Machine safety systems from GKD

UK-based firm GKD Technologies has developed a new range of electronic sensor technology and software for use as safety warning devices to protect people, machines and equipment in construction and earthmoving machines. The latest unit is the upgraded GKD 2RCi rated capacity load indicator, which is designed to be retrofitted onto hydraulic excavators. The indicator is said to boost safety during lifting operations. All lifting equipment and excavators have a specified safe working load, stated by the man
May 30, 2018 Read time: 2 mins
UK-based firm 8740 GKD Technologies has developed a new range of electronic sensor technology and software for use as safety warning devices to protect people, machines and equipment in construction and earthmoving machines.


The latest unit is the upgraded GKD 2RCi rated capacity load indicator, which is designed to be retrofitted onto hydraulic excavators. The indicator is said to boost safety during lifting operations. All lifting equipment and excavators have a specified safe working load, stated by the manufacturer, to safeguard both the operator and the machine. The system can be fitted to single or two-piece boom machines and is designed to satisfy regulations regarding the use of excavators as a crane.

The 2RCi is versatile and in its basic form is a simple load indicator but can be configured to incorporate height and slew monitoring. The 2RCi is also available with intelligent motion cut facilities to control the safe movement of height, slew and or load. The unit has been developed in response to changing requirements, especially for highway construction. This latest version offers the option of a virtual wall function that can be programmed to the safe parameters of the machine’s required working area, working in conjunction with the slew and height control.

The firm says that this prevents the excavator's boom operating outside its safe zone. The function increases the usability of the machine and allows for optimisation of the working area.  Should the machine approach its preset limit an external audible alarm will warn the operator. The optional intelligent motion-cut, if installed, will stop the machine and only allow safe movement.

In addition to the rated capacity indicator functions and the virtual wall, the 2RCi provides digging depth indication, which helps to reduce over-digging of trenches. Height limiting also allows the operator to operate in restricted headroom areas.

The 2RCi uses a compact fully responsive touchscreen display which is operator friendly and less complicated than other load capacity indicators on the market.  The high brightness LCD touch- screen provides the operator with an easy-to-read graphical interface.

Connected Construction

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Developments in workzone safety systems
    May 3, 2012
    Raising awareness of safety in highway work zones is a global issue, and various initiatives highlight this as Patrick Smith reports. So seriously is work zone safety taken in the United States that each year since 1999 a special week has been set aside to highlight it. Each year in April, National Work Zone Awareness Week is held to bring national attention to motorist and worker safety and mobility issues in work zones.
    Read More
  • Developments in workzone safety systems
    February 8, 2012
    Raising awareness of safety in highway work zones is a global issue, and various initiatives highlight this as Patrick Smith reports. So seriously is work zone safety taken in the United States that each year since 1999 a special week has been set aside to highlight it. Each year in April, National Work Zone Awareness Week is held to bring national attention to motorist and worker safety and mobility issues in work zones.
    Read More
  • Traffic management software tools
    March 5, 2012
    A joint development project between Delcan Corporation and Intelligent Devices Incorporated (IDI) has resulted in the sophisticated Intelligent NETworks product. This is an integrated product that combines the IDI Intelligent Control NTCIP system with the Delcan advanced transportation applications of NETworks. The system can be linked to dynamic message signs (DMS), CCTV and vehicle detector stations (VDS), traffic intersections, as well as environment road weather sensor stations.
    Read More
  • Defining the standards for asphalt road surfaces
    February 20, 2012
    Materials used to construct roads must meet defined standards to offer a variety of solutions including durability, smoothness and long life. The need for the regular testing of materials used in highway construction is now a must on all projects. It is essential to make sure that the materials used in producing roads meet defined standards and offer durability, smoothness and long life.
    Read More

Highlighted Content