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

  • Trimble’s latest advance in machine controls
    April 12, 2018
    Trimble is building on proven technology with its latest advances for the machine control segment - Mike Woof writes With new systems coming to market, Trimble is keen to retain its strong position in the machine control segment. The firm is now introducing advanced technology for the bulldozer segment, which utilises similar systems to the Earthworks package unveiled for excavators at the CONEXPO show in early 2017. Eric Crim is product manager for machine control systems in Trimble's heavy & highway
    Read More
  • Supergeo offers GIS training tool
    April 27, 2015
    Supergeo Technologies says that its latest packages offer effective training for both GIS users and non-GIS professionals, as well as new tools for sharing geospatial data. The training offering comes in the shape of free online courses with extensive learning materials. The firm says that it is a leader in the field with its state-of-the-art GIS technology and is able to assist personnel from various industries to address different tasks with spatial information. A comprehensive series of online course
    Read More
  • New excavators dig more efficiently
    March 18, 2016
    Increased performance and more durable construction are key features of new generation excavators – Mike Woof writes. All the major equipment manufacturers are introducing new hydraulic excavators to meet market demand. These machines are offering increased output at the same time as producing lower emission levels and burning less fuel than before. From Caterpillar for instance comes its new 330F, which features a maximum operating weight of 29.75tonnes and is powered by a 178kW Cat C7.1 ACERT diesel that
    Read More
  • Proelectric’s mobile solar lighting unit ProLight passes the test
    November 15, 2017
    UK solar lighting manufacturer Prolectric said that trials have been successful for its ProLight mobile solar-powered lighting for infrastructure and highways contractors. The ProLight lighting tower has been used in the UK on the A14 and Hinkley Point power generation site, the M1 Smart Motorway and for Scottish Southern Electric power supplier. ProLight comprises a specially-developed trailer-mounted unit with heavy-duty deep-cycle batteries, an array of four 330W solar panels, a 7.5m telescopic mast with
    Read More

Highlighted Content