Topcon Positioning Systems' new 2D-MC is an automatic grade control solution for compact track loaders designed to be installed directly onto select grading attachments. The solution works along with familiar rotary laser technology to provide simplified operational visibility, with all the information needed to hit target grade with greater precision and in less time by connecting directly to the machine's controls. 2D-MC is now available in North America.
Ideal for slope work, sidewalk grading, road base and drain rock replacement, parking lots, sports fields, landscaping, flat pads, indoor work, concrete site prep, and more, 2D-MC is designed to adapt to different grading attachments for compact equipment, leveraging the performance of machine control with the accuracy of laser positioning.
"Compact equipment has proven to be essential on job sites of all sizes, and these new functionalities are a testament to Topcon's dedication to the evolving needs of today's contractor," says Murray Lodge, executive vice president at Topcon. "Now that the benefits of machine control are available for compact equipment, these systems can provide the operational gains that help contractors get more work done in less time, allowing them to bid on more and/or larger jobs."
Familiar job site technology
The 2D-MC system utilizes laser receivers to work with rotary lasers. If a user is familiar with rotary lasers, no additional tooling or training is needed to determine the correct grade for the grading attachment.
The system may be customized by using either a dual laser receiver setup for elevation at both edges of the blade or a single laser receiver with a highly accurate dual-axis tilt sensor for elevation and slope determination. The 2D-MC system fits right in with many of the tools already implemented, and the ability to use the software on Android devices like a CT8X2 tablet gives contractors the advantage of utilizing an interface with which they are comfortable.
Simple software
Developed from Topcon's 3D-MC software platform, 2D-MC has a simplified app that maintains a similar visual user interface to 3D-MC.
The app has a simple user interface with a straightforward "progressive" grade arrow indication. This provides the operator with an easy-to-see "work completed" and "work remaining" visual. With adjustable increment/decrement elevation control right from the machine's joystick, set/match elevations/slopes, valve adjustment capabilities, automatic updates, and simple menus, an operator can get up and running on the system in very little time.
