Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/946503
February 2018 | EquipmentWorld.com 62 machine matters | by Richard Ries Excavating with ease and speed Trimble Earthworks for Excavators lets operators of all skill levels work faster and more productively, and represents the industry's first integrated 3D aftermarket excavator automatics capability, according to Trimble. The company says the software, which runs on an Android operating system and on the new 10-inch TD520 touch- screen display, is easy to use. And data files can be trans- ferred to and from the office wirelessly and automatically so the operator always has the latest design. grade control attachments | by Don McLoud | DonMcLoud@randallreilly.com Grading in high gear The Leica iCON iGD4SP grading solution for dozers allows opera- tors to fine grade with the bulldozer in top gear. Equipped with six-way blades, it provides exact calculation of blade tilt and angle so operators can precisely move dirt from pass to pass. A dual antenna enables the dozer to be used for fine grading applications and final trim, similar to a motor grader, which means fewer machines needed onsite, the company says. The iCON grading solution also lets you expand the dozer's system as projects grow in scope and size. Check depths anywhere around excavator Ocala Instruments' ExcaVision used with the company's Ocala- ser automatic laser receiver can tackle most jobs, such as septic tanks, foundations and trenches, the company says. It is for use on bulldozers and augers on excavators. The Ocalaser wire- lessly transmits the position of the laser strike within the laser receiver range. The combination of the ExcaVision depth monitor with the Ocalaser allows you to get the laser reference with the boom, stick and bucket in any position and check depths anywhere around the excavator. Eliminating antenna, masts, cables Topcon Positioning Group's 3D-MCMAX dozer grading solutions use dual Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) to eliminate the need for a mast on the blade. That means no need to install and remove the antenna, cables and mast each day, which reduces downtime. The IMUs are designed to maximize speed and blade response. The system is also geared for rough or fine grade operations, slopes and in areas where sight would be restricted by traditional grade-control masts or where hanging cables on traditional grade control would create risks.