Heavy Equipment Guide Logo

Small machines get big grade capabilities

Small machines get big grade capabilities

Small contractors handling small earthmoving or landscaping jobs often have small machines in their fleet, but that doesn't mean they only do small jobs. There are plenty of opportunities for local contractors to take on work that might need the precision of bigger contracts - precision that often comes with a big price tag.

Contractors with compact equipment now have a lower-cost option for basic grade control, however - one that is designed for ease of use on multiple machines through the operator's own mobile device.

Trimble recently released its Earthworks GO! 2D grade control system for use on skid-steer and compact track loaders. The system is portable, lightweight and easy to both install and operate.

"Trimble is proud to once again introduce groundbreaking construction technology," said Scott Crozier, general manager of Trimble Civil Engineering and Construction. "Trimble Earthworks GO! is the first BYOD compact machine control solution on the market. It makes grade control technology affordable and easy to use for contractors."

Trimble Earthworks GO! can be used by contractors involved in general construction, site preparation and utility work for grading flat and simple slopes. The system leverages laser technology to provide dynamic, real-time position information that allows the operator to grade or cut profiles quickly and accurately.

Earthworks GO! is built around the GO! Box, a portable control system that can be affixed to a machine or attachment magnetically. It is connected to Trimble's LR410 laser receivers, mounted on masts on the attachment being used, taking advantage of simple harnessing solutions. From there, all the operator needs is a smartphone to get working.

Android and iOS users can take advantage of Earthworks GO! software, which guides the user through installation, setup and operating modes. It's designed to lead the operator in a step-by-step approach that can get them working on the jobsite within minutes. A visual display on the operator's phone, mounted in the cab, provides guidance for precise flat and sloping grades, depending on the needs of the job.

A demonstration of the system at the Trimble Dimensions conference showed just how quickly it can be moved from one machine to another. The process took mere minutes, and with different machine profiles saved in the GO! Box, once the box was attached and plugged in work was able to begin immediately. 

Earthworks GO! is available through SITECH dealers. 

Earthworks GO! is built around the GO! Box, a portable control system that can be affixed to a machine or attachment magnetically. It is connected to Trimble's LR410 laser receivers, mounted on masts on the attachment being used, taking advantage of simple harnessing solutions. From there, all the operator needs is a smartphone to get working.

Android and iOS users can take advantage of Earthworks GO! software, which guides the user through installation, setup and operating modes. It's designed to lead the operator in a step-by-step approach that can get them working on the jobsite within minutes. A visual display on the operator's phone, mounted in the cab, provides guidance for precise flat and sloping grades, depending on the needs of the job.

A demonstration of the system at the Trimble Dimensions conference showed just how quickly it can be moved from one machine to another. The process took mere minutes, and with different machine profiles saved in the GO! Box, once the box was attached and plugged in work was able to begin immediately. 

Earthworks GO! is available through SITECH dealers. 

Company info

935 Stewart Drive
Sunnyvale, CA
US, 94085

Website:
heavyindustry.trimble.com/en

Read more

Related Articles