WOC Coverage: Bobcat Debuts Automatic Grade Control Option for Grader Attachment

The high technologies of automated grading are migrating to more and more small tool carrier equipment. A perfect example is the new Bobcat Company’s sonic tracer/slope sensor kit for its M-Series loaders, which it’s previewing at the World of Concrete, with a launch timeframe of March 2012. The new kit offers operators a form of automatic grade control in applications where lasers may not be suitable. Laser grading requires the jobsite to be on a plane, whereas the sonic/slope combination can follow nearly any terrain.

Much like a laser grading system, the sonic tracer/slope sensor kit provides contractors with accurate and automatic solutions by using four sensors mounted on the grader attachment. Two of the sensors help correct grading when going up and down hills, and when the blade is angled versus straight. The other two sensors provide the sonic tracer and slope sensor options.

The sonic tracer hangs off either side of the moldboard to keep the distance from it to a pre-determined reference point the same at all times. The slope sensor adjusts the opposite side of the moldboard to maintain consistent slope. Applications where this kit is most efficient include grading with a string line, matching an existing surface or previous pass and following existing curb and gutter.

Bobcat’s sonic tracer/slope sensor kit requires the use of the deluxe instrumentation panel on M-Series loaders, which allows the panel to provide real-time information on actual versus target slope. To increase ease-of-use and efficiency, all settings for the sonic tracer distance and slope are done on the panel, including the ability to:

1. Offset (move up or down) the sonic tracer distance.

2. Perform a reverse grade (one button allows the transition from positive to negative slope percentages, and vice versa).

3. Turn the sonic tracer off and still have the slope sensor run automatically, allowing the operator to control one side of the blade and the other side move to maintain the desired slope.

4. Operators that have optional Selectable Joystick Controls also have additional advantages as the sonic offset and grade changes can be made without taking their hands off the controls.

We’ll keep you updated as this new technologically awesome attachment comes to market. For more information, visit www.bobcat.com.