7 Best GPS Trackers for Construction Equipment
Managing construction equipment across multiple job sites can be challenging, but GPS tracking and telematics make the task far easier. With the right system, you'll know exactly where your equipment is, how it's being used, and when it requires maintenance.
Here's a breakdown of the seven best GPS tracking solutions for construction equipment:
1. Hapn: Best for Flexibility and Real-Time Tracking
Hapn combines ease-of-use, powerful hardware, and real-time tracking capabilities tailored specifically for the construction industry.
- Hardware: Offers both rugged battery-powered trackers ideal for attachments and non-powered equipment, and robust hardwired telematics units for powered machinery. Hapn’s small GPS units for attachment tracking provide long battery life and eliminate BLE’s need for proximity to transmitters.
- Integrations: Seamlessly integrates telematics data from major equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like CAT, John Deere, and Volvo, ensuring comprehensive fleet visibility.
- Strengths: Real-time tracking, customizable alerts, geofencing, comprehensive maintenance tracking, and intuitive mobile and web interfaces.
Ideal for: Contractors looking for scalable, reliable, and easy-to-use solutions with excellent customer support and real-time visibility.
2. Samsara: Best for Mixed Fleets and Integration
Samsara provides a highly intuitive and feature-rich telematics solution well-suited to construction companies with diverse equipment and vehicle fleets.
- Hardware: Robust hardwired and plug-and-play options for vehicles and battery trackers for unpowered assets.
- Integrations: Strong native integrations with OEM platforms and construction software like Procore.
- Strengths: Excellent user interface, advanced analytics, and strong focus on fleet management and safety.
Ideal for: Construction businesses managing significant mixed vehicle and equipment operations and needing detailed integrations.
3. Trackunit: Best for Comprehensive Construction Data
Trackunit specializes exclusively in construction equipment, providing in-depth telematics and maintenance insights.
- Hardware: Includes wired telematics units, battery-powered asset trackers, and BLE tags for smaller attachments.
- Integrations: Supports over 100 OEM telematics integrations, ideal for large mixed fleets.
- Strengths: Deep CAN-bus data extraction, predictive maintenance tools, and operator-centric mobile apps.
Ideal for: Large contractors and equipment rental companies that need detailed telematics and proactive downtime prevention.
4. Tenna: Best All-in-One Construction Management
Tenna offers a unified platform designed by contractors, combining robust asset tracking with project management integrations.
- Hardware: Wide range including GPS trackers, BLE tags, and QR codes for tools.
- Integrations: Direct integrations with Procore and Autodesk Construction Cloud, plus OEM telematics.
- Strengths: Extensive features covering equipment management, maintenance scheduling, and tool tracking.
Ideal for: Companies aiming to streamline all asset management tasks, from large equipment to hand tools, on one platform.
5. Motive: Best for Combined Vehicle and Equipment Management
Motive provides AI-driven telematics ideal for construction companies with significant vehicle and heavy equipment fleets.
- Hardware: Offers rugged gateways for powered equipment and battery-powered trackers for assets.
- Integrations: OEM telematics via AEMP 2.0 standards.
- Strengths: Smart AI dashcams, robust mobile apps, and advanced engine and fuel analytics.
Ideal for: Contractors with extensive trucking operations alongside heavy equipment fleets.
6. Verizon Connect: Best for Reliability and Extensive Network Coverage
As part of Verizon, this solution leverages extensive cellular coverage and offers a straightforward tracking solution.
- Hardware: Variety of tracking units, including hardwired devices and battery-operated asset trackers.
- Integrations: Limited; primarily a standalone fleet management solution.
- Strengths: Good reliability, broad cellular network coverage, and extensive fleet management tools.
Ideal for: Construction businesses prioritizing reliability and network coverage, with moderate tracking needs.
7. Geoforce: Best for Remote and Rugged Environments
Geoforce specializes in rugged GPS and satellite tracking suitable for extreme or remote construction environments.
- Hardware: Extremely rugged battery-powered and satellite trackers designed for harsh environments.
- Integrations: Minimal, primarily standalone.
- Strengths: Global satellite coverage, highly durable trackers, simple and straightforward platform.
Ideal for: Construction companies operating in remote or rugged locations needing reliable basic tracking without extensive telematics features.
Attachment Tracking: BLE vs. GPS
- BLE Tags: Low-cost, long battery life, suitable for proximity tracking but require nearby gateways or mobile devices.
- GPS Units (like Hapn's trackers): Provide precise, independent real-time location data without needing proximity to gateways, ideal for high-value attachments.
Choosing the Right Solution
When selecting a GPS tracking solution, consider:
- Your primary tracking goals: theft prevention, utilization analysis, or maintenance automation.
- Your asset types: powered vs. unpowered equipment, and attachments.
- Desired integrations: with OEM systems or construction management software.
- Fleet size and scalability requirements.
Hapn offers an exceptional balance of affordability, reliability, and scalability, tailored specifically to the construction industry's unique needs, making it a standout option for businesses aiming for growth and operational excellence.
