CAT AccuGrade Grade Control System
Accugrade BrochureCaterpillar is the first and only heavy equipment manufacturer with a machine control and guidance solution that is integrated throughout the product line. The Caterpillar AccuGrade™ system has been designed in conjunction with the Cat machines’ electro-hydraulic systems for maximum performance and response on a Cat machine. Many Cat machines are GPS Grade Control Ready as standard, which simplifies system installation and optimizes reliability. The AccuGrade™ Grade Control System brings to the customer an increase in productivity by up to 40 percent while reducing their site costs dramatically. The revolutionary Caterpillar solution is factory integrated, sensor-independent, and features a suite of products which includes cross slope, sonic, laser, GPS, and ATS technology.
AccuGrade Laser – 2D technology available for Track-Type Tractors and Motor Graders
The AccuGrade™ Laser Grade Control System is a high technology earthmoving tool designed for a wide range of construction earthwork applications requiring tight tolerances and high production rates. Laser grade control is so accurate in fact, that in many cases these systems are required in project specifications or by general contractors in the construction industry. Field-proven and versatile, the dual laser system is ideal for fine grading of sites with flat, single or dual slope surfaces, such as industrial, commercial and residential building sites. The AccuGrade System can significantly improve the productivity and accuracy of grading equipment – by as much as 50% over conventional methods. Click here to contact us for more information.
AccuGrade Cross Slope – 2D technology for Motor Graders
AccuGrade Cross Slope is a grade control system designed to control surface cross slope. Machine-mounted sensors are used to calculate necessary blade slope positioning to achieve desired cross slope of the surface. The system makes automatic adjustments to the left or right lift cylinder, typically performed by the operator. AccuGrade Cross Slope delivers all the information the operator needs to quickly and easily spread or cut material at the correct cross slope to the in-cab display. The operator can select which side of the blade to control automatically and swap direction on the return pass without readjusting the settings. Elevation is controlled manually by matching grade, or automatically by adding an elevation control device. Click here to contact us for more information.
AccuGrade Sonic – 2D technology for Motor Graders
AccuGrade® Sonic is a grade control system designed to control surface elevation. The sonic system uses an ultrasonic sensor to maintain the blade at the same relative vertical distance to an external reference, such as a string line or curb and gutter. The system makes automatic elevation adjustments typically performed by the operator when in cross slope only control. The operator simply steers the machine to maintain the sensor over the external reference. Click here to contact us for more information.
AccuGrade GPS – 3D available for Track-Type Tractors, Motor Graders, Excavators and Soil Compactors
The AccuGrade GPS control system is the best solution when the construction site involves contours, rather than single or dual slope planes. The AccuGrade 3D system uses GPS technology to compare the blade position to a three-dimensional computerized site plan and signals the operator or hydraulic system to raise or lower the blade to achieve the design requirements. Digital design data, in-cab operator guidance features and automatic blade controls help the operator achieve grade faster, meaning higher productivity, lower operating costs, and greater profitability. Click here to contact us for more information.
AccuGrade ATS – 3D available for Track-Type Tractors and Motor Graders
AccuGrade ATS is a high accuracy dynamic tracking system that uses an Advanced Tracking Sensor (ATS) to track a machine and monitor blade positioning. An ATS instrument on the work site is used to track a target, which is mounted on the blade of the machine, to determine precise 3D positioning. Click here to contact us for more information.
AccuGrade Grade Control System Components
GPS Receivers (MS980C) – Two GPS receivers with integrated antenna are mounted on top of masts on each side of the blade. GPS satellite signals received by the GPS receivers help define the horizontal and vertical position of the blade. The GPS receivers allow the system to precisely measure the machine’s blade location with real-time centimeter accuracy for precise blade control and machine guidance. Click here to contact us for more information.
Trimble CB450 Control Box
Designed for use in harsh construction environments, the Trimble CB450 Control Box gives the operator a full-color graphical display for easy viewing and guidance to grade. Features include:
- 4.3” (10.9 cm) full-color LCD display with adjustable backlight controls
- Audible tones for real-time grade guidance or warnings and alerts
- Four LED lightbars to provide grade guidance at a glance
Trimble CB460 Control Box
The Trimble CB460 Control Box is the premium display for all machine types in the Grade Control System portfolio. The CB460 offers the same key features as the CB450, plus:
- A large, easy-to-read 7” (17.78 cm) full-color LCD display
- Support for external lightbars
- Faster data transfer via Ethernet connection
Light Bars (LB400C)
Three light bars are mounted in the machine cab and provide vertical and horizontal guidance to the operator. Bright green indicates “on grade” and amber indicates “above” or “below” grade.