Mobile-equipment manufacturer Komatsu America, Rolling Meadows, Ill., just introduced its new PC210LCi-11 Machine Control hydraulic excavator. This second generation PC210LCi reportedly leverages the proven track record and success of the previous PC210LCi-10, while increasing machine functionality.
Key features of Komatsu’s Machine Control technology used in this unit include a factory-integrated sensor package with a GNSS antenna, enhanced inertial measuring unit (IMU+), and stroke-sensing hydraulic cylinders.
Also new to the PC210LCi-11 are joystick controls. Machine Control enabled joysticks means frequently used control functions are now located at the operator’s fingertips for increased convenience and comfort.
Cab-top antenna mounting means less chance of damage and reduced risk of theft due to low visibility from the ground. The chassis-mounted IMU+ and intelligent logic provides for finish grade accuracy with positional update rates of up to 100 Hz.
Robust stroke-sensing hydraulic cylinders permit accurate finish-grade performance. Sensing cylinder position with no delay lets the machine-control system precisely know the angle and position of the implement.
In operation, a machine using the GPS antenna and receiver tracks multiple GPS satellite signals. The base station is set to a known point on the jobsite and then broadcasts location-correction information to the machine using a radio signal. The correction signal compensates for the satellites’ inherent errors and uses the machine settings to generate an accurate current position of the implement. Actual position is compared to the 3D model of the project, and cut or fill values are displayed for the operator.
Also, an automatic hydraulic interface can accurately move the tool to the exact design grade. Advanced features such as a facing-angle compass and minimum-distance bucket control are shown in a simple and intuitive manner on the class-leading 12.1-in. touchscreen display.
The enhancements mean the machine is not limited like 2D-only systems, say Komatsu officials. The PC210LCi-11 features full 3D capabilities, letting it dig-to-grade anywhere on the jobsite. And GNSS technology tied into the machine hydraulics enables automation of work-equipment functions—not merely the indication/manual-only operation typical of aftermarket offerings.
The enhancements mean the machine is not limited like 2D-only systems, say Komatsu officials. The PC210LCi-11 features full 3D capabilities, letting it dig-to-grade anywhere on the jobsite. And GNSS technology tied into the machine hydraulics enables automation of work-equipment functions—not merely the indication/manual-only operation typical of aftermarket offerings.
Benefits of Komatsu’s Machine Control system include faster grading, fewer passes to finish grade and less rework. The end results are more efficient machine use with lower operating costs, and better material yields, higher fuel efficiency and improved operator performance.
Specifically as it relates to the PC210LCi, this technology offers up to a 63% improvement in excavating efficiency over a standard PC210LC-11 and traditional stake-plus-grade-checker methods, said company officials. Higher efficiency can save time and money by: minimizing the need and expense of grading dozers and grade checkers; minimizing the costs associated with over-excavating, including extra materials, fuel and time; and using the time usually wasted waiting on grade checkers and over-excavation to potentially finish jobs quicker.
“This excavator is productive and precise enough to be a fixture on jobsites from basement and foundation pads to utility work,” said Sebastian Witkowski, product marketing manager, Komatsu America. “In addition to the industry-leading efficiency all machine owners look for, the added convenience of the machine-control-joystick functionality should make operators happy too,” Witkowski said.
Komatsu America
www.komatsuamerica.com
