Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/726012
A la mode Excavators have multiple modes, multiple names for those modes, and those modes provide varying de- grees of control by the operator. Some modes refer to the performance of the machine, such as Power and Eco. Other modes refer to the task at hand, such as Dig and Lift. Some are more descriptive, such as Boom Economy Control in the Case Intelligent Hydraulic System, which cuts engine speed during boom down and swing grav- ity functions. Others simply use letters or numbers – "A" and "H" for example – and rely on the operator to know which mode delivers the right performance characteristics for the work being done. Then, there are modes for attachments. Some excava- tors can be programmed for up to 20 attachments, with each programmed setting named by the operator. In some modes, the operator cannot change any settings. In others, such as the programming of attachments, the operator has a somewhat free hand to set engine speed, as well as hydraulic flow and pressure. Accessing modes and other machine controls is not at all standardized. Some OEMs still use traditional switches. Others make options accessible through the in-cab monitor. Still others have adopted haptic con- trollers from the automotive world. Haptics is the term for tactile feedback; a pivotal part of the discussion as OEMs move from pilot control valves to electrohydraulic controls. A haptic control- ler is typically one with a knob that turns to select options on a monitor or other display; the operator then presses the controller to click on (or select) the highlighted item. There are currently questions as to whether haptic controls give the same feel and feed- EquipmentWorld.com | September 2016 23 Excavators from 19- to 50-metric tons are brimming with technology, from electronic controls to hyper-adjustable seating. But, questions still abound about how this technology benefits the contractor, and especially how contractors can learn to get the most from these features. The Doosan DX225LC-5 has four works modes and four power modes. Power modes can be run with or without Smart Power Control (SPC), which improves efficiency and perfor- mance. SPC is available only in Digging work mode.