Skip to main content

GPS delivers accurate real time depth control

The novel EZ Dig Pro system offers real-time depth control for excavators and backhoe loaders. This package is said to provide precise grade control for digging a fixed depth or a slope and it boosts safety as there is no need for anyone going into the excavation to check depth. Applications include use in trenching and drainage ditches along roadways, as well as footings and foundation depths and cut-and-cover applications for a fixed depth for utilities.
July 13, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
The EZ Dig system comes with in-cab LCD control box and see-through display panel that allow the operator to watch the ditch, bucket, and display in the same view.
The novel EZ Dig Pro system offers real-time depth control for excavators and backhoe loaders. This package is said to provide precise grade control for digging a fixed depth or a slope and it boosts safety as there is no need for anyone going into the excavation to check depth. Applications include use in trenching and drainage ditches along roadways, as well as footings and foundation depths and cut-and-cover applications for a fixed depth for utilities.

Sensors mounted on the excavator measure the movement and angle of the bucket, boom, and dipper stick to give continuous depth control indication on the in-cab display. The operator does not need to stop digging to place the bucket and dipper stick in the same position to take an accurate reading and the system can help make substantial reductions in over cutting and reinstatement.

The system can be installed and calibrated by any operator in 45 minutes or less using its patent-pending software. No welding is required, as the sensors mount to the excavator with strong magnets, while the unit can be calibrated to several machines as it retains the data when moved between equipment. One of the three sensors includes a laser receiver, to eliminate resetting the elevation reference when the excavator is moved.

The sensors have solar panels to maintain their charge, and the system uses wireless RF communication between the sensors and in-cab displays, eliminating external cables.

Related Content

  • GPS guidance delivers accurate machine control
    July 12, 2012
    GPS systems for machine control can make massive reductions in operating costs for contractors. Using GPS systems for machine control can make massive reductions in operating costs for contractors and the pace of technology improvements from manufacturers has been rapid. This market segment is dominated by Leica Geosystems, Trimble and Topcon, all of which introduced an array of new products earlier this year. Topcon's dozer control system first seen in public at the Intermat show in Paris, offers notable c
  • Rapid adoption of GPS machine control
    February 10, 2012
    The high sophistication of GPS machine control systems has resulted in a fast pace of technological advancement. The three major players in the machine control sector, Leica Geosystems, Topcon and Trimble have all made major gains in recent years. The sophistication of the latest systems can combine satellite position data from the GPS and GLONASS networks with information from total stations to provide precise, high speed machine operation. Further more the firms have also prepared themselves for the intro
  • Construction adapting with Machine control Technologies
    June 18, 2015
    Machine control technologies are revolutionising construction – Dan Gilkes writes Electronic control of engines, transmissions and hydraulic systems, primarily to reduce exhaust emissions and boost productivity, is also providing manufacturers with an opportunity to incorporate increasingly complex machine control into their equipment. This in turn has the potential to make the machinery more productive, further cutting fuel consumption as part of a virtuous operational circle.
  • GPS machine control improves construction accuracy
    February 29, 2012
    The latest GPS systems will improve the accuracy of many construction operations. Mike Woof reports. The pace of technological advancement is fast in the GPS market. Despite a market downturn, the GPS solution providers continue to invest in research and development. And there is evidence to suggest that the contracting sector is more keen than ever to employ the latest technology because of the cost benefits this can bring.