Excavator makers provide smart options

The JCB 220X Excavator at work. (Photo: JCB)

Makers of heavy construction equipment are enabling their latest models to become smarter.

Topcon Positioning Group and JCB are collaborating to provide the Topcon X-53x as a plug-and-play option for the new JCB 220X crawler excavators — the first models in the next generation of JCB tracked machines for the global construction market.

The new excavators come with a Topcon pre-wire option from the factory. The Topcon X-53x is designed to provide precise positioning of the boom, stick and bucket at all times, maximizing output up to 30 percent more than machines without a 3D system, the company said. The X-53x also provides a customizable machine control platform to address future project demands.

Also, Topcon and Volvo CE have established a system to allow Topcon 3D machine control software (3D-MC) to seamlessly integrate with the Volvo CE Dig Assist system for a large range of excavators.

The integration of 3D-MC software is designed to complement the Dig Assist real-time guidance capability by including the use of 3D design files and connectivity with Topcon workflow solution platforms. Topcon 3D-MC can be added as an app on the Co-Pilot platform to connect the machine to the Topcon ecosystem.

Meanwhile, Kobelco Construction Machinery has introduced a Trimble-ready option for select excavator models that ship from the Kobelco factory. The excavators come ready for installation of the Trimble Earthworks Grade Control Platform, reducing the cost and complexity of installation for the contractor. Other Kobelco models released this year will also provide the Trimble-ready option.

Doosan Infracore is offering a Trimble-ready option for its Doosan DX225LC-5 excavator, enabling faster, simplified installation of Trimble’s GCS900 2D or 3D Grade Control System components with no welding, re-painting, drilling or disassembly required.

Trimble GCS900 makes design surfaces, grades and alignments accessible to the operator on a display inside the cab using GNSS, GPS, laser, sonic or total station technology to accurately position the blade or bucket in real time.