Level Up Your Compact Track Loader (Grade Control, Telematics, Automation, Oh My)
Incorporating technology solutions into your compact track loaders operations can benefit everyone on a jobsite, from the machine operators to the fleet owners. Machinery is constantly evolving and innovating to help you work smarter, not harder, to tackle whatever the job throws at you. Eliminating rework, combatting labor shortages, improving job site safety and increasing efficiency are just a few of the advantages customers can experience by adding technology on to their compact track loaders.
Grade Management Systems
The introduction of grade management systems onto compact track loaders will expand the capabilities of customers working in site development, roadbuilding, landscaping, and residential and commercial building operations by enabling them to take on new tasks and larger jobs that require exceptional accuracy. On the job site, you can only afford to move dirt once. With grade control, operators automatically complete grading tasks faster with fewer passes and less rework. This technology levels the playing field with contractors running larger fleets. The enhanced accuracy of various positioning systems allows precise control of grades and contours in several applications, reducing material overages when using machine control, also saving significant revenue. Leveraging grade control systems increase efficiency on the job site significantly by automatically checking your grade levels and making necessary adjustments to ensure an accurate and level ground. Looking past increased productivity and accuracy, this technology also improves your team’s safety and limits the number of workers needed on-site at a given time. Grade control systems do the work for you, eliminating the need for staking and grade checkers to be placed in dangerous positions.
Machine Telematics
We have seen industry trends lean more toward remote access to critical machine information. A machine telematics system provides operators with just that. This solution helps operators stay on top of machine monitoring which ultimately helps the machine run better and extend its lifespan.
One of the major benefits of machine telematics is asset allocation. Telematics data can remotely monitor your fleet, showcasing how often and for how long your machines are running. Access to this information can help operators determine if they are underusing or overusing certain machines, ensuring your machines are being used efficiently and machine life is being prioritized. Additionally, machine telematics can also grant you vital information on machine maintenance and repairs. This technology makes it easy to view a machine’s daily operation hours, helping contractors plan downtime for maintenance or repairs during off-hours to maximize uptime and productivity. Operators can also get immediate alerts for machine diagnostic trouble codes, preventing failures.
In addition to getting ahead of machine maintenance, using telematics on your compact track loaders can support uptime through machine security. Machine telematics can help contractors track the location of their equipment to ensure its security, as machine loss due to theft can erode a company’s bottom line. Contractors can also reduce their bottom line by monitoring when the machine is working and when it is idling, saving unnecessary fuel costs and optimizing productivity.
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Visibility Enhancements
Visibility should be amongst the highest priorities when choosing a compact track loader because it enables operators to not only view the jobsite from inside the cab, but also helps them be more precise and productive. Increasing visibility allows operators to have a heightened awareness of their surroundings so that they can operate safely. In order to provide operators with supreme visibility, there should be a clear line of sight under the boom arms to be able to see the tracks and tires, even when the boom is down. Additionally, some manufacturers offer rear visibility with a low, sloped hood and a high cross-tube on the upper-linkage. Increased visibility also helps operators maneuver in tight spaces and avoid damage to the machine or jobsite, providing operators with optimal safety on the job. Additionally, enhanced lighting is a key element that can improve compact track loader operator visibility during use. Elements like a LED light package can amplify lighting output to increase light projected both in-front and behind the machine. Also significantly improving jobsite awareness are rearview camera options, available on most advanced compact track loaders. These cameras allow operators to backup heavy machinery with confidence knowing they have full observability to their site, crew and projected path.
Machine Automation
Compensate for long hours, bad weather, heavy materials, and labor shortages with jobsite and machine automation. This technology has been widely adopted by the industry as it helps the machines in your fleet work smarter together. Machine Automation largely attributes to higher productivity, improved safety, decreased uptime and an overall better bottom line. But more importantly, it makes the on-site execution more efficient, allowing project teams to eliminate mistakes and better coordinate the workforce. Many customers like productivity-enhancing features like assisted auto-shift or steering systems. These systems allow operators to control their machines without the inching pedal making for easier and faster control.
Automation is also available on select compact track loader attachment options. When pairing attachments and technology in the machine, even the most novice operators can complete work with precision and ease. By implementing technology into attachment usage, you don’t need to be the most experienced operator to complete jobs efficiently. Ride control, return-to-dig, boom height kickout control simplify operation and improve performance for compact loader operators as they assist in the control of buckets during operation. Operators are encouraged to explore new attachment options to expand their capabilities and enhance performance on the job.
Operator Comfort
Technology surrounding operator comfort is another trending area in technology. Operators want to be comfortable and confident they can work through any condition without sacrificing safety on the job. As comfortable cab conditions and improved camera technology become a standard in compact equipment, it will become an important factor to help with increasing productivity on the jobsite. Key features for operators include a spacious and pressurized cab that minimizes outside noise levels and keeps water and dust out. A simple yet effective feature to increase operator comfort is the placement of machine controls. Easy-to-reach and convenient controls allow for repetitive movements to take place easier meaning that operators will not tire out as quickly throughout the day. An HVAC system is also ideal for most operators and can suit temperature needs in a variety of climates. These compact track loader features offer ideal operator comforts to help mitigate frustrations and increase productivity on the job.
There are a variety of different ways a CTL can be enhanced to meet the needs of the ever-changing jobsite. When looking to incorporate new tech on the job, operators should always review their manufacturer-provided training manuals and wear the necessary protective gear to keep themselves safe and ensure their machines are up and running on the job properly. Customers looking to equip their CTLs with the latest technology should contact their dealers to learn more.
Luke Gribble is a solutions marketing manager with John Deere.
