Technology – Construction Publications Inc

Manitowoc’s cloud-based platform helps crane owners and technicians streamline daily tasks, resolve jobsite challenges and more

Alissa B — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 19:56:52 +0000

Crane news

Four good reasons to add Grove Connect

Manitowoc’s cloud-based platform helps crane owners and technicians streamline daily tasks, resolve jobsite challenges and more

As construction equipment becomes increasingly digital, cranes have transformed from lift machinery to intelligent tools that boost jobsite productivity. Now, innovations in remote diagnostics, such as Manitowoc’s powerful Grove CONNECT cloud-based platform, are revolutionizing construction sites and transforming operations through streamlined support and easer maintenance.

Grove CONNECT simplifies crane ownership in four key areas — saving time, optimizing workflows, reducing jobsite challenges, and making the workday easier and more productive.

Four key benefits of the system include:

Access: With remote diagnostics in real time, you can check your crane’s performance and status anytime, and monitor the availability of every crane on-site instantly, no matter where you are
Assist: Enable your team to manage crane operations and maintenance directly from their mobile devices and troubleshoot remotely
Analytics: Gain access to reports based on stored cloud data for crane utilization, performance, geo position, fuel consumption and predictive maintenance
Admin: Streamline fleet management by seamlessly managing companies, subsidiaries, users and cranes

Patrick Stelter, Grove’s Parts and Service Product & Marketing Manager, said the system saves time and delivers deeper insights.

“There’s immediate feedback on the crane’s performance, maintenance schedules and more,” stated Stelter. “Unlike reporting issues over the phone, there’s much less room for confusion. This enables service technicians to confirm any issues upfront, avoiding wasted time on the jobsites or in the parts depot. Grove CONNECT is now standard on all new all-terrain cranes fitted with Manitowoc’s Crane Control System. It’s free during the warranty period and then available on a subscription basis.”

Single crane or entire fleet

Grove CONNECT users can manage a single crane or an entire fleet. It spans different locations and can be used by customers and dealers to cover all their fleet management needs.

“After a crane’s warranty expires, it can sometimes be difficult to know what it’s been doing, but with Grove CONNECT, we can support our customers,” said Markus Paulini, Telematics Manager for Mobile Cranes, Manitowoc. “When you consider that many cranes have a 25-year lifespan, it will be a really useful function in the future that will also build stronger trust.”

My Komatsu gives you an easy way to collect, view and monitor machine information from Komatsu and non-Komatsu equipment

Alissa B — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 04:09:22 +0000

Tech talk

Make the most of your telematics data

My Komatsu gives you an easy way to collect, view and monitor machine information from Komatsu and non-Komatsu equipment

Telematics data can help drive results for business operations, but only when it’s collected and analyzed efficiently. My Komatsu, Komatsu’s comprehensive digital hub, analyzes telematics data from your on-machine technology — including Komtrax, Komtrax Plus and ISO API 15143-3 (AEMP 2.0) data from other OEMs — and displays it on easy-to-read dashboards. With My Komatsu, you can access data that’s generated by Komatsu and non-Komatsu equipment anytime, from anywhere.

My Komatsu minimizes your logins and helps you see your data all in one place. ISO integration and analytics are included as standard features with your registration. ISO API 15143-3 (AEMP 2.0) computer code allows fleet managers to integrate new digital telematics data into existing fleet management systems, letting you see your complete fleet, pull operation reports and set alerts.

“It’s a huge benefit in time and cost savings that you can monitor an entire fleet on a single platform, regardless of OEM,” said Tommy Hergenreder, North American Manager, Digital Product, Komatsu. “Another is that Komatsu doesn’t charge for connecting other APIs, which some OEMs do. Currently, there is a long list of other manufacturers that you can get API credentials for, and it’s growing all the time.”

Komtrax data flows to Komtrax storage, while ISO 15143-3 (AEMP 2.0) facilitates the extraction and raw data to your choice of database. My Komatsu connects telematics data from all machines or accesses it through monitoring and analysis services to create powerful analytics dashboard views.

Benefit your bottom line

With My Komatsu, you can:

Get actionable information to monitor machines and help guide decisions
Quickly view and manage data on one dashboard
Receive maintenance alerts and order parts
Troubleshoot to minimize downtime
Monitor for theft and unauthorized use
Benchmark machine performance
Track fuel consumption and manage fuel efficiency

Available data points with My Komatsu vary by OEM and machine applications, but they generally include last known location, engine status, cumulative operating hours and more.

“One API credential from the OEM covers all of that manufacturer’s machines that you may have and want to input into your My Fleet page on My Komatsu,” said Andrew Casey, Digital Solutions Analyst, Komatsu. “This is a very cost-effective, convenient solution to managing a mixed fleet without any additional cost to implement My Komatsu.”

RCS Grading Inc. leverages Komatsu Smart Construction solutions to drive precision and productivity

Alissa B — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 03:58:42 +0000

Customer success story

Grading beyond expectations

RCS Grading Inc. leverages Komatsu Smart Construction solutions to drive precision and productivity

Specializing in mass grading and storm drainage, RCS Grading Inc. takes on large residential subdivisions, typically handling projects that move between 100,000 and 500,000 yards of earth. The company uses a wide range of Komatsu equipment, including 45 intelligent machine control (IMC) dozers and excavators.

“The Komatsu D51PXi was a game-changer for us,” shared Elisha Godfrey, Vice President of Operations. “It’s an incredibly balanced machine that integrates seamlessly with our technology needs. Our operators can see the entire job in front of them and don’t need to rely on grade stakes. I think in modern grading, GPS is an absolute must—if you’re not using it, you’re behind.”

Customer snapshot

Company: RCS Grading Inc.
Employees: Approximately 200
Established: 1997
Area of expertise: Mass grading and storm drainage for residential subdivisions
Komatsu equipment: 45 intelligent machine control (IMC) dozers and excavators
Komatsu technology: Smart Construction Field, Smart Construction Office and IMC

Modernizing operations digitally

Recently, RCS has embraced two more Komatsu Smart Construction solutions, integrating both Office and Field to modernize its operations. Initially used to digitize daily reports, the applications’ capabilities have expanded to include time tracking, project management and data analysis.

“We started small, just replacing paper forms, but it quickly became clear that Smart Construction could do so much more,” commented Paul Wood, GPS and Technology Solutions Specialist. “It enabled us to consolidate multiple systems into one unified platform.”

Office and Field also bring efficiencies to payroll, helping eliminate errors and reduce administrative overhead. Supervisors can now review and approve time records directly, streamlining the process and ensuring accuracy.

“Smart Construction has helped us identify inefficiencies and improve accountability,” said Wood. “For example, its Bluetooth capabilities help ensure operators’ hours are tracked accurately, reducing the burden on our accounting team.”

Beyond efficiency, the Smart Construction solutions’ data insights help RCS refine its bidding and project planning. With granular data on machine usage and worker productivity, the company can better understand costs and optimize processes.

“This level of detail is invaluable,” Godfrey stated. “We’re now able to make more informed decisions about where we’re profitable and where we need to improve. It’s not just about doing the job—it’s about doing it right.”

By the numbers

100,000 to 500,000 yards of earth typically moved per project
6 million to 7 million yards of dirt moved annually
3,000 to 5,000 residential pads graded each year

*The opinions expressed here are from the end user as quoted. The results described herein are those of these end users under certain conditions. Individual results may vary.

Chief Digital Officer Mike Gidaspow says Komatsu is working hard to help make sure you can access the information you need faster

Alissa B — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 03:36:51 +0000

Komatsu & you

Optimizing your operations

Chief Digital Officer Mike Gidaspow says Komatsu is working hard to help make sure you can access the information you need faster

This is one of a series of articles based on interviews with key people at Komatsu discussing the company’s commitment to its customers in the construction and mining industries – and their visions for the future.

This year marks Mike Gidaspow’s 25th anniversary with Komatsu. He began his career with the company in 2000 as a test engineer and has since held a variety of roles across multiple departments. From 2014 to 2020, he served as a regional director before taking on the leadership of Komatsu’s digital solutions and strategy team in 2020. Since 2022, he has overseen several key areas, including strategic planning, product and parts marketing, Reman, and service. In his most recent role, Gidaspow was named Chief Digital Officer in 2024.

“I had a number of responsibilities before, and as a company, we determined digital solutions was an area that needed more focus,” said Gidaspow. “As we look to where our industry needs improvement, needs to continue forward, this is a big gap for us and our competitors. How do we really move the construction, mining and forestry industries into the digital age and really improve efficiency? Improving our digital footprint is a big step in the right direction for the future.”

During his time with Komatsu, Gidaspow earned an MBA, underwent numerous trainings and served on industry boards such as the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. After a quarter century, Gidaspow said he’s still excited to come to work every day.

“Komatsu is a lot of great things,” Gidaspow stated. “The products we make are second-to-none, and as a company, we are encouraged to always do things with SLQDC — safety, legal, quality, delivery and cost — in mind, in that order. We pride ourselves on that. I continue to learn. I believe there’s always a way to make an impact at Komatsu and on our industry.”

Gidaspow and his wife, Julie, enjoy attending their sons’ activities and spending time together. Gidaspow also likes to “keep moving” by bicycle riding and hiking.

Do you have questions about Komatsu’s digital solutions? Chief Digital Officer Mike Gidaspow is here to answer them.

Question: What do digital solutions mean?

Answer: Our digital team, which is made up of about 100 people, is responsible for Komatsu dealer and customer-facing applications and technologies, such as Smart Construction, intelligent machine control, Smart Quarry and My Komatsu. We also manage our komatsu.com website and Komatsu-affiliated websites. The Komatsu Experience is one overarching project our team was founded for that aims to link all of our solutions together. We’re working on that kind of umbrella project and pulling in other projects over time.

We’re always working to make it easier to do business with Komatsu. Customers have largely had to go to multiple sites to get information, which can be hard to keep track of with many usernames and passwords. We are working to consolidate those so that there is one site for the public, which is komatsu.com, and one for our customers, which is mykomatsu.komatsu, where someone can get the information they are seeking as easily as possible.

I think of it from a manufacturer’s mindset: How do I build a machine with the highest quality as easily and repeatably as possible? Now, how do I do that with the customer experience on the digital side? We’ve added more digital marketing and customer support personnel to do that.

Question: Why is that important?

Answer: One of the things we hear from customers is that Komatsu has all this great data. How can we get it to more quickly make faster decisions that affect my production? They also want to order parts or look up manuals more easily, and we are working to make that happen by moving our e-commerce to komatsu.com.

Our goal is to get them to the information they want and need as quickly and simply as possible. An example would be the ability to get jobsite and machine information from our Smart Construction solutions, such as Smart Construction Remote and Dashboard, and order parts or look up manuals from a single source with My Komatsu for fleet management. It also includes being able to access information on machines from other manufacturers that customers may be using.

Question: Does artificial intelligence, or AI, fit into this strategy?

Answer: It absolutely does. At this time, I don’t know if anybody can accurately answer where AI is going to be in five or 10 years as advancements continue to evolve faster than any of us would expect. We’re working to make it more accessible. In the future, one of the reasons we want to pull all these systems together for customers is to start bringing data together and then use AI to help optimize customers’ operations. We’re excited about what’s possible now and what’s coming in the future, and we encourage customers to visit our website and contact their Komatsu dealer for additional information.

Smart Construction 3D Machine Guidance Flex allows more machines and personnel to see as-built data faster

Alissa B — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 00:18:46 +0000

New solution

Expand data-collection capabilities

Smart Construction 3D Machine Guidance Flex allows more machines and personnel to see as-built data faster

On a modern construction site, the more data you collect—especially as-built data—the more precisely you know your job progress, and the more confidently you can make key decisions. Smart Construction 3D Machine Guidance Flex can collect as-built data from nearly any machine, including scrapers, loaders or pickups.

As-built data from 3D Machine Guidance Flex and a 3D mapping program such as Smart Construction Dashboard provide valuable insights and analysis daily. With 3D Machine Guidance Flex, the machine or truck constantly maps the terrain as it moves about the site. Adding the as-built data to 3D visualization software lets you know exactly how much work has been done and how it compares to the digital project plan.

Rough grading done by larger machines equipped with a GNSS solution such as 3D Machine Guidance Flex can be much more accurate, enabling you to deploy grade checkers elsewhere and increasing jobsite efficiency and productivity. Multiple machines, trucks and personnel can use 3D Machine Guidance Flex at once.

“Komatsu’s 3D Machine Guidance solution was originally designed just for excavators,” explained Ron Schwieters, Smart Construction Senior Customer Manager, Komatsu. “3D Machine Guidance Flex expands on that to give more machines and more personnel on the jobsite very visual guidance on cut and fill areas with a color-coded map—green is on grade, red is cut, and blue is fill. Prior to launch, we did a series of trials on various types of machines and trucks. It really changed the scraper operator’s perspective. They were no longer relying on survey personnel to tell them where grade is and where to move material. With the information they needed directly on the in-cab monitor, they felt more empowered, and operations really picked up.”

Prevent over-digging and missed fills

A tablet mounted in the machine’s cab shows the operator the current topography laid over the 3D design to guide them toward the finished product. Because the operator has constant position data of their machine versus the design, they can move large amounts of material without needing a grade checker, and they can see where to dig and when to stop to prevent over-digging.

Site managers can constantly monitor elevations around the jobsite using the as-built data from 3D Machine Guidance Flex using Smart Construction Dashboard. Managers can more easily catch mistakes, like missed fills, and calculate the daily production volume.

“3D Machine Guidance Flex will automatically connect to Dashboard, allowing more personnel to understand grade information and as-built, and make decisions that affect personnel, machinery and production faster,” said Schwieters. “Adding both solutions is easy. We recommend contacting your Komatsu distributor to get started.”

To learn more about Smart Construction 3D Machine Guidance Flex, visit https://www.komatsu.com/en/technology/smart-construction/3d-machine-guidance-flex/.

Smart Construction suite can help you increase productivity, track it and make critical decisions that affect it faster

Alissa B — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 21:44:38 +0000

Choosing the right fit

Data-driven solutions

Smart Construction suite can help you increase productivity, track it and make critical decisions that affect it faster

Data is a driving force behind making critical decisions that can potentially have a major impact on construction companies’ bottom lines. With new machinery and technology, data is more accessible and faster to get than ever before.

“Machine intelligence that collects data and software that gives users the ability to access it via the cloud from practically anywhere and at anytime continues to increase exponentially,” said Jason Anetsberger, Director, Customer Solutions at Komatsu. “Users can visualize production, collect as-built data and update plans remotely in real or near-real time. That promotes a more proactive approach to decision-making that factors into project-scheduling adjustments and affects profitability.”

A good example

Anetsberger used an example that included multiple Komatsu Smart Construction solutions such as Intelligent Machine Control (IMC) dozers and excavators with factory-integrated GPS grade control and 3D Machine Guidance, which can be added to traditional excavators and is now a factory-install option on some newer machines.

“Those machines are collecting data in real time, and that is aggregated into our Smart Construction Dashboard solution that gives users a clear picture of the current as-built,” noted Anetsberger. “You can easily track information such as how much material has been moved, length of trench dug and more. In addition to making adjustments that affect productivity, you can use that information to document the project and prove it was built to plans with little to no surveying. If a change in plans occurs, Smart Construction Remote lets you send the plan update directly to the machine without the need to drive to the site, saving time and expense.”

Anetsberger continued, “We recently had a first-time technology user on a project utilizing a PC490LCi-11 IMC excavator and Dashboard. The project involved digging underwater and was on a site where drone flights to survey weren’t allowed. The contractor did a daily as-built and reported it to the site’s owner and the state department of ecology. It proved a huge success to all, especially the contractor who completed what was scheduled to be a 45-day excavation in 20 and had an accurate representation of the finished job. They will now use a D61i IMC dozer and Dashboard to fill in the site, put it to final grade and complete a new as-built.”

Adding solutions

Komatsu IMC machines, 3D Machine Guidance, Dashboard and Remote are part of Komatsu’s Smart Construction suite of solutions designed to increase efficiencies. Anetsberger offered some recommendations for determining what Smart Construction solution makes the most sense for your operation, providing some helpful tips for how to figure out what solutions you need and when is the right time to add them. All the solutions can be accessed and viewed through your My Komatsu account.

“IMC machines were our original solution, and we still recommend them as a starting point on your Smart Construction journey,” said Anetsberger. “3D Machine Guidance — formerly Retrofit — is another great option, as it adds an indicate-only system to legacy machines or new machines without IMC. If you have those, adding Dashboard and Remote are logical next steps to make a powerful combination.”

To determine your next steps, Anetsberger recommends a further assessment of your goals and asking questions such as:

Do you want faster, more accurate mapping and progress tracking?
Do you want to move to 3D digital plans and combine drone data with 3D design data to confirm quantities?
Do you want better labor management and cost tracking and be able to do it remotely?

One option is Smart Construction Office, a scheduling and management solution that serves as a central hub for all your jobs and can help replace manual production and cost tracking with streamlined daily automation that delivers timely updates, insights, auto-forecast schedules and cost estimates throughout a project’s lifecycle. It also has an artificial intelligence project assistant known as Carmen that works in real time scanning and analyzing information and providing recommendations to keep projects on time and on budget.

Additional Smart Construction solutions include:

Design — Lets you move from rolled-up plans to a digital design file with Komatsu’s 3D generation service, so you have accurate data that is easily shared, replicated and updated
Drone — Delivers high-precision mapping that can be done 50% faster than a walking survey; drone mapping helps with planning, sends data as you progress and gives you information that you can turn into efficiencies and better reporting
Field — Connects humans, machines and materials to automate data collection on the jobsite, so you can accurately analyze your operational costs and efficiencies in real time
Fleet — Collects the data you need to help optimize your fleet and track production, all on a mobile app
Base/Rover — Functions as an RTK base station or RTK rover for collecting data, staking features and measuring surfaces relative to 3D designs; works seamlessly with Komatsu IMC machines and Smart Construction 3D Machine Guidance systems

“There are so many easy ways to implement technology solutions into your operations,” concluded Anetsberger. “We encourage anyone who wants to streamline and optimize their operations to learn about Smart Construction solutions by talking to their distributor about how to get started.”

To learn more about Komatsu Smart Construction solutions, visit https://www.komatsu.com/en/technology/smart-construction/.

Smart Quarry Site offers a comprehensive analysis of production and helps you unlock efficiencies that lead to better production

Alissa B — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 18:46:23 +0000

Fleet management solution

Real-time data to optimize operations

Smart Quarry Site offers a comprehensive analysis of production and helps you unlock efficiencies that lead to better production

You’re constantly challenged to be more productive and profitable in the quarry industry. Meeting these challenges means incrementally improving every aspect of your operation. Precisely tracking, digitizing and analyzing every detail of your mobile fleet can unlock the efficiencies you need to meet your targets. That’s the goal of Komatsu’s Smart Quarry Site.

“From a Smart Quarry standpoint, we have two solutions: Study and Site,” explained Craig McGinnis, Senior Manager, Customer Solutions, Komatsu. “Smart Quarry Study is a one-time snapshot or benchmark on an operation, whereas Smart Quarry Site offers a more comprehensive tracking over a longer period to provide a more in-depth understanding of a quarry and ways to improve it. We want to reduce total per-ton costs by maximizing and optimizing your equipment and operation.”

Hardware and software that tracks

Smart Quarry Site is a software and hardware solution that tracks your machines, then transmits and presents data for you to take action to improve. It delivers a real-time animated overview of every production machine’s movement and the materials they are loading, hauling and dumping. Dashboards provide real-time and historical information in insightful and intuitive ways, and each dashboard can generate custom reports.

Smart Quarry Site can help your operation:

View routes, idle times and locations, so you can remove bottlenecks and waits, increase payloads, reduce fuel consumption and decrease emissions
Compare operator or shift performance to reward your best operators and coach those needing improvement
Know how full your haul trucks are, so you can optimize payloads to increase efficiency
See—in real time—your production against your target and make adjustments to meet shift goals
Ensure your machines stay productive with comprehensive inspection reporting, issue tracking and maintenance management

“The hardware is wired into your machines, and it’s pulling data such as payload from the truck and reporting back to the loader operator, so they know exactly how many tons per pass they have done,” said McGinnis. “Data is communicated via the cloud and shows exactly where the material was picked up, where it was dropped off, how that machine got from A to B, and what speed they were traveling.”

What’s included with Smart Quarry Site

A Smart Quarry Site subscription includes:

A site readiness investigation and report
Initial site master data site setup
Cloud hosting and server maintenance
Software and firmware remote updates
Installation of hardware to each machine
On-site commissioning for each machine
One-day operator training for each vehicle and ongoing support

“Smart Quarry Site is brand agnostic, so it’s effective on mixed fleets with any combination of trucks, loaders, excavators, graders and dozers,” noted McGinnis. “We have a dedicated team that’s ready to deploy to the site, monitor and work with customers to optimize their operations.”

Prime example

McGinnis used an example to show how Smart Quarry Site can help maximize efficiency and lower overall costs. The solution was employed on a large quarry, but McGinnis said Smart Quarry Site can benefit operations of all sizes.

“One customer realized they were underloading, so they saw an uptick of 7% to 8% in their trucks’ payloads, which equated to about eight additional tons per truck,” McGinnis stated. “If you’re running 100-ton trucks, and each has that much more on every load during a 10- to 12-hour day, it adds up significantly. That’s a big bottom-line improvement.”

McGinnis added, “Something like that could also change practices because if you hit a production target faster, you don’t have to run as many hours. That saves wear and tear on the machines, reducing maintenance and further increasing savings. We recommend that you contact your distributor for more information about getting started.”

To learn more about Smart Quarry Site, visit https://www.komatsu.com/en/technology/smart-quarry/site/.

Drive productivity by giving operators high-precision data with Komatsu’s Smart Construction 3D Machine Guidance

Alissa B — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 01:22:04 +0000

New solution

Bring 3D to conventional excavators

Drive productivity by giving operators high-precision data with Komatsu’s Smart Construction 3D Machine Guidance

Are you looking for an easy way to improve your conventional excavator’s grading performance? Access to 3D advantages offered by Komatsu’s Smart Construction 3D Machine Guidance can help by quickly providing operators with the latest design data, effectively measuring payload volume and load counts as well as monitoring production from the office.

Smart Construction 3D Machine Guidance is an entry-level technology solution that brings 3D to conventional excavators, giving operators in the field and managers in the office access to 3D design and topography data that help drive accuracy and promote optimized operations. Using a global navigation satellite system, a machine can determine where it is on the job site and what the target grade is as well as eliminate the need to set up a laser or bench every time the machine moves.

“3D Machine Guidance is an indicate-only system that plays nicely between a standard excavator and Komatsu’s Intelligent Machine Control excavators with factory integrated semi-automatic grade control,” explained David Yim, Solutions Manager for 3D Machine Guidance with Komatsu’s Smart Construction team. “A major benefit of 3D Machine Guidance is that the operator can dig only what’s needed, so there’s no wasted production and reduced material handling. That allows the operator to be more efficient, saving time and money in the operation.”

3DMG Basic, Steer To Indicator

Yim noted that Smart Construction 3D Machine Guidance — formerly Smart Construction Retrofit — has new features such as 3DMG Basic that will eliminate the need for a project file.

“After a project has been localized, an operator can touch the bucket to the ground to create a flat plane surface directly from where the cutting edge is,” said Yim. “They can also touch point A then point B and create a sloping surface. Another new feature is the Steer To Indicator that offers horizontal guidance along with vertical guidance. That’s a powerful tool for those working in utility applications.”

Smart Construction 3D Machine Guidance helps lower the costs of bringing technology into your operations with compact and modular kits that fit most sizes of Komatsu excavator models, including the HB365LC-3 hybrid excavator.

“It is now available as a factory-installed option on new machines or as an add-on through your Komatsu distributor,” Yim indicated. “3D Machine Guidance can also be installed and used on many OEM brands of excavators. We encourage anyone who’s looking for a system that will improve the production and efficiency of their conventional excavators to contact their distributor about adding 3D Machine Guidance.”

To learn more about Komatsu’s Smart Construction 3D Machine Guidance visit https://www.komatsu.com/en/technology/smart-construction/3d-machine-guidance/.

Optional Komatsu Traction Aid Winch ensures continued production with low impact on steep terrain

Alissa B — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 01:13:03 +0000

Timber talk

High-quality system

Optional Komatsu Traction Aid Winch ensures continued production with low impact on steep terrain

When harvesting and forwarding in steep terrain, a traction aid winch is a useful complement to ensure a productive workday while also considering the impact on the forest. The Komatsu Traction Aid Winch is a high-quality system based on more than 20 years of experience of winch use in the Alpine regions of Europe. It provides extra tractive force and grip, and it enables the machine to navigate inaccessible terrain.

Available as an option on the Komatsu 875 forwarder and the Komatsu 931XC harvester, the winch has a well-considered design that helps simplify the workday. Thanks to its compact dimensions, it has no adverse impact on maneuverability or visibility. The winch is easily removed during servicing or when driving on flat terrain. It also has a hydraulic tilt that makes it easy to tilt the winch downward when opening the hood or adjusting the rope angle.

Komatsu designed the winch to be well-integrated into the rear frame. The Komatsu 875 has an integrated crane tilt option, which helps to compensate for any lean of the machine up to 22 degrees and thereby better maintains the crane’s slewing torque on steep ground.

The winch is controlled with a remote, and several operating modes are available to optimize winch use.

The capstan principle

The system is based on the well-proven capstan principle, which means that the winch has a separate drum for rope storage while the capstan unit provides the tractive force. This solution provides even traction regardless of how much rope is left on the drum. It also causes less wear on the rope, resulting in a longer service life. Additionally, it has a feeder unit that ensures that the rope is always tensioned inside the winch.

Anchor point monitoring

One new feature is that the system has been complemented with anchor point monitoring, which meets the requirements of the new ISO standard (EN ISO 19472-2:2022 and EN 17067:2018) for traction aid winches. This system warns the operator if the anchor tree moves, so the machine can be secured.

To learn more about Komatsu Traction Aid Winch visit https://www.komatsuforest.com/forest-machines/our-wheeled-harvesters/harvester-options.

Smart Construction Remote helps Burks Excavation Corporation of Idaho save time and reduce expenses when updating plans

Alissa B — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 01:10:11 +0000

Update from the office

Remote resolutions

Smart Construction Remote helps Burks Excavation Corporation of Idaho save time and reduce expenses when updating plans

Burks Excavation Corporation of Idaho recently finished one of several complex ski-related projects the company has done during its nearly 30 years in business. The approximately six-month job included developing an 1,800-foot-long ski run that sloped from 28 to 35 degrees, lift enhancements, and new snowmaking areas.

To complete the project, Burks Excavation Corporation of Idaho used Komatsu Intelligent Machine Control (IMC) equipment with factory-integrated GPS machine control. General Manager Cody Allison created the project’s design files that were uploaded to the machines, base stations and rovers.

Allison said projects like the ski resort are why Burks Excavation Corporation of Idaho added Komatsu’s Smart Construction Remote, which allows users to send design file updates directly to targeted machines remotely from the company’s offices. Files can also be sent from a smartphone. Smart Construction Remote allows users to remotely assist operators as well.

“It would have taken several hours to drive to the resort and back to do an update,” said Allison. “With Remote, it can be done in a matter of minutes, so we are saving time and the costs that go along with driving to the job site. The update is done automatically, so the operator doesn’t have to stop. Another great feature is that if there is an issue or the operator has a question, we can remotely access the screen in the machine, see exactly what they do in real time, and quickly resolve whatever it is without them having to wait for someone to come out to the site.”

Well worth it

Allison estimated that Burks Excavation Corporation of Idaho uses Smart Construction Remote two to three times per week to send files and collaborate with operators.

“If you add up the time and expenses we save by using Remote, it’s significant,” said Allison. “It’s relatively inexpensive. Basically, if you use it one time, it pays for itself. It’s well worth the investment.”

The opinions expressed here are from the end user as quoted. The results described herein are those of these end users under certain conditions. Individual results may vary.

To learn more about Smart Construction Remote, visit https://www.komatsu.com/en/technology/smart-construction/remote/.