Trimble has introduced a new version of its machine control system, further expanding the mix of machines supported to now include wheel loaders.

This demonstrates the US company’s continued commitment to meet the contractor’s needs for construction technology across a mixed fleet and for all phases of the project life cycle.

The Trimble GCS900 Grade Control System version 12.81 release includes a new 3D configuration for wheel loaders, broadening the range of machine types supported. Contractors can realise a higher and more rapid return on their investment in technology by using Trimble machine control components on a variety of machines and for more applications, according to a company spokesman.

“Trimble GCS900 version 12.81 means big productivity gains for contractors who operate wheel loaders,” says Ryan Kunisch, marketing director for Trimble’s civil engineering and construction division. “We have seen up to a 40 per cent increase in productivity for material placement and grading activities and typically a 25 per cent reduction in undercutting when the GCS900 system is used.”

The new configuration for wheel loaders allows contractors to realise productivity gains in both fine and rough grading applications. Operators can precisely control the amount of material being graded, improve fine grading accuracy and time, and reduce the potential for undercutting the surface during material placement or removal.

Using a wheel loader equipped with GCS900, contractors can track material weight with a Trimble Loadrite weighing system. In addition, material placement and grade can be monitored by adding a VisionLink Project Monitoring subscription for a more accurate and complete picture of project progress.

The Trimble GCS900 Grade Control System version 12.81 is available now globally through the Sitech dealer channel.

Trimble is a leading innovator of productivity solutions for the civil engineering and construction sectors. Its solutions leverage a variety of technologies, including global navigation satellite system (GNSS), construction lasers, total stations, wireless data communications, the Internet, and application software. As part of the Trimble Connected Site strategy, these solutions provide a high-level of process and workflow integration from the design phase through to the finished project – delivering significant improvements in productivity throughout the construction lifecycle.

Solutions are focused on applications requiring position or location — including surveying, construction, agriculture, fleet and asset management, public safety and mapping. In addition to utilising positioning technologies, such as global positioning systems (GPS), lasers and optics, Trimble solutions include software content specific to the needs of the user.