Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/1504191
I DA U N I V E R S A L Au g u s t - S e p te m b e r 2 0 2 3 39 for routine maintenance or critical issues that need to be addressed as soon as possible. Utilizing GPS, in order to know exactly where each of their excavators are operating, JCB LiveLink allows operators to establish operating areas so that they're alerted whenever their excavators leave their work areas. And they can receive immediate notifi cations if their excavators are ever turned on outside of the working hours they've determined. "Every JCB excavator is also stamped with numerous serial numbers to assist law enforce- ment with recovery if they're ever lost or stolen," Marin said. On the other hand, CASE Construction Equipment's excava- tors enable operators to lock and store codes to prevent unauthor- ized usage, while CASE SiteWatch telematics can be used to enhance the security of operators' excavators, as well. To do so, the telematics set alerts for engine starts during off hours, and they can track excavators' locations if operators believe they're being used at unauthorized times or by unauthorized individuals. Likewise, John Deere Construction & Forestry excavator users can utilize JD telematics to connect their excavators to an Operations Center account, resulting in a convenient, remote view of their excavators' locations. "Operators will also receive utilization data, along with alerts, which help them maximize each of their excavator's effi ciency and productivity," Steger explained. At the same time, Volvo CE enables its operators to enter a code through a keypad that's available on each excavator. By entering this code, operators can start their excavators, ensure they can't be moved and, in turn, reduce the risk of theft. Every code can be changed whenever operators need a new one too, via the manufacturer's machine management system. In addition, the manufacturer offers an integrated engine lock, which further reduces theft risks through several triggers, including machine movement and tamper detection, along with time and geofencing functionalities. Consequently, operators can immobilize and track their excavators remotely. Email or text alerts are also submitted to operators whenever preset triggers have been activated. Upon receiving these alerts, excavators can then be shut off, leading to its immobi- lization. "Each excavator can be easily immobilized or remobilized through the CareTrack web portal or by using the excavator itself," Ko said. "A back-up battery is integrated in our anti-theft hardware too, which ensures active tracking is possible even if the main power is cut or the ignition is off." THE POSITIVE INFLUENCE OF RECENT EXCAVATORS So far, 50Z-1 Compact Excavator and 245XR opera- tors have noticed savings, with regard to their fuel consumption. Just as importantly, they've also diminished their downtime and increased their productivity on a short- and long-term basis. "Additionally, due to JCB's wide range of excavator sizes, aside from the 50Z-1 Compact Excavator and the 245XR, operators now have the confi dence they need to ensure they'll have the correct excavator for whichever job they have to complete," Marin stated. On the market since July 2022, CASE Construction Equip- ment's E Series excavators are becoming increasingly popular, as a result of their comfortability, ease of operation and perfor- mance. "The level of calmness that's often associated with the support of CASE ProCare must not be overlooked either," Butzke stressed. Similarly, operators have shared feedback about Deere's P-Tier excava- tors. In partic- ular, they've been pleased with the excavators' monitors, which are effortless to navigate, and heated and cooled seats, each of which weren't provided with the manufacturer's G-Series excavators. "By adding grade control technology to more models, John Deere is also enabling opera- tors to experience the value and effi ciency of getting to grade faster and more accurately, while eliminating costly rework, as well," Steger said. The impact of Volvo CE's EC500, meanwhile, has yet to be fully seen. The manufacturer anticipates that many operators will utilize it as a tool carrier, in addition to usual excavator functions. And since its platform uses the latest technology, which can be set up in different ways, depending on each operator's jobs and particular needs, the excavator offers users higher productivity and fuel effi ciency than previously released excavators, too. ● www.forconstructionpros.com 6/23 Reach continued from page 37