Introducing Tenstar Simulators: A Smarter Way to Train Operators Before They Hit the Jobsite

Anyone who’s tried to hire or train operators lately knows the truth: machines and grade control technology are evolving faster than the workforce. You can spend big money on a dozer or excavator with full 3D machine control, but if the operator isn’t confident with the machine AND grade control technology, production and quality never reach thier potential. Most contractors feel that pain every week.

That’s exactly why we’re bringing a Tenstar Simulator into our booth at CONEXPO. Their platform gives operators a place to learn the machine, the technology, and operational decision-making—without burning fuel, without tying up iron, and without slowing your earthmoving project down.

The first time we tried Tenstar, it didn’t feel like a demo or just practice. It felt like we finally closed the loop between classroom training and real production.

Why Tenstar Changes the Training Curve

Traditional training still depends on perfect weather, available machines, and a patient foreman. Tenstar removes all of those dependencies. Operators step into a seat that reacts and moves like real equipment, in scenarios based on real jobsites, with integrated machine control guidance from Topcon, Trimble, or Leica.

What makes Tenstar's simulators stand out is how naturally they teach technology, not just machine operation. Operators learn to trust GPS, read what the model is communicating, make grading decisions, manage material and understand why the system behaves how it does in a wide range of grading situations.

That combination of machine feel + tech understanding is what closes the gap contractors have been fighting for years.

Here are the skills operators build inside the simulator:

• Running dozers, excavators, loaders, trucks, and more with realistic physics and motion.

• Reading digital plans and interpreting grade information

• Using GPS guidance for blade control and bucket position

• Making cut/fill decisions and verifying elevations

  
  

It’s the closest thing to real seat time you can get without touching dirt.

Why Contractors and Dealers Are Leaning Into Simulation

Talk to any superintendent, and they’ll tell you the same thing: new operators aren’t the problem, the learning curve is. The cost shows up as rework, downtime, or tech that never gets used.

Simulation flips that equation. Instead of learning during production, operators learn the fundamentals before they ever touch a real machine.

Contractors see immediate gains:

• Faster onboarding

• Safer operators

• Fewer early mistakes

• More confident operators using GPS on day one

• A training plan that works year-round, even in winter

  
  

Dealers see just as much value as contractors. With Tenstar, they can train customers on construction technology before delivery, demonstrate machine control without iron on-site, and even offer paid training programs that boost customer success and reduce avoidable warranty claims.

Simulation turns training into something predictable and progressive. Not something squeezed into whatever time is left at the end of the shift.

What You’ll Experience at Our CONEXPO Booth

We’re hosting a Tenstar Simulator with GPS machine control in our ConExpo 2026 booth so visitors like you can get a true hands-on feel for the system. You’ll be able to step into a machine, see and feel the jobsite and working scenario.  Even operate the machine control system just as you would in the cab of your machine. You'll immediately understand why this approach works and how to apply it in your operation.

You can run grading passes, test GPS workflows and techniques, or simply feel how the simulator responds to different materials and blade loads. Most people walk away surprised at how quickly it becomes natural and how quickly the technology “clicks.”

We’ll also walk through how contractors, dealers, and trade schools are using simulation technology to accelerate operator efficacy and technology adoption.  

Why We Chose Tenstar as Our CONEXPO Partner

We believe the future of construction belongs to owners and operators who understand both the iron and the information. Machines aren’t going back to the 80's. 3D models aren’t going away either. The industry has to get creative to train our workforce. Simulators are a key piece of the training puzzle.

Tenstar is one of the few platforms that makes that possible. They give crews a place to practice, fail, learn, and improve with zero consequences, before the real job depends on it. And they give dealers a way to show customers what construction technology can really do.

Stop by our booth at in the North Hall at CONEXPO 2026, take a seat, and put the simulator AND grade control technology through its paces. You’ll see in seconds why we’re excited about this partnership and why simulation is becoming one of the most valuable tools in the industry.

How to meet the Quantum Land Design Team at Conexpo 2026

With Conexpo 2026 just around the corner, it's time to get registered for the show and education sessions. You can use our ConExpo discount code for big savings at registration.

Once there, visit Quantum Land Design at Booth N-11127 in the North Hall.

Our team will be showcasing how autonomous GPS machine control, drone data and simulator technology can redefine how your jobs get done. You can always visit this blog post for the our latest updates or our CONEXPO exhibitor profile for more information about our booth.