Caterpillar develops advances telematics technology to track machine performance

Caterpillar is launching new Cat Connect hardware and software to enable equipment managers to connect all of their assets—from the largest earthmover to the smallest generator, and including both light and heavy-duty trucks and utility vehicles. New Cat Product Link technologies connect any brand and type of equipment, powered or non-powered, and all report through a single system, VisionLink. The new technologies are said to offer multiple communications channels—cellular, satellite and Bluetooth—to b
February 24, 2017 Read time: 2 mins
Caterpillar’s new telematics technology allows for effective fleet management
178 Caterpillar is launching new Cat Connect hardware and software to enable equipment managers to connect all of their assets—from the largest earthmover to the smallest generator, and including both light and heavy-duty trucks and utility vehicles.

New Cat Product Link technologies connect any brand and type of equipment, powered or non-powered, and all report through a single system, VisionLink. The new technologies are said to offer multiple communications channels—cellular, satellite and Bluetooth—to best match the type of asset and the needs of the user. And the systems are designed for easy installation using plug-and-play technology and apps for mobile devices. Battery backup for machine-powered devices and long-life batteries for units on non-powered assets help ensure reliable operation.

The new Product Link device for monitoring production machines has scalable features that enable increasing data collected as needed—from machine hours and location through machine health parameters and production numbers. In contrast, a new tracking device for non-powered assets, such as attachments and trailers, reports location only. The innovative device uses Bluetooth technology to connect with VisionLink, which enables managers to monitor equipment remotely using their smart phones, tablets and desktop computers.

The new truck monitoring hardware is designed for retrofitting all brands of light and heavy-duty trucks, including pickup trucks, service trucks and materials haulers. Using cellular technology, the system can provide information to enhance driver safety and to assist both production and maintenance managers.

Regardless of the industry served, types and brands of assets, and size of fleet, Caterpillar says it has technology to inform decisions and help drive business success.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • New generation asphalt plants coming to market
    April 21, 2016
    New generation asphalt plants offer key benefits such as being more versatile, more mobile and able to cope with greater quantities of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) - Mike Woof writes Several asphalt plant manufacturers are introducing new technologies for 2016. Key developments focus on issues such as the use of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) and plant mobility, as well as improved mix control. Output quality has been improved by the latest technology, which can allow for much higher quantities of RA
    Read More
  • Caterpillar’s New D Series Mini Excavators
    February 18, 2013
    Caterpillar’s new D Series Mini Hydraulic Excavators – 301.7D, 302.2D and 302.4D – are described as powerful, versatile machines that work comfortably in confined spaces. With model configurations closely reflecting their 1.6 to 2.5tonne operating weights, the new machines are said to feature powerful hydraulics, a spacious operator environment and excellent service access. Compact in size, the 301.7D, 302.2D and 302.4D can be easily transported on a trailer, or in a pick-up truck. The 301.7D can be specifi
    Read More
  • Wider range of survey software functionality
    February 9, 2012
    Leica Geosystems is offering a broad spread of new packages and hardware that will deliver improved performance to users. The firmware 2.0 product is said to add powerful new capabilities to the Leica ScanStation C10, the industry's most popular 3D laser scanner for as-built and topographic surveys. This further increases the productivity and versatility of the fully integrated, cable-less ScanStation C10. A new Setup facility lets users take advantage of known survey points and backsighting, while remote,
    Read More
  • Firmly in control with communications
    May 6, 2020
    An important step has been made with regard to improving data communications between construction machines
    Read More

Highlighted Content