From designing modern electro-hydraulic control systems to incorporating advanced object detection technology, excavator manufacturers are pushing the limits of these machines' capabilities.
The electro-hydraulic control system improves the accuracy, safety, and efficiency of construction and earthwork operations. This precision system uses electrical and hydraulic components to manage the movement and functionality of excavators.
Technological advancements have completely transformed excavators from basic digging tools to multifunctional tools that redefine work site efficiency, productivity, and safety.
From designing modern electro-hydraulic control systems to incorporating advanced object detection technology, excavator manufacturers constantly push the limits of these machines' capabilities. Therefore, these multifunctional machines have become indispensable. Here are 8 latest excavator innovations tailored for the construction industry.
The 2D system allows operators to work from point A to point B on a single plane, such as a straight groove.
Electro hydraulic control system
The electro-hydraulic control system improves the accuracy, safety, and efficiency of construction and earthwork operations. This complex system uses electrical and hydraulic components to manage the movement and functionality of excavators. It integrates electronic sensors, controllers, and actuators with traditional hydraulic components, providing more precise and efficient control for excavator operation.
The electro-hydraulic control system in excavators can include the following functions:
Programmable joystick switch, easy to operate.
A fully electronic joystick is used to manage various functions of the excavator.
Swing sensors for measuring and monitoring the swing motion of the upper structure of excavators.
Equip sensors, including laser catchers, on the boom, arm, bucket, and upper body of the vehicle to assist with the 2D leveling system.
Leveling assistance
The leveling assist system of excavators is used to achieve precise surface leveling or flattening. They ensure that the required slope, height, and contour of the terrain meet the standards. When the excavator operator activates the leveling system, the touch screen settings enable them to set the assist mode - allowing the computer to assist the operator through audio and visual displays. The operator controls the arm function, while the machine automatically manages the bucket and boom to maintain the desired flatness or slope. Touchscreen monitors enable operators to better control the direction of travel and more accurately set the depth, height, and slope of bucket teeth in earthwork and leveling applications.
The slope assist system of excavators is used to achieve precise and accurate surface leveling or evenness.
2D Flattening System
Like other advanced machine guidance and control systems, the 2D leveling system is a valuable technology. The 2D system allows operators to work on a single plane, such as a straight ditch from point A to point B.
By utilizing sensors and controllers, the 2D leveling system can be adjusted in real-time to achieve the precise slope and height required for work. This eliminates manual labor in traditional leveling methods, improves productivity by simplifying the leveling process and reducing the time and effort required to complete the leveling task.
The fine tuning rotary function controls the rotational motion of the upper structure of the excavator, which is called rotary motion.
Fine swing function
The fine swing function controls the rotational motion of the upper structure of the excavator, that is, the swing motion. Activating the fine swing function can give operators greater control when lifting objects and improve accuracy when placing objects. In addition, it increases operator safety in certain lifting applications such as pipe laying and can prevent objects from falling off the excavator and causing damage.
The operator can manually turn on or off this function to control whether it is enabled or not. After enabling this feature, the 'overspeed' disappears, allowing the excavator to smoothly reach its maximum swing speed while eliminating any sudden shaking or impact. The operator can turn off rotation or turning and brake to prevent material loss in the bucket.
Precise technological features such as virtual wall settings can help operators improve safety and productivity when working in narrow spaces.
Virtual Wall Settings
Precise technological features such as virtual wall settings can help operators improve safety and productivity when working in narrow spaces. Excavators are equipped with GPS receivers or proximity sensors to monitor the position of the machine relative to predefined coordinates or work site objects. For example, if there are obstacles on both sides of the machine, the operator can set restrictions to prevent the machine from exceeding the range of these obstacles. They can also adjust the arm extension settings and set upper and lower limits. If the excavator approaches the side where the obstacle is located, the system will alert the operator and restrict the machine's movement in the direction of the obstacle. This function can be overridden at any time.
Excavators often lift or hoist objects at the work site, so with the help of lifting assistance, operators can eliminate guesswork during the process.
Enhance auxiliary mode
Excavators often lift or hoist objects at the work site, so by enhancing auxiliary functions, operators can eliminate guesswork during the process. This function measures and displays the current weight of the bucket and tipping load during material loading, and alerts the operator when the total load weight exceeds the limit. The accuracy of the sensor is within 3%. If the object is too heavy (such as large stones, concrete blocks, and heavy mechanical components), this feature can alleviate concerns about the machine tipping over.
The onboard weighing system uses weighing sensors and sensors to measure the weight of materials and provide real-time feedback to the operator to optimize the loading process.
Vehicle weighing system
The onboard weighing system uses weighing sensors and sensors to measure the weight of materials and provide real-time feedback to the operator to optimize the loading process. It can accurately measure the amount of material loaded into the machine and reduce the number of trips required to move necessary materials. In addition, the onboard weighing system helps reduce fuel consumption and equipment wear and tear. It helps companies comply with weight restrictions, prevent overloading, and thus avoid fines and machine damage. It also provides a safer working environment for operators and other personnel working near the equipment.
Depending on the machine, the AVM system can provide up to 360 degrees of visibility through the monitor inside the machine cab.
Panoramic surveillance camera system
The surround view monitoring (AVM) camera system displays a panoramic view around the machine, providing greater confidence for operators working in narrow conditions. Depending on the machine, the AVM system can provide a visual range of up to 360 degrees through the monitor inside the machine cab. This enables operators to identify potential hazards and obstacles that are not visible from their seats, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. The AVM system also improves productivity and efficiency by reducing the time required for operators to manually view the surrounding environment.
Another key feature on many excavators today is the rearview camera. With a rearview camera, operators can operate more safely around any object or person within the camera's line of sight. Simply press the button to view the camera image on the LCD display in the cab. Some manufacturers have increased the field of view of cameras or included sensors to alert operators when they are about to collide with objects - this is also known as object detection. Object detection improves safety by enhancing awareness and compensating for blind spots. When the machine is about to collide with an object, the sensor will emit a sound warning to the operator. The closer the machine is to an object, the louder or more frequent the sound may be.
Excavator technology has become smarter, more efficient, and more productive than ever before, breaking through the boundaries of construction project execution and shaping the future of the industry.
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