ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS: AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS
CASE CONSTRUC TION EQUIPMENT
EXCAVATOR AUTOMATION Reaches NEXT LEVEL
Case Construction Equipment now offers OEM-fit 2D or 3D machine control technology on Case D Series excavators, simplifying the acquisition process.
Excavator automation technology reduces demands on operators and simplifies their ability to achieve desired results. By Curt Bennink
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any of the features on the most recent generation of excavators enable semi-automatic operation of critical functions. This increases operator efficiency and productivity. “Grade control is quickly moving into the construction industry like a hurricane,” said Adam Woods, Manager of Innovation and Technology Integration, LBX. “Link-Belt recognizes this and has developed an integrated grading solution powered by Trimble Earthworks, called Link-Belt Precision Grade. The system works in unison and is seamlessly integrated into our proprietary hydraulic system, which is called Spool Stroke Control. “Link-Belt Precision Grade was developed and launched for many purposes, but curbing the impending labor gap was one of them,” he continued. “With more of the seasoned operator
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force retiring, the industry will see an increase in a younger generation coming in to fill those positions.” With this comes a need to educate, train and learn. This is where the integrated grading solution comes into the picture. “Taking new operators and getting them to productivity levels of seasoned operators in a matter of hours and/or days, Link-Belt Precision Grade looks to cut the learning curve to get customers productive and efficient as soon as possible.” Automated features are a great tool for newer or less skilled operators. “It helps them maintain grade by aiding them once the bucket has reached grade and [allows them to] get the feel for it,” said Ryan Neal, Market Professional, Caterpillar Inc. “And for skilled operators, it is another tool in their belt. If they already understand reading the grade stakes and have a feel for
OEM Off-Highway | MARCH/APRIL 2022
depth and slope, this will only advance them in being more accurate for longer periods of time and help with operator mental fatigue.”
Automation aids accuracy
Standard Cat Grade with Assist automates boom, stick and bucket movements to deliver more accurate cuts with less effort. The operator simply sets the depth and slope into the monitor and activates single-lever digging. “We offer our Cat Grade with Assist on most of our lineup, from the 313 to the 352, as standard,” Neal said. “It enables the operator to maintain grade and keep the operator more accurate and less mentally fatigued from digging on grade all day. We have a standard 2D solution for those who want to maintain a specific depth, as well as a 3D solution from the factory or from a SITECH dealer. John Deere has simplified operation with SmartGrade technology. “We’ve equipped the 210G LC, 350G LC and 470G LC with SmartGrade to give operators at entry level of experience the ability to achieve grade quickly and confidently,” said Justin Steger, Solutions Marketing Manager, Site Development and Underground. “By controlling the boom and the bucket, this semiautomatic technology frees up the operator to concentrate on the arm function, resulting in fewer periodic grade checks every time. SmartGrade technology will make novice operators good and good operators great.” Komatsu’s intelligent Machine Control (iMC) excavator allows the operator to focus on moving material efficiently while semi-automatically tracing the target surface and limiting over excavation. “Starting with our PC210 LCi-11, we’ve launched iMC 2.0,” said Andrew Earing, Product Manager for Tracked Equipment. “With iMC 2.0, we’re going to be offering the bucket hold control as well as optional auto tilt bucket control, two primary features that are going to
