With machine control at the heart of the construction industry evolution, understanding it is crucial in navigating its capabilities. Our team have put together a list of the most frequently asked questions on machine control from our customers.

What is Machine Control?

Machine Control is a revolutionary technology that uses GPS, positioning sensors, software and displays to enable precise and accurate positioning of heavy construction machinery in a wide variety of construction applications including grading, paving, trenching, and drilling.

Is the investment in Machine Control cost-effective?

The use of Machine Control allows jobs to be done faster, more accurately, with less fuel, and with fewer people.

By automating processes and utilising real-time data feedback, these systems eliminate inconsistencies inherent in manual methods, ensuring superior accuracy. This precision reduces material waste and minimises errors, leading to a faster and more efficient completion of projects.

Enhanced productivity, driven by automation and seamless operations, allows operators to accomplish more work within a given timeframe, further streamlining projects and optimising resources.

But the long-term benefits of machine control systems extend beyond efficiency. Reduced material waste and lower rework requirements contribute to significant cost savings, quickly offsetting the initial investment. Additionally, these systems enhance safety by automating potentially hazardous tasks, protecting workers from risk.

Real-time data facilitates informed decision-making, enabling timely project adjustments and efficient resource allocation. This data-driven approach ensures adherence to strict timelines while fostering continuous improvement, making machine control systems a cost-effective and safe solution for modern project management.

What main benefits will I see from investing in Machine Control?

By harnessing the power of machine control, operators can achieve unprecedented levels of accuracy, reduce rework, optimise material usage and minimise fuel consumption. Some of the main benefits include:

• Budget & plan optimal fleet deployment & required materials more accurately.
• Eliminate unnecessary transportation of materials.
• Reduce training window for new recruits fast-tracking to a professional level.
• Eliminate batter rails, pegs, profile, stakes and re-staking.
• Improve Health & Safety with fewer people required on job site
• Empower experienced operators by enhancing their skills
• No requirement for an engineer to constantly check position
• Cut and fill right-first time eliminating rework costs

What is the MC-Max Dozer?

The MC Max Dozer is a bulldozer control system tailored to the way you work, allowing you to enhance your productivity and profit while maintaining control. Whatever the job, stay in the cab with the necessary set up available from the touchscreen.

What are the benefits of the MC-Max Dozer?

Using the MC-Max Dozer can provide you with the following benefits:

• Accurate and validated work with less rework
• Modular components can grow as your project needs and fleets grow
• Track and measure all activities and amount of material moved
• Easy connectivity for instant data transfer and screen sharing

A 2D solution will allow you to work with Sonic, Laser, or slope inputs, and indication solutions will give you the freedom to push dirt by feel.

On the other hand, if you need to know your exact position on the site and prefer to let the machine automatically follow the grade design, put MC-Max Dozer in 3DAutomatic mode and reduce your end-of-the-day fatigue levels.

What is the MC-Max Excavator?

No two excavating jobs are the same, and the MC-Max Excavator allows you multiple setups for your excavator. It keeps you in the cab and in control with the right configuration for whatever your projects throw at you.

Work in 2D, 3D, guidance only or fully automation modes. With all-new sensors, GNSS receivers, control box and 3D-MC software – the MC-Max Excavator is the fastest, most responsive system yet.

What are the benefits of the MC-Max Excavator?

Using the MC-Max Excavator can provide you with the following benefits:

• Accurate and validated work with less rework
• Modular components can grow as your project needs and fleets grow
• Operate the bucket using multiple display and elevation reference options

If you are working on a rough grading project, you may just want an indication of bucket-depth in relation to grade. A 2D solution will provide the guidance you need and the freedom to dig on your terms. On the other hand, if you need to precisely know your grade and where on the site you are positioned putting MC-Max in 3D Automatic mode will keep you on grade and tracking the design file without over- or under-excavating.

Do I need Sitelink 3D v2?

Sitelink 3D v2 is a secure, cloud-based system that provides site-wide data synchronisation between all the site’s machines and users on a pay-by-the-day basis.

You can contact the RDS MME team by calling 01249 479356 or sending a message to sales@rdsmme.co.uk.