Trimble launches lower-cost excavator grade control system

Trimble has launched a lower-cost configuration of its Earthworks grade control platform for excavators. Image: Trimble

The new setup uses two Trimble DA2 GNSS receivers and is designed to reduce the upfront cost of adopting 3D grade control while retaining the positioning capability needed for excavation work.

Trimble said the configuration is intended for contractors that want to introduce 3D workflows without investing in its higher-specification machine control hardware.

It incorporates the company’s ProPoint positioning engine, which Trimble said is designed to maintain positioning accuracy in challenging operating environments.

The system is available through a Trimble Works subscription, which also includes the company’s WorksManager software for transferring and managing project data between the field and office.

Trimble said the subscription model is intended to further reduce the initial cost of adopting the technology and allow contractors to expand machine control across more machines over time.

Cameron Clark, senior director of earthmoving solutions at Trimble, said, “We know that every minute of downtime or poor performance equals lost revenue for our customers, so we are pleased to announce a full 3D machine control solution available as a subscription that enables cost-sensitive customers to improve productivity and profitability.”

He added that the company expects the lower-cost configuration to allow customers to adopt machine control earlier and expand its use across larger fleets.