Skip to main content

Grade control technology for compact machines

Caterpillar now offers Cat Grade technologies as an aftermarket option to owners of Cat next generation mini hydraulic excavators in the 6-10tonne class range. The systems are available through Cat and Sitech dealers and allow owners to equip machines with Cat Grade with Advanced 2D, or Cat Grade with 3D. The field kit’s modular components allow quick installation, while the technology integrates into the Cat excavator electronics infrastructure.
January 25, 2022 Read time: 2 mins
Caterpillar’s 6-10tonne machines can be fitted with Trimble machine control tools

Both aftermarket grade technologies share similar capabilities with larger Cat excavators operating Cat Grade with Advanced 2D or 3D systems. A separate, high-resolution touchscreen monitor allows operators to view, create and work site designs inside the cab. Automatics deliver simple, single-joystick control over the stick and bucket to maintain grade and avoid overcutting and undercutting.

Cat Grade with Advanced 2D uses onboard processors and sensors to deliver real-time bucket tip and elevation guidance on the touchscreen. This allows operators to create and work to basic site designs, while grade design edits can be made in the cab. Field installation of the technology includes the hardware, sensors and dedicated monitor for grade plan creation, editing and viewing.

Using GPS and GLONASS systems to pinpoint location, Cat Grade with 3D allows multiple machines to grade to complex jobsite designs. The monitor shows bucket position throughout the digging motion, while height and depth audio alerts indicate when desired grade has been reached to protect from overcutting or undercutting. Beyond the hardware and sensors, including monitor, required for Grade with Advanced 2D, installation of Grade with 3D also requires GNSS receivers and antennas.

Cat Grade technologies help operators reduce the number of passes and shortens the time it takes to complete cuts. Saving costs associated with time, labour, fuel and material consumption, Cat Grade technologies allow companies to reach target grade quickly and lower overall operating costs at the jobsite.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Movement monitoring
    February 6, 2012
    New software and hardware from Trimble provide movement monitoring capabilities for major structures New Trimble 4D control software offers users the chance to monitor movement of structures such as bridges and flyovers, using a combination of GNSS and optical technologies.
  • Trimble technology centre stage at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2014
    March 27, 2014
    The Trimble Quantm alignment planning system, on show at CONEXPO/CON-AGG 2014, allows road designers to cut planning time and deliver projects with little environmental and social impact at a reduced cost. The system analyses millions of alignment alternatives and returns a range of options to the planning team for consideration. When new data becomes available the Quantm system can quickly recalculate more alignment options.
  • No strings attached: a Wirtgen SP 15i in Mobile
    May 9, 2019
    A Wirtgen slipform paver SP 15i operated fully automatically to produce kerbs near Mobile, in the US state of Alabama, as the company explains. When a new residential area is developed, the individual contract work sections are often very detailed. Roads and paths have to be paved and access roads to the individual plots constructed. Various traffic areas are often separated by concrete structures such as kerbs. These kerbs can be either pre-cast parts or monolithic profiles produced right on the job sit
  • Trimble launches Site Positioning System Essentials Kit
    February 20, 2014
    Trimble has introduced a Site Positioning System designed for owner operators, small site contractors or construction companies new to GPS. The Trimble Site Positioning System Essentials Kit gives contractors proven Trimble quality and accuracy in an affordable and easy-to-use solution. The Essentials Kit is comprised of the new Trimble Site Mobile controller, Trimble SCS900 Site Controller Software and Trimble SPS985L GNSS Smart Antenna for a complete GPS positioning solution. Using GPS, a grade checker