Higher productivity. Better accuracy. Lower costs. A safer site. With so many advantages — and such quick payback — the decision to use a grade control system on your excavators is pretty much a no-brainer. What IS a tough choice? Determining which of the many systems available is the right fit for your operation. Start by identifying what you want, then match the technology to your needs:
I want to measure excavation depth and distance and help operators work more accurately.
Start simple with 2D. These indicate-only systems provide elevation and slope guidance to operators in the cab, helping them reach grade quicker — saving time, labor and fuel costs. They can also eliminate the need for most ground stakes, making your site safer.
Technologies like Cat Grade with 2D are ideal for general applications like digging and grading basements, footings, foundations, utility trenches, slopes and drainage ditches.
I want to add in-field design capabilities.
Step up to a more advanced 2D system. These technologies deliver all the capabilities and benefits of a standard 2D system — plus give you the ability to create and work to basic site designs. An in-cab display indicates bucket position while audio alerts tell operators when they’ve reached the desired grade. Operators can easily adjust depth and grade while keeping their hands on the controls.
Cat Grade with Advanced 2D is a great solution if you want to maintain precision across larger sites and more complex jobs like site pads and septic systems.
I want a solution for complicated projects and multiple machines across a jobsite.
Add real-time satellite positioning guidance with a 3D system. Featuring greater design functionality and technology than 2D systems, 3D grade control tackles complex contours and curves with ease. GPS and GNSS systems identify each machine’s exact bucket location and ensure your operators dig to plan. Bucket positioning and guidance functions help operators achieve accurate grades in the fewest passes.
Cat Grade with 3D is a smart choice for jobs that demand the highest levels of accuracy, including commercial site projects and large infrastructure, civil, heavy and highway projects.
I want to automate grade adjustments for even more accuracy.
On a Cat excavator, you can supplement any of the options above with Grade with Assist. This semi-autonomous system automates boom and bucket movements — using machine position sensors and operator-defined depth and slope parameters to activate single-lever digging. The result is more accurate cuts with fewer manual inputs, reduced errors and less operator fatigue.
For any size operation, and any type of project, there’s a grade control system that can make you more efficient, productive and profitable. Every situation is unique, but our studies show that Cat Grade technologies can improve productivity by up to 50% and pay for themselves in about six months. Don’t let the number of options keep you from diving in — you can’t afford to miss out on the rewards.
