Construction Equipment Guide • Technology Section • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • January 19, 2022 • Page 61
Cat Command Remote-Control Operation Expanded to Excavator Line
Deeply integrated with the excavator’s electronics, Command controls allow users to experience the same machine response as if they were operating from inside the cab, allowing a high level of productivity to be maintained from a safe distance.
New Cat Command for Excavating provides remote-control operation for select Cat excavators. Removing the operator from the machine in potentially hazardous operating environments, Command for Excavating enhances safe machine operation, while reducing operator fatigue to increase productivity. Six Cat excavators spanning the 20 to 40 metric ton class sizes — Cat 320, 323, 326, 330, 336 and 340 models — can now be equipped with either line-of-sight or non-line-of-sight remote operating configurations. Cat excavators are made Commandready through a dealer-installed field kit for new or existing fleet machines. The kit features multiple cameras for non-line-of-site operation from the Command station that offer a view of the area surrounding the machine plus the ability to stream on-site video feeds. Alongside the cameras, indicator lights, microphone, wireless receiver and antenna are all mounted on top of the cab to minimize the risk of damage. Deeply integrated with the excavator’s electronics, Command controls allow users to experience the same machine response as if they were operating from inside the cab, allowing a high level of productivity to be maintained from a safe distance. Machine technology features such as Grade Assist, Swing Assist and E-Fence also can be set, activated and deactivated remotely without the need to be set manually from inside the cab. Excavators are efficiently switched between remote and
manual operation via a groundlevel switch. With users comfortably controlling dig, lift and tracking functions from a safe location, Command for Excavating enables production to restart immediately following disruptive processes, such as blasting in quarry applications. It also enhances safety and improves machine productivity on a range of projects like operating in unstable underfoot conditions, brownfields, shore work, demolition and site decommissioning, and stevedoring.
with virtually no response delay. Built-in safety features stop all excavator movements if the remote shutdown switch is pressed, wireless communication is lost, or the console is tilted more than 45 degrees from normal operating position. The new Command station provides non-line-of-site operation from the comfort of an airconditioned office on-site or many miles away, as distance is limited only by the capabilities of Six Cat excavators spanning the 20 to 40 metric ton the wireless network. Reducing class sizes — Cat 320, 323, 326, 330, 336 and 340 models downtime for shift changes or the — can now be equipped with either line-of-sight or non- need to travel to the jobsite, operline-of-sight remote operating configurations. ators can easily control up to five Flexible, Precise Control different machines at a single or Command for Excavating offers a different sites from one station. solution to workforce shortages by Eliminating fatigue-inducing vibraopening opportunities to those with tion of machine movements at the site, physical limitations that prevent them the customized Command station from climbing into the equipment, reflects the cab environment and posiattracting a new generation of worker tions users in a familiar, comfortable and increasing the longevity of experiseated position that simulates traditionenced operators. Removing the operaal machine control. Station design tor from the cab also offers training includes joystick and foot pedal conadvantages for newer operators. trols to operate all the company’s The Command system includes two Command-ready equipment. different remote operating options. Offering machine control from up to 437 yd. Universal screen mounts positioned in Ideal for temporary or emergency (400 m) away, the console controls all excava- front of the user provide easy view of remote operation with no on-site com- tor functions with virtually no response delay. the excavator’s camera displays, while munications infrastructure required, touchscreen monitors similar to the inthe Command console offers line-of-site able shoulder harness. Offering machine cab display offers machine control. machine control through a lightweight, control from up to 437 yd. (400 m) away, For more information, visit compact console, supported by a comfort- the console controls all excavator functions www.cat.com/commandforexcavating.
