Excavator technology team up from Volvo CE and Topcon

Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has updated the Active Control system of its crawler excavators, allowing the machines to work with Topcon’s 3D-MC positioning system.

The integration of the Topcon 3D-MC software means that operators of select models in its 20 to 35-tonne EC range can now use the semi-autonomous digging functions of the Active Control to excavate to grade.

Particularly suited for use on larger, more complex projects, the integration of the two technologies enables operators to accurately excavate trenches, grade slopes or create site profiles by automating the digging process.

According to Volvo, Topcon’s 3D-MC positioning system provides operators with realistic 3-dimensional images, which helps them replicate tasks to the same level each time, complete them much more quickly, and “reduce costly errors”.

It said, “Excavating to grade to produce the same uniform results day after day will always be a task for skilled operators, but there are tools available to help improve performance and streamline the process.

“Volvo Active Control helps operators of all skill levels by automating the digging process and now, thanks to integration with Topcon 3D-MC, a market leader in positioning systems, an abundance of new and more complex projects will be possible.”

Accessible through Volvo’s Dig Assist suite of tools, the most recent update of Topcon 3D-MC for Volvo includes over-the-air access to Sitelink3D, support for LandXML files, a refreshed graphical user interface and an over-the-air remote support function.

While the factory-installed technology is available with the Volvo EC220E, EC250E, EC300E and EC350E crawler excavators in Europe, Oceania and Asia, only the EC220E, EC250E and EC300E are currently available in North America.