As more contractors adopt automated equipment systems to improve grading accuracy, CHC Navigation (CHCNAV) has taken a step to expand its machine control presence across the United States.
The company recently entered a nationwide partnership with Benchmark Tool & Supply, a North Carolina–based distributor that will now provide sales, installation, training and technical support for CHCNAV's excavator, grader and dozer solutions.
The agreement, finalized in October 2025, gives CHCNAV broader reach in the U.S. construction market while adding a new set of machine control offerings to Benchmark Tool & Supply's established portfolio of field technology. The partnership will make CHCNAV systems more accessible to contractors who are modernizing earthmoving operations or looking for alternatives to traditional grade-checking methods.
Founded in 2003, CHCNAV develops high-precision navigation, positioning and mapping technologies used across construction, geospatial, agriculture, marine and autonomous applications. The company supports customers in more than 140 countries through a global network of regional offices and distributors and continues to invest in proprietary software, algorithms and core hardware aimed at improving accuracy and long-term system performance.
CHCNAV's machine control lineup includes systems for excavators, dozers and graders. For smaller contractors or fast-moving utility crews, one of the most notable options is the EasyNav EMG100, a compact excavator guidance system that installs and calibrates in under two hours and allows operators to design and adjust work directly on the machine without a surveyor. The system supports all major GNSS constellations and enables operators to design and adjust work directly on the machine. Designed for broad machine compatibility, the EMG100 supports a wide range of excavator configurations, including swing booms, triple booms, tilt buckets and multiple bucket types, allowing contractors to standardize across fleets.
For more demanding production work, CHCNAV offers the MCNav TX73 for excavators. The system supports automated digging functions, over-the-air software updates and more advanced production workflows, while allowing operators to customize screen layouts and shortcuts to match jobsite preferences. Live 3D design updates enable crews to adjust designs and see changes immediately, and a high-speed data chain is designed to keep machine guidance responsive. Designs can be sent directly to the machine with minimal setup, reducing downtime between revisions. One of the key benefits of the TX73 is improved safety: by providing operators with more accurate visual guidance, the system reduces the need for crew members to stand in active trench areas.
The grader-focused TG63 and the dozer-focused TD63 Pro round out CHCNAV's earthmoving portfolio. Both rely on dual GNSS receivers and IMU sensors to deliver automated blade control and precise 3D positioning. The systems are compatible with a wide range of machine models, giving contractors flexibility when upgrading mixed fleets. Installation times are designed to be relatively short — under five hours for most graders — allowing machines to return to production quickly.
For Benchmark Tool & Supply, the addition of CHCNAV solutions aligns with its long-standing focus on jobsite technology. The company began operations in 2004 and has since grown into a regional leader in surveying instruments, GPS systems, software, lasers, drones and construction equipment support. With more than 50 years of combined staff experience, Benchmark has developed a reputation for hands-on service and field integration.
"Today marks a milestone for Benchmark Tool & Supply as we expand our technological capability and national reach," said Chuck Harris, CTO of Benchmark Tool & Supply.
He added that the company frequently works with contractors transitioning to digital systems and expects demand for machine control to continue increasing.
CHCNAV leadership highlighted the role of experienced dealers in supporting machine control adoption.
"Benchmark's understanding of the U.S. engineering, surveying, agriculture, construction and heavy equipment market aligns with our mission to deliver precision positioning solutions," said George Zhao, CEO of CHCNAV.
The partnership will give contractors additional choices in an increasingly competitive machine control landscape. With Benchmark Tool & Supply handling installation and field training, the companies aim to deliver systems that can be deployed quickly and integrated into existing operations.
