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

  • Bentley advances construction software technology
    December 19, 2016
    Design and construction software specialist Bentley Systems is strengthening its position in the market with the introduction of new software advances as well as a series of strategic business moves. This allows the company to offer new solutions and technologies to its client base, as well as reaching out to new business segments The firm is introducing an array of powerful tools to the market. A key launch is for the OpenRoads Designer CONNECT Edition, which is the successor to Bentley’s well-proven an
    Read More
  • Engine innovations unveiled
    August 24, 2023
    The recent CONEXPO-CON/Agg exhibition in Las Vegas saw major engine firms unveiling innovative new technologies
    Read More
  • Cat’s new backhoes
    April 11, 2013
    The new Cat 434F backhoe loader is solely mechanically controlled, while its fellow new backhoe model, the Cat 444F, is equipped with pilot joystick controls and can be fitted with either a 4.27m or a 4.87m backhoe. The upgraded machines are part of Caterpillar’s development of its equal-sized tyre (EST) machine range in line with the rest of the F Series product family. In the European Union (EU), the Cat F Series backhoe loaders feature the EU Stage IIIA emissions standard Cat 4.4 engine. These are said
    Read More
  • Weigh-in-motion key to maximising road life
    February 24, 2012
    The market and technology for weigh-in-motion systems continues to evolve – Mike Woof writes. for both mature and developing highway infrastructure networks, traffic densities play an important role in determining road wear and life. Monitoring traffic volumes and individual vehicle weight is crucial for ensuring roads can cope in the long term and that maintenance can be planned, while the problem of overloading can be eliminated.
    Read More

Highlighted Content