Trimble adds horizontal steering control to soil compactor grade control platform
Horizontal Steering Control functionality is available on the Trimble Earthworks Grade Control Platform for Soil Compactors, a new step towards Trimble's vision for autonomous operation. Horizontal Steering Control helps operators achieve higher quality surfaces and consistent compaction. Compatibility with all soil compactor makes and models enables contractors with mixed fleets to achieve a faster return on investment.
Trimble Earthworks Horizontal Steering Control automatically steers a soil compactor using a 3D model or compaction pass line. This helps to improve compaction productivity and quality for operators of all skill levels by precisely controlling overlap between passes. Auto steering helps reduce operator fatigue while also minimizing over- and under-compaction, providing a more consistent sub surface for a higher quality, longer lasting finished product.
"We're committed to innovation and building solutions to meet our customers' needs no matter where they are on their journey to autonomy, both now and in the future. It's difficult to steer a soil compactor with accuracy and consistency, but over- or under-compaction leads to wasted time and materials and less durable surfaces," said Scott Crozier, general manager of Trimble Civil Construction. "Horizontal steering control allows operators to focus on machine performance and safety and deliver a higher quality, more consistent surface."
Trimble Earthworks uses the NavController III steering technology from the Trimble Agriculture Division, leveraging the company's 20 years of industry-leading steering technology and applying it to civil construction applications. In 2020, Trimble also introduced Horizontal Steering Control as part of the Trimble Earthworks Grade Control Platform for Dozers, another first in the construction industry. Horizontal Steering Control for Dozers automatically controls the machine to follow any horizontal alignment such as the back of a curb, breakline, roadway centerline or bottom of slope without operator assistance.
