Global Positioning System (GPS) Heavy Equipment Operation
There is a lot of buzz today about GPS 3D Machine Control. It seems the construction industry is moving forward to the general application of GPS Machine Control, which is the only component of any complete stake-less, automatic excavating system. Companies who utilize this system are streamlining work all the way from moving dirt to the head office.
Let's talk about how GPS enhances machine operation. GPS based grade control in machines provides the exact position and orientation of the blade or bucket to achieve grade faster without utilizing survey grade stakes. With accurate 3D positioning of the blade, the system guides the operator to quickly perform fine or mass excavation without the fear of over-excavating. It also guides the operator to complete project designs involving slopes and engineered foundations. Machine utilization is improved by excavating dirt accurately the first time which increases productivity. GPS also improves job site safety. The operator can rely on the on-board computer and light bars to achieve grade without a grade checker entering their path.
Before the use of GPS 3D systems for machines, grading required the placement of wooden stakes marked with cut or fill information to indicate where material was to be excavated to achieve design grade. After the machine passed, the grade checker would then add or remove stakes as needed. This manual staking method slows grading time and raises safety concerns for both the machine operators and grade checkers.
Another benefit of GPS 3D Machine Control is that the system controls slope and elevation of the blade, making an average operator into a good operator and a good operator even better. The operator now has the site plan at their fingertips. The system displays where the operator is on the site, what desired elevation is needed, and how far from the design elevation they are. The system has in-cab operator displays that are designed to be intuitive and simple to use, allowing anyone and everyone to be more productive in a short amount of time.
Those of you who are willing to embrace this earth-moving technology will be more valuable to any company. Our goal is to make dirt work more efficient and safe. The future is bright... ATS and GPS 3D Machine Control Systems will be there, will you?
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