By Curt Bennink | GRADING/S ITE PREP
Machine Control Streamlines Earthmoving Operations
B
y now everyone is familiar with machine control technologies utilized in earthmoving applications. But as the costs continue to drop and the technology continues to advance, make sure you are not one of the contractors who gets left behind. “There are very few earthmoving applications that won’t benefit from machine control in one way, shape or form,” says Jeremy Dulak, product manager, Case Construction Equipment. “As acceptance and adoption is increasing, the contractors you are bidding against on a regular basis may already be using it to streamline their operations and make their bids more aggressive.” Before adopting any technology, you need to develop an understanding of what it can do for your operation. In the case of grade control, there are many competing technologies, ranging from indicate-only systems to full automation.
There are important differences between guidance and automation. “Many of these solutions are guidance or indicate-only solutions,” says Richie Snyder, marketing manager, CE Digital and Precision Solutions & Telematics, CNH Industrial. “This means that it is providing the operator with feedback on the screen that helps guide his or her actions. The solution still relies entirely on the input of the operator. It is simply letting them know where they are as it relates to their desired result and helps them dial in their work from there.” Many of the recent advancements are being made in automation. “The automatic solutions are where true machine control takes place,” says Snyder. “This is where the system actually takes over the hydraulics of the machine and the blade to automate that performance. This is particularly helpful when working in a 3D world and
trying to build complex grades and site profiles.” Automation helps level the playing field by elevating the performance of less experienced operators while also improving the performance of your best operators.
BUILDING BLOCK APPROACH MAKES TECH ACCESSIBLE Many systems will allow you to invest in lower cost 2D and use the components as building blocks as you move up to 3D. “It’s important to note that many of the components are the same for 2D; the foundational building blocks are already there,” says Snyder. “When you are ready, you can easily transition to 3D. “2D grading is machine control at its simplest form,” he continues. “Its tools work in two dimensions: plane and slope.” This is accomplished through basic technologies like lasers and sonic tracers. The capabilities expand as
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All photos courtesy Case Construction Equipment
Use machine control to increase productivity, slash operating costs, reduce labor and eliminate staking. you progress into more advanced systems. “3D is where things get really fun and it allows you to expand beyond working with just a slope or a plane,” says Snyder. “These machines can be indicate only, but reach the full potential of machine control when they are automatic. You do need to add some additional geospatial technologies to make it work, such as a GPS or a GNSS receiver or a universal total station. These systems still allow you to do plane and slope work, but really simplify those more complex curves and site plans.” You need to choose the correct technology for your worksite. “2D is great for those jobs that are consistent in nature and are often very simple,” says Nathanial Waldschmidt, product manager, Case Construction Equipment. “If you’re typically working on a single slope away from a fixed point of reference — which is often to ensure proper drainage — then a 2D system
Your choice for acquiring machine control technology depends on if you already own the grading equipment or if you are purchasing a new unit. Options include aftermarket, aftermarket at time of purchase or factory fit.
April 2022 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY
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