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

  • Trimble offers advanced dozer machine control solution
    February 28, 2018
    Trimble is now introducing its Earthworks for Dozers package, following on from the Earthworks for Excavators system unveiled last year. The Earthworks Grade Control System for Dozers uses the same inertial motion sensors (IMUs) as the excavator package and mounts its dual GNSS receivers on top of the cab to eliminate masts and cables conventionally located on the blade. The dual GNSS receivers suit steep slope work and complex designs with tight tolerances. The new configuration keeps valuable receivers
  • Trimble advances in machine control
    July 11, 2018
    Trimble is offering new advances in machine control technology – Mike Woof writes An important technology advance from Trimble is now coming from its expanding range of EarthWorks machine control systems. These systems can help deliver more efficient earthmoving operations, increasing productivity while maintaining accuracy. The first EarthWorks system was developed for use with excavators and this latest system is designed to be used with dozers, utilising much of the same hardware. Meanwhile, other Ea
  • Trimble advances in machine control
    August 22, 2018
    Trimble is offering new advances in machine control technology – Mike Woof writes An important technology advance from Trimble is now coming from its expanding range of EarthWorks machine control systems. These systems can help deliver more efficient earthmoving operations, increasing productivity while maintaining accuracy. The first EarthWorks system was developed for use with excavators and this latest system is designed to be used with dozers, utilising much of the same hardware. Meanwhile, othe
  • MOBA machine control tools help in asphalt paving
    January 12, 2015
    Machine control systems from MOBA are playing an important role in laying out a new street in the southern German village of Apfeldorf in Bavaria. New development in the village is seeing the construction of 14 new homes as well as a new street being built and the time savings and cost savings of machine control systems are proving highly beneficial. Although well proven in larger projects, these technologies are now being used in smaller construction projects also, with major advantages for the users. Loc