IFPE Download: Hydraulic tilt rotation for automatic excavation

Topcon Positioning Group announces advances to its portfolio of machine control solutions that are designed to provide contractors with better performance and profitability in earthmoving applications.

The new offerings include tilt rotator functionality for the company’s Automatic Excavator system.

The system includes a display, joysticks, tilt sensor, GPS receiver and controller; and the heart of the automatic system is an electrohydraulic valve that delivers ultra-smooth control and fast response times, letting operators quickly grade precise surfaces.

Advanced tilt rotator functionality will let Automatic Excavator operators easily swivel or tilt the bucket with automatic boom control for faster and more efficient excavation. “If excavator operators are in situations such as at the top of the slope, grading a long incline and not totally perpendicularly lined up, positioning the cutting edge of the bucket to the surface is now more easily attainable with the tilt rotator functionality,” said Murray Lodge, senior VP of construction.

“Operators can excavate more quickly, moving the excavator fewer times, with less wear and tear on the chassis — all with the proven hydraulic, automated control the system offers. It is also extremely beneficial when navigating around manholes, trenches and generally tight spaces,” he said.

Another additional resource in the small excavator and compact track loader machine control offering includes bring your own device options that can work as a substitute for control boxes in some applications. This solution incorporates the same hardware for Topcon 3D machine control with an indicate-only option running on Android devices with a free app — Pocket-MC, which is part of the new MC Mobile system family.

“Pocket MC can be downloaded from the Google Store and used right from a phone or tablet either as a simple entry-level machine controller option for contractors who want an inexpensive way to speed up the productivity of their fleet, or as a backup on the job site to a fully featured controller — so, operators are still working, timelines keep moving,” said Lodge.

Pocket MC also allows for a local positioning system (LPS) option for excavation. Now, an LN-150 Layout Navigator total station can be used as an economical and easy-to-use alternative to fully featured traditional total stations.