tracker

Final Thoughts

It’s quite clear that construction equipment GPS tracking devices are a good option for adding safety and security to your already busy life. They can definitely help you with keeping track of your heavy equipment (or even fleet trailer tracking) as well as any contents involved if theft occurs.

Your tracker accomplishes this by allowing you to be constantly knowledgeable about its whereabouts at all times. No matter worrying constantly about your equipment when you’re up-to-date at all times regarding its whereabouts. Yes, many require a subscription but it’s minimal when you compare it to the cost you could incur if thieves target your heavy equipment or tools.

Hopefully, the above info about our choice of the five best construction equipment GPS tracking devices will be of some help to you in choosing the best device for your needs.