As the road and bridge construction industry endures an inevitable shift toward sustainable and alternative solutions, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are introducing technologies to that increases efficiency.
In the wheel loader 200 horsepower and up category, OEMs like Caterpillar have added assisted technologies to its loaders. This could help address industry issues such as the ongoing operator shortages.
Caterpillar’s loaders in the category currently feature AutoDig, Cat Payload with Assist and ProductLink.
The company will soon add Collision Warning with Motion Inhibit, which uses Cat Smart Cameras and motion detection technology to stop machine movement when a hazard is nearby, according to an article from Roads and Bridges’ sister publication, Construction Equipment.
“Motion Inhibit supports operator awareness and site safety by preventing machines from moving until the area is clear,” said Todd Farmer, Caterpillar product manager for construction digital technology, to Construction Equipment. “It will launch as a factory option by the end of the year, but there will be a retrofit kit available for our Next Generation loaders.”
Scott Schmidtgall, Caterpillar’s product application specialist for medium wheel loaders, said profiles in the latest Cat wheel loaders, including truck loading and dozing, allow operators to change multiple application-based operating settings with one button.
“There’s also Cat Advanced Payload with Assist, with features like Tip Off Assist that automatizes load adjustment of the final bucket to match the hauling unit’s target,” said Schmidtgall.
Develon has made Transparent Bucket technology standard on its wheel loaders over 200 horsepower.
“The Transparent Bucket allows operators to see through the bucket using cameras mounted on the wheel loader,” said Bill Zak, Develon wheel loader product manager, to Construction Equipment.
For this, two cameras are mounted on the front of the loader. One is on top of the cab, the other on the bottom of the loader. When initiated, an algorithm kicks in and merges the two video feeds to create a “ghost image” that shows the operator what may be obstructed by the bucket, according to Construction Equipment.
Zak said Develon’s Dash 7 Series wheel loader has Situational Awareness technology. “This technology automatically monitors the wheel loader’s activity and adjusts engine output to match real- time requirements of the hydraulic system and drivetrain—whether the operator is loading, lifting or hauling.”
The article referenced in this story originally ran as ‘OEMs boost technology offerings on large wheel loaders’ on Construction Equipment, an Endeavor Business Media partner site.
