international
construction
april 2015
EARTHMOVING
46
New technologies
machinewhichoffers an integrated systemof intelligent controls
that useGPS, which is a bigmove on from them being entirely
separate systems. “Our3D-MC really is agame-changer in terms
of its ability to savemoney for construction companies.
“Itworks throughusing the 3Dmodelling fromdesigners used
by contractors to create automatic computer-based control of
howmachines are operating their blades and other attachments.
So, providing the original modelling specifications are supplied
correctly, the scope for human error ismuch reduced.”
Monitoring and control
Mr Hermanski added that one of the company’s latest areas of
focus has been its Sitelink system, whichworks in tandemwith
GPS through computer-basedmonitoring and control
of construction sites to improve the efficiency of
projects.
In his opinion, the timely and effective
delivery of construction projects was of
critical importance, and the use of tablet-
based apps and smart phones in addition
to GPS-based technology was having a
significant impact.
He added, “In construction, it is often
the case that around 20% that is spent
on a project amounts to waste. We
want to be able to control that using
GPS and 3D modelling software to
bring this down to near zero. It’s this
kind of waste that is unnecessary.
“At present, somewhere between
8 and 10% of companies have
adopted GPS-based systems
within construction machines
– in surveying it is now pretty
much 100%.”
He continued, “The challenge
now is to build relationships with
machine manufacturers so that the level
o f
growth that we are seeing continues. It has been a
very good year for us, with links such as those we
have developed with Komatsu working well – it is
things like this that people are really talking about
within the industry.”
The company’s link with Komatsu has involved installing
Komatsu excavators anddozerswith itsmachine control systems
to improve their productivity.
Valentin Fuchs, programmemanager for 3D sensors and field
machine control at Leica Geosystems, said that in addition
to providing aftermarket products, there had been a growing
demand for developing factory-integrated complete solutions
usingGPS, something it does withCase.
He said, “There’s a lot of systems integration for GPS use
withinmachines that we are able to provide some very elegant
solutions for.This has meant that a lot of operations that were
previouslydoneby radio communication arenowdonewithon-
boarddisplays withinmachines.”
Oneof its latestproducts, the IconGPS80, hasbeendeveloped
for a range ofmachine controls applications.
Mr Fuchs added, “The focus of this receiver generation
was on dynamic performance in typical and difficult GNSS
environments.We increased equipmentuptime andproductivity
because it’s extremely important to our customers on site.”
Machine design principles
One of the first steps in developing any new construction
product is indeveloping initial concept designs.
Companies such as Liugong have acknowledged that
developing machines that not only efficient, but are visually
appealing as well, is of increasing importance.
As director of the company’s industrial design division, Gary
Major, said there had been a number of challenges the business
had faced in terms of design.This includes developing theoverall
Liugong brand through creating distinctive designs.
Mr Major said, “Today’s end-users are far more design savvy
than theirpredecessors, soaesthetics is ahugely-important factor.
“Engine emissions have changed components such as
powertrains and the particulate filter assembly, growing their
size enormously. Because of that, engine enclosures are now
huge, which creates challenges in meeting machine sightline
requirements, which in turn impacts the overall
aesthetics ofmachines.”
However, he added that a move towards
composite materials has allowed designers
greater freedom to explore bolder
possibilities.
From improvements inmachinecontrol,
through to advancements in the physical
design of earthmoving equipment,
the development of machine is
clearly continuing to evolve and
make the most of key technology
breakthroughs.
iC
Hyundai will
have a presence
at Intermat,
featuring its
latest range
of excavators,
including the
HX300L.
JCB has expanded its JS rangewith its JS300, which promises
greater power and performance over previousmodels.
Hitachi will have a presence at Intermat thismonthwith its
range including the ZX350LC-5 excavator, which has a
202 kW engine and EU Stage IIIB/Tier 4 interim engine.
