SURFACE AUTOMATION
machines doing production dozing. Development
work is progressing on push-to-edge
applications, and this capability will be offered in
2018. Pivot-push capability is also being developed.
“Through the use of Cat Terrain with Blade
Control, Automatic Blade Assist and Auto Carry,
the dozer cuts to plan using best practices. When
operating autonomously, the dozer optimises
reverse speed. Consistency in operation pays
dividends in lower operating costs.”
With the operator/controller working from a
comfortable, remote station, and fewer operators
required, human exposure to health and safety
risks is significantly reduced, and fatigue for the
single operator is diminished. Another benefit of
remote operation is reduced need to stop for
shift change, breaks and meals – which
translates into higher utilisation of each dozer.
The Command for dozing technology has
evolved rapidly since Caterpillar’s commercial
introduction of line-of-sight remote control in
2011. The semi-autonomous dozing system now
brings together proven long-range remote control
and onboard automated functions to tackle
increasingly complex tasks safely and efficiently.
Automation and technology in
surface mining
Tyler Sikora, Applications Engineer at leading
surface mining equipment and technology
supplier, Vermeer Corporation stated in a recent
white paper, co-
authored with
Rene Albert –
Senior Applications
Engineer, Vermeer
EMEA: “One of the
fastest growing
technologies that
is transforming the
way we do work is
the surveying, GPS
and machine
control industry.
The construction
and mining
industries have taken advantage of GPS and
grade control systems to allow them to run at
higher efficiencies day after day. With precision
surface mining equipment, one of the factors that
plays into running at the highest efficiency is to
cut a constant cut depth pass after pass. This
allows the engine to remain under a more
consistent load, which results in a higher output
over the course of a shift.” Two of the commonly
used methods of grade control in the surface
mining industry are laser and GPS control. When
paired with a precision surface mining machine,
each of the options offer benefits that meet the
needs of a wide range of customers.
“One technology that is unique in the
precision surface mining industry is the ability to
Vermeer surface miner SmartTEC operator
display
tilt the cutting drum in both directions relative to
the tractor on some machines. This allows the
machine to precisely cut to a desired plan and
create a smooth and consistent floor
independent of the original ground profile. With a
grade control system integrated with the tilting
cutting drum, the customer now has the ability to
cut a finished grade with 3-dimensional control.
Advancing further with GPS integration on the
machines, automatic steering has recently been
made available. This allows the customer to
further refine their operation by laying out the
most efficient mi