In general, grading technologies automate or control a series of machine functions that simplify and improve operations on a wide variety of construction equipment, including dozers, motor graders and excavators. They guide operators during rough and finish grading, so the work gets done with fewer passes. Cat® Grade automated, intuitive controls can reduce hands-on operator input by up to 80%. These technologies are also easy to integrate and learn, so even less experienced operators can work like seasoned pros. That’s a huge asset when both skilled labour and training hours are hard to come by.
What does Cat® Grade technology do?
These systems carry our key functions and some of them will become standard equipment on the most recent models. Some systems guide operators visually, indicating where to cut and fill using data supplied by the machine. Others control the blade or bucket, automatically, considerably reducing or even eliminating manual control, and some systems do both.
The main benefits
Even with the simplest grading technologies, contractors quickly find that these systems make their lives easier and deliver better performance on several levels:
Better results in fewer passes
Up to 45% more grading efficiency and better operator performance
Improvements in materials usage
Moving materials right the first time, minimizing costly rework
Reduce job costs, surveying needs and fuel usage
Improving safety by keeping workers off the ground and away from machinery Cat® Grade with cross slope
The integrated system with cross slope control enables operators to grade more quickly and with greater precision by automating the cross slope of the blade – so they can do more work in less time. While the operator controls the height at one end o
f the blade, Cat®Grade maintains the cross slope by automatically adjusting the other end of the blade in accordance with the vehicles movements.
What machines is Cat®Grade technologies available on?
Cat® Grade is available for:
- Dozer
- Excavators
- Motor graders
The system for dozers
Greater productivity compared with traditional grading
With productivity rates up to 50% higher, Cat®Grade dozer technology lets you reach your grading objectives more precisely and more quickly with fewer passes – for better quality and less do-overs. The system also reduces dependence on string lines and controller intervention.
By making fewer passes, fuel consumption is reduced. The system also reduces time spent waiting for grade checkers and eliminates costly materials overruns. At the end of the day, the technology is a great investment that pays real dividends.
Less active operator movement
Easy access to cut-and-fill data and intuitive, automated controls improve speed and precision while reducing operator error and do-overs. That lowers the number of inputs overall and reduces operator fatigue.
>>Find out more about the system for dozers
The system for excavators
For faster grading and digging
With its precision guidance of the bucket during excavation and cutting of slopes, Cat® Grade for excavators lets operators grade quickly and with greater precision – the first time. Work can be completed up to 45% faster and with fewer passes, reducing fuel consumption and minimizing costly re-work. It also reduces wear and tear on the machine and extends its working life.
Improves operator performance
Adding grading automation in the cabin lets machine operators, both new and experienced, cut precision grades and slopes. The intuitive, automated controls reduce error, do-overs and operator fatigue.
By reducing the need to install pickets and to verify progress outside the cabin, an operator’s work becomes much safer. The system alerts the operator when the attachment or bucket reaches a predefined depth, which gives them more time to concentrate on the work environment rather than on machine control.
>>Find out more about the system for excavators
The system for motor graders
For greater precision and productivity
Cat®Grade for motor graders helps reach grading objectives more quickly with fewer passes. The system results in better results and less rework. It also reduces reliance on string lines and grade checkers.
By making fewer passes, fuel consumption can be reduced by up to 20%. The system also reduces valuable time spent waiting for grade checkers and helps save on expensive materials overruns.
Fewer errors, better safety.
Easy access to cut and fill data and intuitive, automated controls improve speed and precision while reducing errors and rework. By lowering the number of required inputs, operator fatigue is also reduced.
>>Find out more about the system for motor graders
Should I choose a 2D or 3D of Cat® Grade technology?
Like most manufacturers, Caterpillar offers both 2D and 3D systems. Don’t know where to start? A number of options are available, starting with simple 2D systems – a great way to get familiar with the technology – up to systems that harness the power of GNSS satellite technology. With all this potential available to you, it’s not how to start that’s the main thing. What’s critical is that you start, so you won’t get left behind in your market. In fact, with grading technology potentially saving tens of thousands of dollars on a typical project, it gives contractors an enormous advantage when it comes to bidding on jobs. An advantage that pays for itself in just a few contracts!
