New earthmoving solutions for Topcon machine control

The Topcon Positioning Group announces additions to its portfolio of machine control solutions that assure contractors of higher levels of performance and profits when performing earthmoving work. The new solutions include a rotation/tilt function for the automatic excavator system, mobile apps and Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) options.

Rotation/tilt function for the automatic excavator system

The advanced rotate/tilt function allows users of the automatic excavator system to rotate or tilt the bucket more easily. Automatic boom control enables faster and more efficient excavation operations.

"For operators who are excavating on top of a slope, need to level large sloped areas or are not in a fully perpendicular position to the job, the rotate/tilt feature makes it easier to place the bucket blade in the correct position on the surface," said Murray Lodge, senior vice president of construction projects. This allows operators to dig faster and consistently. In addition, the excavator has to make fewer movements, resulting in fewer CO2 emissions.

Lodge: "The rotation/tilt function we have used in the past in other systems is now available for the automatic excavator system. This allows machine operators who have a little less experience to participate faster in the production process and the solution offers a solution when using machines with long booms and for underwater applications."

Bring-Your-Own-Device - MC Mobile

The second launch concerns a machine control solution for small excavators and compact tracked excavators. It consists of several "Bring-Your-Own-Device" options that can act as a replacement for a control screen in some applications. This solution uses Topcon's 3D machine control hardware, with an indicator option on Android devices in the form of the free app Pocket MC, part of the new MC Mobile line.

Lodge explains: "Pocket MC can be downloaded from the Google Store and used directly from a phone or tablet. The app can serve as a simple machine control option for contractors looking for a low-cost way to use their equipment more efficiently, as well as a backup on the job site or as a full-fledged field book. Each option allows machine operators to work effectively and on schedule."

Pocket MC also offers local positioning capability (LPS) for excavation work, for example using the Topcon 3D laser LN-150 Layout Navigator.

Improvements SiteLink3D

In addition to the introduction of the automatic excavator system in the past year, improvements have been made with respect to software platform SiteLink3D - the system for monitoring and managing work sites. One such enhancement is a prepaid, points-based service model. This version of SiteLink3D will be rolled out later this year. In addition, a construction transport application has been introduced that gives contractors greater insight into managing workflows and gives them the flexibility to deploy the application entirely as they see fit.

"These recent additions to our earthmoving portfolio are part of our ongoing commitment to higher connectivity and improved automation with the goal of increasing efficiency on today's job sites - during all phases of a project," Lodge said.

For more information about Topcon, visit topconpositioning.com, always one step ahead when it comes to technology and customer benefits.