Caterpillar's Cat Command Remote Control is now available for the 374 and 395 crawler excavators and the D5, D6, and D7 crawler dozers.
The system is designed to remove operators from potentially hazardous job sites by offering remote machine operation from a safe distance. This is meant to eliminate safety risks and reduce injuries from climbing on and off machines.
For excavators, users can control dig, lift, and tracking functions from outside the cab. Caterpillar says the technology enhances safety and improves machine productivity on a range of projects like operating in unstable underfoot conditions, brownfields, shore work, demolition, and stevedoring. It also allows production to restart immediately following disruptive processes, such as blasting in quarry applications.
Next generation dozers are shipped from the factory remote ready, making field installation fast with only a few additional parts required. With Command fully integrated with the machine’s electronic and hydraulic systems, remote operation delivers quick response, smooth control and virtually no latency, the company says.
Cat Command allows remote operation of dozers in applications such as overburden/reclamation work, ripping overburden or leach pads, slurry pond dozing, and operation around hazardous materials or unstable surfaces.
Two remote options
The excavator Command console offers quick transition to line-of-sight machine control at the job site through a lightweight, compact console, supported by a comfortable shoulder harness. With no on-site communications infrastructure required, it is ideal for temporary or emergency remote operation. Using either a 900 MHz or 2.4 GHz frequency communications protocol, the console offers a machine control range reaching up to 437 yards, managing excavator functions with virtually no response delay. If the remote shutdown switch is pressed, wireless communication is lost or the console is tilted more than 45 degrees, built-in safety features stop all excavator movements.
The dozer Command console line-of-site (LOS) system supports multiple assist technologies the operator would have from inside the cab, including traction control, AutoCarry, and stable blade. Unlocking with an electronic access card, the console can be configured to control another machine equipped with Command by changing out an RFID chip. Its lithium-ion battery provides a quick charge and long run times in varying ambient temperatures, Cat says. Built-in safety features stop all dozer movements if the remote shutdown switch is pressed, wireless communication is lost, or the console is tilted more than 45 degrees.
The Command station for both excavators and dozers provides non-line-of-site operation from the comfort of an air-conditioned office on-site or many miles away, as distance is limited only by the capabilities of the wireless network. By eliminating the fatigue-inducing vibration of machine movements in the cab, operators can work with less fatigue, according to the company. The configurable station features a similar feel to the cab with familiar controls, complete with pedals, joysticks, adjustable seat, switches, and storage. Multiple screen displays offer important visuals.
Source: Caterpillar
