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How The Equipment Has Changed
There are many different opinions as to what machines should actually be classified as earth moving equipment. There are many different types of equipment that fall in this category, such as excavators, backhoe loaders, dump trucks, and even loaders.
Other machinery that falls in between are articulatedtrucks, wheel and track tractors, and even scrapers. The thin line is normally drawn at motor grades, which are more than capable or lightduty excavation, although they are mainly usedto level lots and grade roads.
If you take a glance at any equipment literaturefrom leading companies such as CAT, Komatsu, orCase, you'll see right away that they believe thebiggest and most important change over the lastseveral years is increased productivity. This isnormally followed by greater comfort and safety.
The increase in productivity is the result ofmany different advancements. CAT (Caterpillar)cites that more powerful engines with a fasterrise in torque which allows machines to respondfaster to increased power demands. Even thoughthis new generation is far more powerful, ithas a reduced impact on the environment as well.
ElectronicsMost of the newer machines have electronic control systems that will optimize both engineand transmission performance, as well as fuelconsumption and hydraulic system performance.
Take for example the CAT mid sized G serieswheel loaders that feature electronically controlledpowershift transmissions. Each and every transmission offers autoshift capabilities thatease the pressure on the operator, and an electronic clutch pressure control that smoothshifts the gears for longer life.
ComfortIn the industry, good operators are getting harderand harder to find. Manufacturers find themselvesstressing that operator comfort and convenienceneed to be taken into account not only to makethe job easier, but also more efficient and productive as well.
The new cab designs offer better visibility, reduced noise and vibration, and improved comfortas well. The new control systems will require lowoperator effort while also improving the controlof the machine for both the experienced as wellas the in-experienced operator.
Easier maintenanceAlmost all new machinery offers electronic monitoring systems that will provide constantinformation on the health of the machine for theoperator. These types of systems provide informationto technicians, including service modes that willhelp them to diagnose conditions quickly.
Now days, machines are designed to make routinemaintenance easier. With CAT's wheel loaders, regular service points are easy to access fromground level, with site gauges making it easierto check the fluid of the radiator, hydraulic oil,and transmission - without having to use dipsticks.
Changes for the betterIf you compare the excavation equipment of today with the machines of the past, you'll notice thatthe changes are better. The machines of the pastrelied more on operator skill and technique, asvery few of them had electronic features.
Today, almost all types of heavy machinery offerelectronic features. Electronics are a greatthing, as they can make the life of an operatoreasier than ever. You don't need to get out andcheck the fluids anymore, as all you need to dois take a look at your instrument panel, which canhelp to save you a lot of time.
Operators who have a lot of experience know firsthand that machines of the past can't begin tocompete with machines of today. With technologyalways getting better, it just makes you wonderwhat is in the future for heavy machinery. Yearsfrom now, one can only begin to wonder just greatheavy machinery will get - and what other featureswill make the life of an operator even easier thanit is now.
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