Introduction
New advancements and technology have transformed the construction industry and upgraded the equipment, advancing it from basic to tech-savvy—the introduction of various versatile tools and instruments alongside the equipment changing the course of the construction industry. Advanced tools boost efficiency and productivity, and create a safe and sound environment at the workplace.
When it comes to the heavy equipment, undoubtedly every piece of equipment is important for the construction site, yet a few equipment are impeccable and excavators are one of them. The most utilized machines on the work site, from developing advanced electrohydraulic control systems to indulging in current object detection technologies, excavators come a long way.
This is the equipment that is in continuous progress and pushing boundaries. Therefore, advanced and versatile excavators have become necessary in the construction site. Consequently, these versatile machines have become indispensable. In this article, we will discuss some of the latest excavator innovations built for the construction industry.
Grade Assist
This is one of the best upgrades that excavators have experienced, the grade assist system, which is also applied for accurate or accurate surface grading or leveling. Grade assist systems take the accuracy game to the next level, they compel the required slope, elevation, and topographical characteristics of the ground to be obtained. When the grading system is turned on, an input mechanism on the machine’s touchscreen allows the facile change of the assist mode — through audiovisual help from the computer to guide the excavator operator.
The operator only operates the arm function all the other activities such as the bucket and boom are handled by the machine and will even self-level to the preferred grade or slope. In earth moving and grading, the touchscreen monitor can afford operators finer control of the direction of travel and the bucket-tooth settings such as depth, height, and even slope.
Electrohydraulic Control System
Electrohydraulic control systems in excavators have greatly impacted the work of construction sites. The system utilizes both electrical and hydraulic elements to control the excavator’s movement and functions. The electrohydraulic control system allows operators to get most of the benefits from machines by utilizing this advanced system. It increased the precision, safety, and efficiency in the field.
To complete the operation effortlessly, the excavator’s electrohydraulic system uses its electronic sensors, actuators, and other hydraulic components for proper functionality. Offering a more accurate control system for the machines throughout the operation.
An electrohydraulic control system in an excavator can include the following characteristics:
- The flexible and multifunctional joystick provides ease of operation.
- To manage multiple tasks addition of a fully electronic joystick in the excavator
- To measure and monitor the swinging motion of the machine integration of swinging sensors
To assist the other functions of the 2D grading system, use of equipment sensors on the bucket, boom, and upper body.
Fine Swing Function
The fine swing function is responsible for the rotary traverse of the excavator’s upper structure known as the swing operation. When the fine swing function is activated control of the object in lifting and precision during placing is improved. In particular, it enhances the safety of operators in some cases, such as pipe laying, and avoids the destruction caused by the collapse of the object on the excavator.
The said function is able to be switched on or off by manually operating the system which enables the operator to have control of the functioning of the feature. When activated the “overrun” and the jog go away and the excavator is enabled to go to the maximum swing at the same time there is no jerk or shock added to the turn. Operators similarly have the ability to stop the rotation or slew and to allow for a safe braking while avoiding dropping of the material from the bucket.
Onboard Weighing System
An onboard weighing system consists of load cells and sensors for sensing the weight of the material and displaying it to the operator to improve the load process. It is capable of measuring the amount of material in the machine to be processed as well as cutting the number of test trips needed to transport the right amount of material.
On the same note, an onboard weighing operation aids in conserving fuel and sparing the equipment a lot of stress. It assists in observing weights and balance and avoids overloading to a level that leads to fines of the overloading and just damaging the machine. They also help to reduce the odds of appliance mishaps together with the chances of endangering the lives of the operators and other personnel who may be working nearby the equipment.
Virtual Wall Setting
Some of the key characteristics of precision technology include the importance of a virtual wall setting which enables operators to optimize safety and efficiency each time they work in a narrow space. The excavator is usually equipped with GPS receivers or proximity sensors that track the position of the excavator in relation to the pre-designated coordinates or any other objects on the working site. For example, in the case of a formation with obstructions in front of the machine or beside it, the operator can define limits that the machine cannot cross.
It also allows them to set parameters that concern the length of the arm and allows the setting of upper and lower limits. Suppose the excavator enters proximity to either side in which the obstacles are located. In that case, the system gives the operator a warning and limits the travel of the machine in the direction of the obstacle.