17 Apr Topcon Machine Control Options for Graders

More and more we are developing intelligent technology that offers to take over our many tasks, including ones that seem far too complex for a machine to accomplish. Some of these technologies are utilised in massive machines that aid human production capabilities in truly amazing ways.

At Topcon we make sure the investment you make today will work for you in the future. Topcon machine control is intelligent technology that’s integrated into motor graders, bull dozers and excavators to optimise job efficiency. Topcon’s building block design allows you to add new sensors or technologies to your system such as mmGPS and Networks as they become available without having to buy a whole new system. With this type of technology, contractors can reduce costs while delivering precision cuts and grades.

How machine control works

Topcon has advanced machine control systems that use GPS satellite signals to provide accurate, real-time information about a job site. This data is then used to create a digital topo, or survey, that records the measurements of the location and maps out changes to elevation or gradient across the site, quickly and efficiently. Once the job site has been surveyed, a 3-D design blueprint is created to establish the overall layout of the project, and the materials and work required. This digitally “stakes out” the different elements. The site plan is then uploaded onto the machine’s computer, which uses the information to direct sensors fitted on the blade to cut or fill a profile that corresponds with the exact co-ordinates on the plan. Depending on the type of mode in use, the operator can manually adjust the elevation or slope of the blade to match the contours in the plan or – in the case of automatic mode – the blade is directed by the grader’s hydraulics to make these adjustments.

Features & Benefits

■ Rugged color touch-screen control box displays blade position and distance to design

■ Real-time cut/fill mapping – move material only once

■ Backwards compatible with existing Topcon MC systems

■ Enter off-sets easily for cutting sub-grade

■ Increase grading productivity significantly

■ Reduce staking on jobsite almost entirely

■ Control materials to your advantage

■ Complete projects on time or ahead of schedule

■ Machine control options for motor graders

Motor graders rely on sophisticated grade control systems to deliver fine grading work. These systems are either built-in at the factory or available as aftermarket kits. As this type of technology is highly scalable, contractors can easily upgrade from entry-level options to more advanced systems if and when the need arises. The condition of the jobsite and the required accuracy and complexity of the work largely determine what type of grade control system is the best fit. There are currently three available options; 2D and 3D systems.

2D grade control systems
With the Topcon 2D grade control system, the grader can operate in two dimensions; slope and plane. It uses lasers, sensors and jobsite reference points to rapidly and accurately regulate elevation and cross-slope.

This type of system is available in ‘indicate only’ or ‘automatic’ and the option is designed to carry out precise drainage work with a fine finish.

3D grade control systems
A Topcon 3D grade control system is a high-tech option that uses a series of laser-guided sensors, GPS or GNSS satellite signals and worksite topography to carry out complex grading work with absolute accuracy. This level of control is suitable for large, complex development and infrastructure projects.

At nVolve Solutions , we offer and specialise in machine control technologies and you can schedule a meeting on our website for more information or to discuss your needs with a dedicated technical person.

For more information please contact us on www.nvolve.co.za or call 012-743-6299 today!