Komatsu’s new generation Intelligent Machine Control (iMC) technology represents a big stride forward in earthmoving machine control.
The iMC technology has been fitted to D61EXi-23, D65EXi-18, D85EXi-18 and D155AXi-8 dozers and one excavator model – the PC210LCi-10, and share common features including automated blade and bucket control which controls bulk excavation to final grades.
The system offers multiple automated dozing modes, with auto grade assist, auto stop control and minimum distance control for the excavator, which help finish jobs faster and more accurately.
The system is factory installed out of harm's way with all GNSS antennas, measuring units and stroke sensing hydraulic cylinders all part of the machine design so you can barely recognise the high tech earth movers from standard models.
The chassis mounted iMU+ measures the machine’s pitch and roll to ensure the bucket or blade remains on target on slopes or batters.
Komatsu’s technology solutions expert, Aaron Marsh said iMC delivered a range of benefits.
“It allows bulk dozing and excavation, along with grading and final trim operations, faster and to closer tolerances with fewer passes to achieve finish grades or excavation profiles.
“It also allows far more efficient machine use and less re-work - just dig or grade it once, then move on,” Mr Marsh said.
All 3D design data is loaded into the iMC machines doing away with the need for survey staking and even final inspection and means you can complete several tasks with one machine.
Achieving a quality graded finish with the back of the dozer blade in testing with a novice operator was no issue.
On the dozer, iMC controls blade elevation and tilt according to the target design data loaded into the machine remotely or on-site.
If the load on the blade is too much during initial bulk dozing the blade will rise to control the load and minimise track slip.
When the blade approaches the design grade, it will follow it - including tilt and angles - with millimetre accuracy.
Earthmoving can be checked on-the-go with the integrated as-built mapping display which collects surface data by measuring actual elevations as the machine operates.