A Guide to Machine Control Automation Systems

It has been possible to use laser level technology in combination with machine-mounted automation receivers to control the hydraulics on large earthmoving equipment for some time.  The cost of this technology previously only made it viable for larger machinery.  However, now RedBack Lasers can design and supply affordable systems for smaller skid steer or tractor-mounted implements.

How does Machine Control Automation Work?

Before we look at this question let’s first look at how laser and machine-mounted receivers work.

Lasers and Machine Mounted Receivers

For many applications a simple rotating laser and machine mounted receiver is ideal.  The way this works is the laser level provides a consistent level (or grade/slope).  The special machine mounted receiver, which is attached to your dipper arm or blade picks up the position of this level/grade and indicates to the machine operator if the blade or dipper arm is located above or below this level/grade position.  The operator then knows where to either cut or fill to get the required depth using manual control of the machine hydraulics.  A link to RedBack Lasers range of machine receivers and laser & receiver combos is HERE.

Magnetically mounted machine laser receiver mounted on an excavator dipper arm

Machine Control Automation Systems

Machine Control Automation is similar in that you still have a rotating laser providing level/grade.  But, this time the special machine control receiver is connected by cables to a control box which then connects via solenoids to hydraulic control valves.  This means that the machine depth of cut/fill is automatically controlled by the machine control system.  This allows the operator to concentrate on the machine position allowing much faster earthmoving operations.

Single Receiver Control Unit fitted into a Tractor

The following is a short video showing the basics of machine control automation and introduces single and dual receiver systems.

So, as you can see in the video there are two basic types of systems; a Single Receiver system and a Dual Receiver System.  let’s look at these two in a little more depth.

Single Receiver Machine Control System

A quick video introduction to single systems.

For some applications and implements such as Land Planes you only need to control the depth of cut / fill so it’s consistent across the full width of the blade or implement.

The receiver mounted on a Land Plane

To achieve this you just need a single receiver system, where the height of the blade is kept at the same height from left to right.  This single system consists of a machine control receiver unit with a cable connecting to a single control box.  This then connects to a single valve for the hydraulics.  For RedBack lasers this is the MCR900 system details which can be found HERE.

MCR900 – RedBack Laser Machine Control System with Single Receiver and Hydraulic Control Unit

$4,180.00 inc GST Add to cart

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Note that the system requires hydraulic valves and flow restrictors plus customisation to the wiring harness which are in addition to the base system cost.  The specifications of these particular parts are determined by the equipment you wish to use this system with.  RedBack Lasers will determine the cost of these components when custom-designing your system. You may also want an electronic breakout box to allow easier connection and disconnection to your machine which again can be quoted depending on your requirement.

Hydraulic valve and flow restrictor on a single system

Dual Receiver System

A quick video introduction to dual systems.

On some implements such as box blades and dozer blades you will want to control the angle of the blade from left to right for contouring or grading.  For this, you will require a system with two receiver units and a dual control box which then controls two banks for hydraulic valves.  This then means the receivers can be mounted at different heights on the blade enabling a consistent angle of the blade during cutting and filling the earth.  The RedBack Lasers Dual System is the MCR910, details of which you can find HERE.

Available on back-order

MCR910 – RedBack Laser Machine Control System with Dual Receivers and Hydraulic Control Unit

$7,999.00 inc GST Add to cart

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Again note that to complete the system you will require additional solenoid controllers, hydraulic valves and flow restrictors plus customisation of the wiring harness.  The cost will be determined when designing a system for your machine.  You may also want an electronic breakout box to allow easier connection and disconnection to your machine which again can be quoted depending on your requirement.

GPS Satelite Levelling Systems

Here at RedBack Lasers, we are also in the process of developing GPS Satellite Levelling Systems.  keep a lookout on our website and socials for news on that.

For further information please call one of our machine control guys on 1800 769 858 to discuss options for you.