EquipmentWorld.com | March 2016
57
Technology quarterly
|
by Tom Jackson
|
TJackson@randallreilly.com
A
utomated blade control using GPS/ GNSS
signals has been the most revolutionary
earthmoving technology of the last decade,
and now the technology is entering a sec-
ond phase of refi nement and improvement.
Case-in-point is Topcon's new 3D-MC Max dozer
machine control system. Rather than using a receiver
on a tall mast anchored to the blade, the Topcon sys-
tem uses two inertial measurement units (IMUs). These
IMUs are low-profi le boxes about 5 inches long and 2
inches thick; One mounts on the backside of the blade.
The other is mounted on the undercarriage frame. The
antennas for the GNSS signal are built into another
low-profi le box on top of the cab.
Topcon's new 3D-MC Max GPS/GNSS blade control
boosts speed, precision and accuracy – with no masts
The new mast-free system relies on several components, including: In-cab controller, Top-of-cab antennae,
GPS/GNSS receiver, and inertial measurement units.
