Case gives an overview of the innovative new developments to improve crawler-dozer efficiency.
The dozer was once considered one of the more difficult machines to master. However, it has not become considerably simpler to operate. The key trends that are driving innovation in the crawler dozer category are centred primarily around operator experience. This goes beyond comfortable cabs and easy-to-use controls.
When it comes to productivity on the jobsite, nothing beats a well-trained and experienced operator. Unfortunately, the industry is in a position where there are fewer and fewer seasoned operators in the workforce. These machines need a quick learning curve, and a big part of that is evolution and increased adoption of machine control. With this technology, contractors are able to see notable gains in productivity, reduced wear and tear on equipment, and significant reduction in labour.
The Case dealer network has recognized this evolution by increasing the total number of dealers and locations that are “precision certified,” having completed training that ensures that they are qualified to support contractors in this technology. The Case approach towards how machine control is incorporated into their dozer line is focussed scalability and long-term value and accessibility for the equipment buyer/seller. Case introduced Universal Machine Control in 2018 to give contractors more flexibility at the time of purchase to implement machine control systems, while also appealing to a broader spectrum of equipment owners as they eventually prepare to put the machine out on the secondary market.
Universal Machine Control allows contractors to buy the machine from the factory with a universal blade guidance system harness, universal machine brackets and mounts, and universal jumpers to integrate into any of the major machine control systems on the market. Any contractor now can take a Case dozer with universal machine control and integrate it directly into any fleet-wide machine control deployment.
Another option that Case offers is the SiteControl CoPilot system, a simple 1D solution comprised of an inertial measurement unit (IMU), wiring harness and in-cab display. The affordable and easy-to-use system allows operators to set a desired slope/grade reference, and the system automatically holds that slope/grade without the need for lasers, masts or GPS. This allows both seasoned and less-experienced operators to easily achieve and maintain a smooth surface, slope or grade throughout a work area, and can help eliminate the need for additional passes and re-work while reducing fuel costs, labour costs and machine maintenance intervals. Case also offers an on-cab dozer GPS machine control system. This innovative system eliminates the need for masts affixed to the dozer blade, improving operator visibility to the work site, minimizing opportunity for damage and related downtime, and simplifying transportation of the machine.
The M series also features a hydrostatic transmission that is able to deliver good drawbar pull while achieving up to 10 percent greater fuel economy over the previous generation of machines. Today’s dozer technology has significantly improved the overall operator experience and makes it much easier for users to get up to speed on operation. This includes control customizations that allow the operator to better tailor machine performance to jobsite conditions, including the ability to set blade sensitivity, steering sensitivity and shuttle sensitivity to smooth, moderate or aggressive. This allows the operator to adjust machine responsiveness and controls to their preferences and ground conditions. An electro-hydraulic joystick further simplifies operation by providing better feel and responsiveness to the operator. We’ve also included a grading mode that reduces blade speed by 40 percent for increased accuracy and ultimately easier operation.
There are dedicated buttons for automatic Blade Shake to help with shedding material off the blade, and a Fine Grading command, which instantly cuts blade speed by 40 percent for increased accuracy. Source