Overview
PlanSwift Earthwork Pro v3 is a takeoff and estimating software designed specifically for earthwork, excavation, and construction professionals. The software aims to simplify the process of calculating quantities, estimating costs, and creating bids for earthwork projects.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
User Reviews
Based on various online reviews and ratings, here are some general impressions from users:
Conclusion
PlanSwift Earthwork Pro v3 is a powerful takeoff and estimating software designed for earthwork professionals. While it has some limitations, the software offers many benefits, including accurate takeoffs, time-saving features, and increased productivity. If you're in the earthwork or excavation business, PlanSwift Earthwork Pro v3 is definitely worth considering.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Recommendation: PlanSwift Earthwork Pro v3 is suitable for:
System Requirements:
Pricing:
PlanSwift Earthwork Pro V3 is a specialized plugin for the PlanSwift takeoff and estimating platform, designed specifically for earthwork contractors to calculate site grading, excavation, and fill volumes. Key Features of Earthwork Pro V3
The V3 update introduced significant improvements aimed at streamlining the complex calculations required for professional earthwork bids.
Spot Elevation Triangulation: This was the most requested upgrade from version 2.0. Users can now digitize existing or proposed spot elevations by simply clicking a point and entering the value. The software then automatically triangulates these points to calculate the average elevation and overall volume.
Dual Measurement Systems: Version 3 now includes both Standard (Imperial) and Metric templates in a single plugin. This allows users to work on international projects or local plans with different measurement standards without needing separate software versions.
Trenching and Piping Tools: The plugin includes dedicated templates for calculating trench excavation volumes, backfill requirements (by weight or volume), and pipe displacement. Users can input variables like trench depth, width, and bedding depth to get instant results.
Truck Import/Export Tracking: A new addition to V3 is the ability to calculate the cost and number of trucks needed for exporting "cut" material or importing "fill" yardage. The Earthwork Pro V3 Workflow
Using the plugin follows a structured process to ensure high accuracy in site grading estimates. PlanSwift - Using the EarthWork Pro v3 Plugin | Community
PDF pages must be converted to TIF images before you digitize contours or spot elevations. * Trench Tools. * Sectional Cut & Fill. ConstructConnect EarthWorkPro V3 - PlanSwift.com
PlanSwift Earthwork Pro V3 is a specialized add-on plugin designed to automate cut and fill calculations within the PlanSwift takeoff platform. It is primarily used by earthwork and site-grading contractors to generate accurate bids and quantity takeoffs from digital site plans. Key Features & Capabilities
Cut and Fill Analysis: Calculates the volume of dirt to be removed (cut) or added (fill) based on existing and proposed grade elevations. planswift earthwork pro v3
Spot Elevation Input: A major upgrade in V3, allowing users to input specific elevation points and triangulate them to build a 3D topographic model.
Trenching Tool: Quantifies excavation volumes, bedding, and backfill for pipes and utilities.
Visual Mapping: Generates a color-coded grid overlay on your plans—typically red for cut and blue for fill—to help visualize site grading.
Standard & Metric Support: Includes templates for both imperial (cubic yards) and metric (cubic meters) measurements. Typical Workflow
Import & Scale: Users import project plans (ideally as TIFF files) and perform a dual-axis scale (vertical and horizontal) to ensure 3D accuracy.
Digitize Elevations: Using provided templates, you trace existing and proposed contours or mark spot elevations directly on the plan.
Calculation & Triangulation: The plugin "triangulates" the data points to calculate average elevations across the site grid.
Reporting: Final quantities are sent to the PlanSwift Estimating Tab or exported to Excel to finalize the bid. Support and Resources
User Guide: Comprehensive documentation is available in the Earthwork Pro V3 User Guide.
Video Tutorials: Official walkthroughs can be found on the PlanSwift YouTube Channel, covering specific tasks like working with contours and spot elevations.
Knowledge Base: Technical setup and troubleshooting are hosted on the PlanSwift Product Knowledge Base. PlanSwift Earthwork Pro Overview PlanSwift Earthwork Pro v3 is a takeoff
The Contractor: Great Lakes Excavating (Michigan) The Project: 12-acre school athletic complex (football field, track, parking)
The Challenge: Using manual grid and scale methods, the estimator bid the project at 22,500 CY cut and 18,000 CY fill, requiring haul-off of 4,500 CY at $10/CY ($45,000 cost).
The v3 Solution: The PM re-ran the takeoff using PlanSwift Earthwork Pro v3.
The Result: The revised v3 takeoff showed 20,000 CY cut and 20,500 CY fill. By adjusting the fine grade, they achieved true balance.
Savings: $45,000 in haul-off costs + 120 truck trips avoided. The software paid for itself in 2 hours of use.
How does v3 compare to other heavy hitters like Agtek, Kubla Cubed, or Tally Systems?
| Feature | PlanSwift Earthwork Pro v3 | Agtek (Gradework) | Manual / Excel | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Learning Curve | Low (2 days) | High (2 weeks) | N/A (Expert needed) | | Price | Mid-range (Perpetual license) | High ($5k+) | Low (but slow) | | 2D PDF Import | Native, drag-and-drop | Clunky, requires conversion | Yes, but manual scaling | | 3D Visualization | Basic but functional | Advanced photorealistic | None | | Speed (10-acre site) | 30 min | 45 min | 4+ hours | | Machine Control Export | Yes (DXF) | Yes (Proprietary) | No |
Verdict: For mid-sized contractors (annual revenue $2M–$20M) who need speed without a steep learning curve, PlanSwift Earthwork Pro v3 is the winner. Agtek remains superior for massive highway projects, while v3 dominates residential site development and commercial pads.
New to PlanSwift Earthwork Pro v3? Don’t go alone. Utilize these resources:
Pro Tip: Hire a freelance PlanSwift trainer for a 4-hour remote session ($200–$300). They will customize v3 to your specific material library and templates, saving you hundreds of hours over a year.
Hand-calculating slope volumes (e.g., a 20-foot cut at 2:1 slope) is a nightmare of trigonometry. In v3, you simply click the top of the slope, enter the ratio, and the software extrudes the volume along your polyline. It automatically accounts for benching for safety or equipment access. Hand-calculating slope volumes (e.g.