Leading quarrying and construction software solution companies have unveiled their latest platforms for excavators and dozers. Guy Woodford reports. Trimble is transforming quarrying and construction machine control with Trimble Earthworks - the first integrated 3D aftermarket excavator automatics capability. Additionally, a new dozer configuration moves the receivers from the blade to the roof of the cab. Reengineered from the ground up, Trimble’s innovative, next generation grade control platform featu
Leading quarrying and construction software solution companies have unveiled their latest platforms for excavators and dozers. Guy Woodford reports.
Trimble is transforming quarrying and construction machine control with Trimble Earthworks – the first integrated 3D aftermarket excavator automatics capability. Additionally, a new dozer configuration moves the receivers from the blade to the roof of the cab. Reengineered from the ground up, Trimble’s innovative, next generation grade control platform features intuitive, easy-to-learn software that runs on an Android operating system. State-of-the-art software and hardware gives operators of all skill levels the ability to work faster and more productively than ever before.
“Trimble pioneered machine control,” said Scott Crozier, director of marketing for Trimble Civil Engineering and Construction. “Now, Trimble Earthworks takes machine control to the next level, with a platform that reinvents machine control technology, making it easy to use and learn, and more accessible for many different types of contractors.”
Live demonstrations of Trimble Earthworks for Excavators and Trimble Earthworks for Dozers were showcased at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2017 in Las Vegas, USA, one of the world’s largest international exhibitions for the construction, quarrying and mining industries.
The Trimble Earthworks grade control application is built on the Android operating system, and runs on the new 25.7cm Trimble TD520 touch-screen display. The Earthworks application was developed based on feedback from construction equipment operators around the world, resulting in an interface optimised for productivity. Colourful graphics, natural interactions and gestures, and self-discovery features make the software intuitive and easy to learn. Each operator can personalise the interface to match their workflow and a variety of configurable views make it easier to see the right perspective for maximum productivity.
Furthermore, Earthworks allows data files to be transferred to or from the office wirelessly and automatically so that the operator is always using the latest design. Using the Android operating system, users can download other applications that provide the operator with additional useful tools inside the cab. To make the system even more flexible, contractors can use the Trimble TD520 display or a third-party Android device.
With Trimble Earthworks, contractors can now take advantage of the first integrated 3D aftermarket grade control automatics for excavators, allowing operators to create smooth, flat or sloped surfaces more easily. When the excavator is placed in Autos mode, the operator controls the stick, and Trimble Earthworks controls the boom and bucket to stay on grade, reduce overcut and increase production. By automating excavator operation, Trimble Earthworks allows operators to achieve grade consistently, with high accuracy and in less time.
Trimble Earthworks for Dozers mounts dual GNSS receivers on top of the cab to eliminate masts and cables traditionally located on the blade. The dual GNSS receivers are ideal for steep slope work and complex designs with tight tolerances. The new configuration keeps valuable receivers safer and can also save contractors time by reducing the time needed to remove and reinstall them each day.
Leica Geosystems says its Leica Ready machine control kits will now be offered on dozers from Shantui, a leading Chinese manufacturer of construction machinery.
Leica Ready enables swift and fast installation of Leica Geosystems’ Machine Control systems, such as Leica iCON iGD4SP Dual GNSS and iGD3 single GNSS for bulldozers. The Leica Ready kits for bulldozers come complete for all Leica iCON bulldozer solutions, providing easier and more aesthetic installation regardless of the level of functionality required.
“Offering such built-in and integrated solutions on Shantui dozers is a great step forward in providing advanced Leica Geosystems technology to Shantui customers,” said Johan Arnberg, president of the Leica Geosystems Machine Control Division. “We are proud to work with Shantui, and the Leica Ready option for Shantui dozers further reinforces our commitment to serve original equipment manufacturers and their customers with innovative technology solutions.”
