At the INTERMAT exhibition last week in Paris, Trimble unveiled a laser-based machine control system, the GCS400, which simultaneously controls dozer blade lift and tilt through a single box.
Developed by a joint venture between Trimble and Caterpillar, the GCS400 has two elevation control modes, the “independent mode” and the “linked mode.” While the “independent mode” allows the operator to control the lift and tilt functions independently, the “linked mode” ties the lift and tilt functions together and allows the operator to maintain the blade parallel to the laser beam. By using the linked function, the operator can set both masts at the same elevation and adjust the grade through the same switch.
“With features like customizable menus, the GCS400 is easy for contractors and operators to set up, learn and use for a range of earthmoving applications,” said Mark Forrest, vice president of construction for Trimble’s geomatics and engineering division.
Trimble expects the GCS400 system to be available in the third quarter of this year. To find out more about the laser control system, click on the link to the right.
