Technology:
January 2010  EquipmentWorld.com  Digital edition D2 TECHNOLOGY by Tom Jackson Technology products New machine automation products make heavy construction faster, more precise and profi table Laser grading integrates with existing controls Caterpillar's new Accugrade laser-based grading system integrates with its machine controls and hydraulics for simplifi ed installation and operation. The system works with the Cat C-Series skid steer loaders, multi-terrain loaders and compact track loaders when these are at-tached to an ATI Level Best Grading Box. The system only requires that you attach the laser receiver, wiring harness and auxiliary hydraulic lines and install the software. It uses the loader's existing controls, and a trigger switch on the implement joystick allows you to choose between manual and automatic blade control. Unlike conventional systems that require a continuous fl ow through the auxiliary hydraulic circuit, the Accu-grade system only activates when blade correction is needed, saving on fuel and reducing noise. Write 025 on Reader ServiceCard or visit EquipmentWorld.com/info Software synchs plans with fi eld operations Topcon recently in-troduced two new offi ce software pro-grams, SiteMaster and SiteMaster Lite, which help develop models of con-struction site plans and integrate with the company's fi eld equipment and 3D-MC machine control systems. SiteMaster can import and export 3D-MC project fi les, create and edit surface maps, and do road designs with templates and/or strings. It allows manual road data entry and conversion of 2D fi les to 3D and calculates volumes. It supports numerous fi le types and synchro-nizes with Pocket 3D and Topcon TopSURV and single fi le projects. SiteMaster Lite is designed for users who do not require as many functions but who need the ability to import and export and verify and modify 3D-MC project fi les. Write 026 on Reader ServiceCard or visit EquipmentWorld.com/info Wireless remote control lasers On any large construction site, resetting a laser can involve quite hike. Trimble has put an end to these time-consuming excursions with the new Spectra Preci-sion GL512 and GL522 grade lasers. The GL512 (single grade) and GL522 (dual-grade) offer horizontal level, grade and vertical plumb setup with no manual level-ing, a continuous, self-leveled 360-degree laser refer-ence over an entire work area, and a grade range of Technology.indd 2 12/22/09 1:35 PM