VIDEO: Thompson Tractor Holds Tech Demo in Hanceville, Ala.

Thompson Tractor's recent tech demo in Hanceville, Ala., showcased innovative Cat GCI Technology machinery like autonomous rollers and imaging-equipped buckets for detecting underground utilities during excavation. Attendees were impressed by the efficiency and ease of use of these cutting-edge technologies presented at the event.

Wed July 02, 2025 - Southeast Edition #14
CEG

In its series of technology demonstrations for 2025, Thompson Tractor held another Thompson Technology event on June 18, 2025, at its Hanceville, Ala., branch.

As with Thompson's previous events, this one also featured the core Cat GCI Technology machines such as track type tractors and excavators.

Each of these events showcase different technologies. New to this demo was Bluelight — an AI-powered supervised autonomous machine control system for rollers that was presented by SITECH South and a big hit with the attendees. Watching optimal compaction being achieved on site without an operator in the seat of a Cat CS12 compactor was quite an "eye opener" for many in attendance. Making repetitive operating of multiple machines by a single source piqued the interest of all attendees.

Another new product introduced at this event was RodRadar, a new bucket with built-in imaging technology for automatic real-time alerts and detection of underground utilities during excavation. Jamie Boothe of Dirt Sculpting based in Alabaster, Ala., demoed this technology and said, "It was a really straight-forward easy-to-use system and easy to learn, as well. I would definitely save time on shoveling and would be a big plus for showing all utilities in the ground when digging." CEG

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A new product at this event included RodRadar bucket technology, which provides alerts to prevent damage to underground utilities. Haim Bear (R) of RodRadar goes over the system with Jamie Boothe (in cab) of Dirt Sculpting, Alabaster, Ala. (CEG photo)

Thompson Tractor’s Clayton Walley, Cat certified dealer instructor (CDI), demonstrates the newest technology built into the Cat 980xe wheel loaders that allows him to drive into a dirt pile and automatically and effectively load the bucket without hand control. (CEG photo)

(L-R): Enjoying the day with their Cat customers are Thompson Tractor’s CFO, Beverly Virciglio; Vice President Charlie Stevens; and Mamie Marsh and her mom, CEO Lucy Thompson Marsh. (CEG photo)

(L-R): After some demo time and lunch, Thompson Tractor’s Jimmy Tew enjoys time to visit with customer-friends Marty Lash and Connie Hardin of Saiia Construction Company, Birmingham, Ala. (CEG photo)

(L-R): Mike Giles of M&R Dirtworks, West Point, Ala.; Sammy Schaffer of Hooper Enterprises, Dodge City, Ala.; Mike Doherty, also of M&R Dirtworks; and Thompson Tractor’s Alex Hapgood are in deep discussion about the Cat 265 compact track loader with the Cat GB124 grading blade with a Trimble system using 3D and sonic sensor technology. (CEG photo)

This group watches a Cat CS12 roller compact in a supervised autonomous demonstration of the new AI-powered Bluelight system. (CEG photo)

Thompson Tractor’s Jeff Smith discusses the Cat 815-mounted radio receiver of a Trimble compaction control system that indicates when an operator reaches optimal compaction. (CEG photo)

Discussing jobsite layout at the demo are Mike McWilliams (L) of McWilliams Builders, Hanceville, Ala., and Hunter Winslett of Earl Dudley LLC, Birmingham, Ala., using a Topcon CT8X2 field controller with pocket 3D. (CEG photo)

A Cat 323 excavator with Trimble 3D grade paired with a Cat 730 articulated truck with weight calibration provided attendees with an opportunity to test demo a highly efficient combo for earthmoving. (CEG photo)

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