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  1. Kellogg Report

    Trimble or Topcon?

    The number of antennae on a 3D machine control system is a separate issue from the use of an inertial measurement unit. An explanation of the pros and cons of single vs. double mast can be found here: One antenna, two antennae? An explanation of a 3D machine control system with an IMU can...
  2. Kellogg Report

    Trimble or Topcon?

    Further to my post above, here are two press releases detailing how Topcon interfaces directly to the new CATs: Cat M interface T-series dozers Compare 3D Grade Control systems from all the manufacturers
  3. Kellogg Report

    Trimble or Topcon?

    Many CATs today come 'plumbed and wired' for CAT's own AccuGrade machine control system which is built for them by Trimble. However, Topcon may very well interface directly to the machines as well. You can plug their system directly into the new M and several of the new dozers. -Check with your...
  4. Kellogg Report

    Topcon Millimeter GPS vs Trimble GPS

    The original question was about laser augmentation of GPS machine control. Here's how Trimble/Cat and Topcon's system differ: GNSS-based 3D grade control systems have made a major impact on how earthmoving is done, but they still have limitations when it comes to meeting tight vertical...
  5. Kellogg Report

    Ocala Excavision

    Bigironjim is right. The reason these systems were not included is that they were not available at the time of my previous post.
  6. Kellogg Report

    Ocala Excavision

    Yesterday Topcon announced their X-22 excavator system which is a re-branding of the Norwegian DigPilot system mentioned previously.
  7. Kellogg Report

    Excavator GPS

    There are operators on this forum that can tell you about their experiences of owning the various brands. For a detailed comparison of the GPS excavator systems on the market and explanation of the various features, you can visit The Kellogg Report online. Compare GPS excavator systems
  8. Kellogg Report

    Trimble or Topcon?

    The answer to that question is no. CAT and Trimble do not offer a system with an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) like Topcon's 3D-MC2. There is another system that does, however. Leica's PowerGrade 3D offer their SP Technology add-on for dozers only. A full comparison of all four systems can...
  9. Kellogg Report

    Grade Controll

    Some systems have the option of using an external lightbar. This is really just a strip of LEDs that indicate cut/on grade/fill. The lightbar is mounted away from the control box so that it is more in the operator's line of sight. That way he can get the cut/fill information and still manage the...
  10. Kellogg Report

    Need GPS Equipment Help!

    It is impossible to predict if and how much interference you can expect to encounter in your area. Listening for radio activity using a hand held scanner will give you an idea of how crowded the band is right at this very moment, but can't predict what tomorrow will be like. If you are in a...
  11. Kellogg Report

    Need GPS Equipment Help!

    t_dirt is right. The MC-R3 receiver has a UHF radio built in and also celular modem capabilities should you want to run off a GPS network. (Meaning you wouldn't need a base). The MC-R3 complies with the current FCC regulations, so you don't need to worry. You still need to get licensed, though...
  12. Kellogg Report

    Need GPS Equipment Help!

    It is relatively easy to change the radio type in a 3D machine control system. Whether you choose UHF or 900MHz, you can always change it later. -But, at a cost, of course.
  13. Kellogg Report

    Need GPS Equipment Help!

    The UHF band (390-470MHz) is used throughout the world for surveying and machine control as it combines a reasonable bandwidth with good radio range. The popularity of this band results in frequent interference which may affect grading operations. A license to operate is required in many...
  14. Kellogg Report

    What does Accugrade option include on a cat 262c skid loader?

    The Trimble dealer can install a valve package so that you don't have to unlock the AccuGrade option. CAT has only promoted a single-receiver solution for their skid steers. Check with the dealer whether they offer a dual-receiver option. I don't know is if it's possible for the Spectra...
  15. Kellogg Report

    What does Accugrade option include on a cat 262c skid loader?

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  16. Kellogg Report

    Hit a rock with this!!!

    User feedback from Massie Contractor who bought the first 764HSD off the production line: Article in Grading & Excavation ---------------------------------------------- Compare 3D machine control systems for dozers
  17. Kellogg Report

    What does Accugrade option include on a cat 262c skid loader?

    You need something like the Spectra Precision Laser CB30 with two masts, two laser receivers and dual valves. This is essentially a rebranding of Apache's system which Trimble undertook after acquiring the company. I don't have pricing handy at the moment, but you can contact Trimble to...
  18. Kellogg Report

    What does Accugrade option include on a cat 262c skid loader?

    -Not sure exactly what you mean. A dual-grade laser does not require anything extra on the box blade. This laser will create a laser plane with two slopes, but the system will act the same. If you mean you want lift and tilt, then you have to add a second mast, receiver and valve. Likely...
  19. Kellogg Report

    Trimble or Topcon?

    DBarron doesn't say which Topcon system he tried on the 764, but most likely it was Topcon's 3D-MC2. This system is quite different from Trimble's GCS900 in that it uses an inertial measurement unit (IMU) mounted on the blade. This sensor can measure pitch, slope, yaw and acceleration in every...
  20. Kellogg Report

    What does Accugrade option include on a cat 262c skid loader?

    -Yes on both.
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