Advanced Technologies on Next-Generation Crawler Excavators

Smart excavator solutions are redefining job site efficiency, safety and performance

On construction and excavating job sites where timelines are often critical and skilled labor may be in short supply, equipment that helps operators improve efficiency, productivity and safety can help keep projects on track.

Whether the job is installing a water line or leveling terrain for site development, today’s next-generation crawler excavators include smart technologies and user-friendly features that make these machines must-have tools — capable of saving companies time and money.

“Excavator manufacturers are constantly pushing the boundaries of what these machines can accomplish,” says Jacob Sherman, dealer and product marketing manager at DEVELON. “Consequently, these versatile machines have become indispensable.”

Learn about some of the latest excavator technology advancements that are delivering optimized performance on job sites.

Advancements in Excavator Design and Performance

When operators can perform jobs safely — and work efficiently on even the most compact of job sites — they can complete work faster using less fuel. New excavator cab designs that incorporate more glass and larger windows increase operator visibility to the front and sides of the machine for enhanced safety. The addition of cameras also helps improve safety. DEVELON offers a standard rearview camera and optional side view cameras for its crawler excavators. The side view and rearview cameras can be easily viewed by the operator on the cab’s LCD monitor.

Some manufacturers are now offering larger reduced tail swing models with a tighter front minimum swing radius. This design allows contractors to work in space-restricted areas — such as single-lane roadways — without sacrificing machine performance. With the reduced tail swing design, there’s less chance of damaging the machine when the operator turns the upper structure. DEVELON recently added a larger model, the DX350LCR-7, to its reduced tail swing excavator offerings, joining two smaller machines in the lineup.

Modern crawler excavators incorporate advanced engine design and technologies, such as low-emission and variable-speed diesel engines, which enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions during operation. Enhanced fuel injection systems and integrated electronic controls play a crucial role in significantly improving the fuel efficiency of diesel engines compared to those manufactured 15 to 20 years ago.

GPS Integration

The functions provided by GPS technology are growing increasingly important as the decrease in available skilled workers means more operations are relying on technology to fill the gap for some tasks. One example of innovative excavator features is 2D grade control, which empowers operators to work seamlessly along a single plane — such as a straight-line trench — from point A to point B. By utilizing sensors and controllers, the system can make real-time adjustments to achieve the precise slope and elevation required for the job. This eliminates the need for a worker to check trench depth manually and improves accuracy and efficiency in utility construction projects.

Advanced Hydraulic Systems

Electrohydraulic control systems use both electrical and hydraulic components to manage the excavator’s movements and functions: integrating electronic sensors, controllers and actuators with traditional hydraulic components. These systems may include a fully electronic joystick to manage excavator functions or a swinging sensor that measures the swinging motion of the excavator’s upper structure. These added capabilities increase precision and deliver more efficient control, so operators can complete cycle times faster and improve productivity. Electrohydraulic control systems in excavators can be easier for new operators to use compared to traditional manual controls, offering another incentive when recruiting new employees.

Excavator Telematics Integration

Telematics systems make it easy for contractors to remotely monitor and maintain their machines. Many of these excavator fleet management tools are available on user-friendly mobile apps as well as websites. Operations can track their machines remotely, helping to prevent theft and avoid unauthorized machine use. They can also track maintenance schedules and monitor such data as fuel consumption, idle time and oil pressure. This information can help them resolve issues faster to minimize downtime.

Enhanced Safety Features

Excavator technology and solutions that improve job site safety not only help protect operators — they can also save time and improve efficiency. Rearview cameras are often standard on crawler excavators, while additional options such as side view cameras and object detection systems are growing in popularity. Optional around view monitor (AVM) camera systems on DEVELON -7 Series crawler excavators display a full view of the machine’s surroundings, giving operators greater confidence when working in tight conditions. In some machines, AVM systems offer up to 360 degrees of visibility through the monitor inside the cab, allowing operators to better identify potential hazards and obstacles.

Tiltrotator Accessory Use

This excavator accessory provides contractors with added precision when using attachments. Operators simply set the controls from the display to move the arm and rotate or tilt an attachment simultaneously, efficiently and accurately without the need to reposition the excavator.

For underground contractor Vince Lallo, tiltrotator technology has saved significant labor time on commercial and residential projects in confined areas. He and his wife, Kristie Lallo, are the owners of Lallo Pipeline located near Medford, Oregon. The company specializes in sewer, main water and main storm drain work.

“We get into situations where we are working in tight areas around buildings and existing utilities with big pads. In the past, it created a lot of hand work, and we might have three or four laborers on the ground to grade and rake to prep it around those pads,” Lallo says. “The tiltrotator takes away all that time and labor, down to just a grade checker and the machine operator, which makes it a lot more efficient. We can do these jobs more efficiently now and with fewer employees.”

Smarter crawler excavator technologies allow contractors to become more efficient and more productive than ever — helping them complete projects faster and tackle more jobs with the labor they have.

Author Bio: Diane Heldt is Senior PR and Content Strategy Supervisor with Two Rivers Marketing, Des Moines, Iowa.