Trimble is launching new machine control technology

Trimble is introducing a range of new technology options for customers that will boost working efficiency across a range of duties. The firm has also scored a major deal with one of China’s largest equipment manufacturers, XCMG.
November 9, 2016 Read time: 4 mins

2122 Trimble is introducing a range of new technology options for customers that will boost working efficiency across a range of duties. The firm has also scored a major deal with one of China’s largest equipment manufacturers, 2490 XCMG.

One of the most notable new products is a system for use in dynamic compaction applications. This has been developed for use on the Beijing New Airport project, in partnership with the Chinese authorities, but is now being offered commercially.

The Trimble DPS900 Machine Control System for Dynamic Compaction provides precise positioning and allows full data recording for dynamic compaction operations. This data can be integrated with design models to deliver a comprehensive report in real time of the compaction process.

The DPS900 Machine Control System for Dynamic Compaction is said to boost worker safety by eliminating the need for surveyors to work close to large machines.

The number of drops/location and the depth of the hole can be automatically recorded using the DPS900 system, reducing errors. In addition, the DPS900 system cuts the time to setup for each drop location, increasing production and reducing costs.

Trimble’s HCE office software is used to generate plans in the office and allows for integration with data prep, estimating and reporting functions. Dynamic compaction cranes can be connected to the office using Trimble Connected Site solutions for wireless data transfer and GNSS corrections. In addition, machines can be tracked and monitored using VisionLink for location, hours and utilisation information.

Another key development is that the firm’s GCS900 Grade Control System is available with xFill technology, which can sustain Real Time Kinematic (RTK) positions during correction outages. The system uses Trimble RTX technology, delivered via satellite, to fill in for RTK corrections in the event of temporary radio or Internet connection outages. As a result, contractors can experience fewer interruptions and less machine downtime.

The Trimble xFill technology will continue to extend RTK fixed positions with a gradual decrease in accuracy for a period of up to 5 minutes in construction applications. The technology provides seamless transitions between RTK and xFill. It functions by using the last known RTK position in conjunction with satellite-delivered RTX technology to sustain high-accuracy positions. The service is available throughout most of the world, in areas where Trimble RTX-based services are delivered via satellite.

Meanwhile the deal between Trimble and XCMG’s excavator division will see the machine control solutions being fitted into the excavators. Integrating the Trimble machine control systems will allow XCMG’s excavator customers to utilise the Connected Site Solutions such as 3D constructible models and as-built data.

Following the deal XCMG will fit certain excavator models with factory-ready connections that will allow fast installation of the GCS900 Grade Control components. The simplified installation process eliminates the need for drilling, welding, re-painting or disassembly when installing a 2D or 3D machine control solution, reducing downtime.

The system uses GNSS, GPS, laser, sonic or total station technology to position the bucket accurately in real-time, improving productivity and efficiency.  The package makes design surfaces, grades and alignments accessible to the operator on a display inside the cab.

In addition 705 Engcon announced that the GCS900 Grade Control System can now be used with its tiltrotator excavator attachments. Trimble machine control offers excavator operators using an Engcon tiltrotator precision guidance, which can result in time and fuel savings for contractors.

Using the system allows operators to have accurate guidance over the tilt and rotation position of the bucket so that excavation work can be carried out to the design faster and more productively. The operator can see the height and the rotation, so the attachment can be more efficient when used for mass excavation, fine grading and working in confined areas.

Other innovations will help boost utility works and deliver machine control technology to the rental market. The Trimble GCS900 Grade Control System can now be installed on many skid steer loader grading attachments from a variety of manufacturers. The installation includes integration to the machine’s joystick controls, so contractors can take advantage of the technology to increase productivity and accuracy.

And there is also a SketchUp Pro package for layout and visualisation, suiting use with utility contractors who do not have a software specialist on staff. Now, SketchUp files can be exported to Trimble SCS900 Site Controller Software using the new Trimble Site Contractor extension for use in site positioning applications.

Meanwhile the EZ Level and BaseAnywhere packages offer additional capabilities. The EZ Level system replaces traditional laser transmitters with GNSS or total stations for easy elevation checking when no design is available. Meanwhile BaseAnywhere allows contractors to quickly set up their Trimble SPS585 GNSS Smart Antenna as a base station anywhere on the site, with no survey control necessary, making it much simpler and faster for a non-surveyor to use GNSS. In addition, corrections can now be streamed to the SPS585 using BaseAnywhere and Wi-Fi. No radio is needed, so smaller contractors have a very affordable way to receive GNSS corrections on site.

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