Machine control technology has revolutionized the construction industry, particularly in the operation of excavators. In this blog post, we dive into the basic principles of machine control on excavators, with a focus on the advanced solutions offered by Quiptech.
Key Components of Machine Control
Machine control systems in excavators are composed of several critical hardware pieces that work in unison to ensure precision and efficiency:
- Pitch and Roll Sensor: Located in the upper part of the excavator, this sensor tracks the machine body movements, both pitching up or down and rolling sideways.
- Boom Sensor: Mounted on the boom, it measures the angle movement of the boom, a vital component for precise digging.
- Stick Sensor with Laser Catcher: This sensor, placed on the stick of the machine, not only measures the angle movement of the stick but also includes a laser catcher for elevation reference.
- Bucket Sensor: Installed either on the dogbone or the quick coupler for the bucket, this sensor is key in measuring the opening and closing movements of the bucket.
- Tilt Sensor (Optional): For machines with a tilt bucket or unit, this sensor measures the sideways tilting of the bucket.
- Masts with Compass and GNSS Antennas: Positioned on the back of the excavator, these masts carry the compass and optional GNSS antennas. The compass provides the machine’s heading, while the GNSS system (used in 3D machine control solutions) enables satellite positioning.
How Machine Control Enhances Excavator Performance
The integration of these components in an excavator equipped with machine control technology, such as those offered by Quiptech, provides several benefits:
- Precision: The system ensures the exact position of the cutting edge of various bucket types (teeth, straight, narrow, wide, and tilt buckets) is known at all times.
- Adaptability: The technology is versatile, handling different attachments like leveling bars or tilt rotators.
- Efficiency: Machine control guides the operator to follow the desired surface or slope with high accuracy, significantly reducing the risk of over or under digging.
- Versatility in 2D and 3D: With the 2D solution, operators can control sloping surfaces in any direction. The 3D solution, utilizing GNSS technology, positions the machine with satellite assistance for enhanced accuracy.
Conclusion
Machine control technology, particularly as implemented by Quiptech, brings a new level of precision and efficiency to excavator operations. By understanding and utilizing these systems, operators can significantly improve the accuracy and productivity of their excavating tasks.
Remember, the future of construction is in precision and efficiency, and machine control is at the forefront of this evolution.