Trimble offers sophisticated machine control package for mills and slipformers

Trimble’s sophisticated PCS900 machine control system can now be used on milling machines and slipform pavers, as well as featuring additional functionalities. Jeroen Snoeck, global segment manager for Trimble Navigation, said, “It used to be just for asphalt pavers but now we’re adding two more machines, mills and slipform pavers.”
April 17, 2013 Read time: 2 mins
Trimble’s new PCS900 system offers additional control capabilities
2122 Trimble’s sophisticated PCS900 machine control system can now be used on milling machines and slipform pavers, as well as featuring additional functionalities.

Jeroen Snoeck, global segment manager for Trimble Navigation, said, “It used to be just for asphalt pavers but now we’re adding two more machines, mills and slipform pavers.”

Snoeck also explained that the system now features extra technology that will increase its accuracy. He said, “We’ve added a gyroscope.” This unit measures lateral movement in the three axis as well as rotational movements and provides accurate slope sensing capabilities.

For the wider concrete paving applications, for example, two gyroscope units can be fitted so as to provide accurate slope sensing from either side of the slipformer. Small and compact, the gyroscope is a tough and durable industrial unit that is also comparatively inexpensive.

Another of the additional features will help boost productivity and efficiency for contractors. Snoeck said, “The other new thing is it has a total universal station. Previously you had to change the channel when you moved from one total station to another. Now all the total stations communicate on the same radio channel and are connected.”

The advantage for long milling, asphalt paving or concrete slipforming projects is that the machine can be run continuously, without needing to reset the control unit. Snoeck said, “One contractor said he’ll save up to one-and-a-half hours/shift without needing to stop the machine for switching channels.” This feature will also help with continuity with regard to finish, a key issue with both asphalt and concrete paving operations.

The PCS900 unit is versatile and mobile and Snoeck said, “You can also move the equipment quickly from one machine to another. All the components fit into one case and you just need to move the mast and the receiver.”

Although Trimble’s rivals in the machine control market are well established in the concrete paving segment, the firm believes it can build its market share in the concrete paving sector and says that the PCS900 can work well with machines from both 218 Gomaco and Guntert & Zimmerman.

Stand: A3/327

www.trimble.com

View more videos
View more stories

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • New grade control system improves road surface
    July 16, 2012
    Trimble is offering a new version of its Trimble GCS900 grade control system designed for use with milling machines. The new package allows contractors using planers for road repairs to achieve material savings and increased road smoothness during the ensuing paving operation. By controlling the cutting depth of a milling machine accurately, a contractor is less likely to make an overcut in the areas being repaired and as a result, is less likely to require additional asphalt or concrete when paving the new
    Read More
  • Cat paving technologies lower operating costs
    January 6, 2017
    Caterpillar is incorporating a number of paving technologies into its compaction, cold planning and paving machinery in response to customer request for improved technology. This includes Cat Grade and Slope, standard on many Cat pavers and cold planers, which is engineered to help paving crews to precisely lay and mill material.
    Read More
  • Cat paving technologies lower operating costs
    April 17, 2013
    Caterpillar is incorporating a number of paving technologies into its compaction, cold planning and paving machinery in response to customer request for improved technology. This includes Cat Grade and Slope, standard on many Cat pavers and cold planers, which is engineered to help paving crews to precisely lay and mill material.
    Read More
  • Machine control technology shortens road contract
    May 28, 2013
    The use of sophisticated machine control technology has helped halve the schedule required for a road contract – Jeff Winke. By using the latest machine control systems on the equipment fleet, a US contractor has managed to halve worker hours, machine time and overall costs. “We chopped 50% off the contract schedule,” said Jim Swenson, licensed professional land surveyor for Oregon Mainline Paving based in McMinnville, Oregon. “The project was completed a year ahead of the two-year schedule,” he explained.
    Read More

Highlighted Content