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What Is Construction Equipment Built-In Technology?
Construction equipment built-in technology like 2D grading systems, payload systems, Smart Attachments and more can help you be more efficient on the job. Cat® Ambassador Tom Gardocki shares how they’ve helped change his job sites for the better.
CAITLIN MADDOCK-BAHR | Social Media & Digital Strategy Manager
Technology has changed the game for many construction businesses and operators over the last decade, including Cat® Ambassador Tom Gardocki of New Era Excavation LLC. Construction equipment built-in technology that comes with many of today’s machine models has been a huge help for him and his team on the job, and he shares his tips for how to make the most of it.
What Is Construction Equipment Built-In Technology?
Construction equipment on-board technology includes everything from grading systems, like 2D grade and 3D grade for excavators and dozers to payload systems on things like excavators and wheel loaders to Smart Attachments for skid steer loaders to excavator tiltrotators. In most cases, these technologies come pre-loaded onto the machine or open additional in-machine features once plugged in. They’re designed to help make operating the equipment much easier.
How Do You Use Construction Equipment Built-In Technology?
Tom and his team have found plenty of uses for construction equipment built-in technology on their job sites.
They own a Cat D5 Dozer with on-board Assist features, which allows them to set blade pitch and slope. It’s been especially helpful on job sites that don’t need GPS, like gravel parking lots and house lots, because it lets them set everything up without the need for a laser.
They also own a Cat 335 Excavator with built-in 2D grade control which they use often to dig foundations on house lots.
“I like the fact that it has the ability to prevent the stick from moving past a certain point to keep it from hitting the cab or to stay under a certain height, like when working under a bridge or power lines,” Tom says.
Their 335 has the added bonus of a payload system. They can set their target weight on the excavator when filling trucks to help them prevent overfilling.
And Tom also finds plenty of use for some plug-and-play technologies on the job too. He’s tried Smart Attachments and found that they make operating and using those attachments much easier than normal, thanks to integrated features on the machines. He also uses a tiltrotator on one of his mini excavators and finds the same ease of use and seamless integration.
How Do Construction Equipment Built-In Technologies Help Your Business?
For Tom and his crew, construction equipment built-in technology is all about creating more efficiency and safety on their job sites.
For example, with their payload system, they can also put it in weight mode which allows them to pick up a heavy object on the job and see the object’s weight, plus how much of their excavator capacity is being used to lift the object.
“In terms of being safe and making sure you’re not lifting something too heavy to the point that you’ll tip over, the machine can take some of that risk out,” Tom notes.
These technologies also make Tom and his crew much more productive.
“With 2D grade control, for example, it’s eliminating that person on the ground,” Tom says. “It doesn’t mean you need to fire the person who was doing that, but it does mean for us that they can go do something more productive.”
How Do You Get Started with Construction Equipment Built-InTechnology?
Which technology you start with depends on the application you need it for, but Tom recommends reaching out to your local Cat dealer if you’re interested in getting started.
“You’re getting the added benefit of dealer support with the technology built-in to the equipment, which is definitely helpful,” Tom comments.
CAITLIN MADDOCK-BAHR
Social Media & Digital Strategy Manager
Caitlin Maddock-Bahr exercises her storytelling expertise as a social media & digital strategy manager. In this role, she not only helps Caterpillar connect with their audience, but helps customers connect with the brand.
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