Cat Grade Technology
Cat Grade Technology

Get Out In Front With Cat® Grade Technology

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In general, grade technologies automate or control a range of machine functions that simplify and improve operations on a wide variety of construction machines, including dozers, motor graders and hydraulic excavators.
 

WHAT DO THESE SYSTEMS DO?

Cat® Grade technology performs these key functions:

  • Some guide operators to grade through a visual cab display—showing where to cut and fill and giving feedback along the way.
  • Some control the blade or bucket automatically—eliminating or greatly reducing manual effort.
  • Some do both.
  • Some are now integrated standard features.


WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST BENEFITS?

Even with the simplest types of grade technology, contractors find that they:

  • Achieve grade in fewer passes, resulting in up to 45 percent improvement in grading efficiency
  • Improve material efficiency
  • Move material right the first time, minimizing costly rework
  • Improve grading and compacting accuracy
  • Reduce job costs, surveying needs and fuel usage
  • Keep people safely off the ground and out of trenches
  • Improve operator performance and reduce training needs
     

WHAT IS GRADE WITH ASSIST?

Cat Grade with Assist brings grading speed and accuracy to a new level by automating boom and bucket movements for the operator. This significantly reduces manual inputs, errors and fatigue so grading consistency and accuracy is better for operators of all experience levels.
 

2D vs. 3D Grade: What's the Difference?

Like most manufacturers, Caterpillar offers 2D and 3D systems.

 

2D Systems

Work on flat planes and slopes

Use an external point of reference (stringline, curb or laser)

Use one or more of these sensing technologies: slope, rotation, sonic, laser

Cost less than 3D

Require less infrastructure (no additional surveyors, design managers, base stations or data radios)

Work well when job conditions and applications rarely change

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3D Systems

Work on planes, slopes, contours and complex curves

Use an internal point of reference (digital design plan)

Use one or more 2D sensors + GPS/GNSS receiver or Universal Total Station

Cost more than 2D

Require additional infrastructure (people, base stations, data radios)

Work well when job conditions and applications are always changing
 

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DON'T ASSUME YOU NEED 3D

You may depend on GPS to find a gas station or your next cup of coffee, but that doesn’t mean you need it on your heavy equipment. 2D systems are simple, less expensive and easily upgraded to 3D. So before you make any decisions, talk it over with your Cat dealer.


SO WHAT'S THE PAYBACK?

Every situation is unique, but studies show Cat Grade technologies can improve productivity by up to 45 percent—and pay for themselves in about six months.

Plus, Cat Grade technologies offer added value in safety features such as E-fence. The E-fence feature automatically stops excavator motion using boundaries you set in the monitor for the entire working envelope—above, below, sides and front. E-fence protects equipment from damage and reduces fines related to zoning or underground utility damage. Automatic boundaries even help prevent operator fatigue by reducing over-swinging and over-digging.

Take a look at all the advantages grade technology can bring to your next job. Talk to your Cat dealer or learn more at cat.com.

 

Improve with Cat Grade Technology

Cat Grade technology pays for itself. Get more insight into your equipment and operations than ever before.

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