Fresh and fit behind the wheel with the MC MAX Excavator Auto

Several years ago, Grondwerken Declercq purchased the MC MAX Excavator Auto, also known as Auto Excavator, from Topcon. At the time still fledgling technology, but not an unusual move for a company known for always wanting to give its best using the latest solutions. Since then, the Auto Excavator, like Declercq himself, has only improved. Dust for an interesting case, then. In this article you will discover why Declercq's machinists today are so remarkably fresh and fit behind their wheel - or joysticks. 

The Automatic Excavator X-53x, or the Auto Excavator for short, is one of Topcon's hobbyhorses. The difference from an indicative GPS crane? The operator does not have to constantly watch his screen to see if he is too deep or too high with his bucket, nor does he have to monitor the bucket angle himself. 

The operator uses his screen only to situate himself on the job site. Reading cut/fill values is a thing of the past. When the automatic function is active, the operator only needs to move the stick to set the speed. The Topcon system automatically controls the boom, making the movement at the correct height all at once. This is exactly where the efficiency lies: fewer passes are needed to get the work to the correct height. The angle of the bucket in relation to the model can also be automated.

Rising productivity

Even for the most experienced drivers, productivity increases dramatically thanks to the Auto Excavator, they know at Declercq. The system is a pleasant tool that even seasoned operators greatly appreciate. "We level the most challenging terrains faster and with far fewer errors, because the crane simply follows the design itself," Davy Declercq agrees. "Think of an embankment that needs to be excavated, cabling or underground pipes that need to remain in place or excavations under water. Normally, the operator then has to constantly alternate his gaze between the screen and what is happening outside. This is, understandably, very tiring even for our best operators. But with the Auto Excavator, the work just always sits right and our people go home at the end of the day with a fresh head." 

For faucets of all brands

In addition to greater efficiency, the Auto Excavator also offers freedom of choice as to when to invest. This is because it involves unique aftermarket technology, which Topcon can easily install on cranes of all brands. According to account manager Ken Vanleke, Topcon does not choose this formula by chance. "Ambitious customers such as Declercq are constantly expanding their machinery and also like to keep their equipment up-to-date with the help of innovative technology. But of course, like other players in the sector, they don't rush into major investments. And they don't need to, because the Auto Excavator allows our customers to first purchase a crane to their liking, get used to it extensively and only at a later stage choose to upgrade to an automatic crane regardless of the brand," says Ken Vanleke.

Test first, then roll out

Like Declercq, Topcon is anything but unthinking when it comes to change, Ken Vanleke continues. "Currently, our experts are looking at how we can also deploy the Auto Excavator at a later stage with height and slew angle limitation, for example to avoid the crane colliding with cabling when working next to railroad tracks. But we are still testing that extensively."

Then, of course, there are the "regular" updates, which Topcon never implements indiscriminately. "We make it a point to never just roll out an update without first testing it out on a machine from one of our larger customers. And then we adjust where necessary. We greatly appreciate Declercq being one of the customers who places that trust in us," concludes Ken Vanleke. 

Supplier to build on

In addition, the training and support provided by Topcon proved decisive for Declercq. Davy Declercq: "Because Topcon personally taught our operators how to work with the Auto Excavator, they mastered the technology in just a few days and problems are rare. If we do need support, Topcon takes over the screen or a technician comes on site the same day. That is absolutely no luxury in our sector, where every minute counts. You have to be able to rely on your suppliers."    

Have you yet to start 3D GPS machine control? Download the practical white paper!