Electronics Drive Grader Advancements

by
Created: October 16, 2006

The growth in electronic capabilities delivers improved control of major machine functions.

"By using a lower rpm and selecting a higher transmission gear, the high torque characteristics of the Volvo engine is fully utilized," Lowe explains. "You have the power you need to get the job done, but the economy of the slower engine speed when the power is not needed — all performed automatically and without operator input or sacrificing productivity. "

Cost vs. benefits

Advances in electronics have succeeded in making motor graders simpler to operate, while optimizing overall performance. However, this added sophistication does affect pricing.

"Obviously, as any motor grader manufacturer makes advancements in technology, that does come at a cost," says Porter. He emphasizes, however, that designing other areas of the machine more efficiently can help offset many additional feature costs.

Samera agrees, adding, "Better controls and advancements have impacted the cost of machines [overall]. Contractors often have a difficult time justifying such increases in investments. However, productivity gains play an important factor."

When considering today's more advanced motor grader designs, you need to weigh the higher price tag against the potential productivity gains, as well as any costs savings you may achieve due to improved control of key operating systems. Crunching the numbers will help you determine if a premium product can ultimately generate a premium return on your initial investment.

Differing Control System Philosophies

The advent of advanced electronics provides the opportunity to significantly revamp control system configurations. But not everyone is convinced this is the right move at this time.

Keith Lee at LeeBoy believes electronic controls are "the wave of the future." Yet, he also feels there are many operators reluctant to move away from industry standard-type controls. "We are developing control systems that will make the operation of motor graders easier for operators," he states. "But there are still benefits to familiar industry standard controls that operators across the country have used for years."

Jeff Rowan at Deere agrees, adding, "While the industry standard controls look intimidating to non-operators, much like piano keys to a non-musician, they are relatively easy to learn. The ability to feel the grade, adjust and manage the dirt, however, takes years and requires a great deal of skill."

He notes that experienced operators are highly "in tune" with the grader interface and can actually be more productive than automated blade control systems in many applications due to their "feel for the grade." "Because of the complexity involved, control changes on graders are best made gradually with the experienced, highly productive operator in mind," he emphasizes.

Caterpillar, on the other hand, has taken a different stance, as evidenced by the dual joystick controls introduced on its latest models. "A motor grader can have up to 14 levers. Essentially, there are more control levers than an operator has fingers. So multifunctioning is something that's quite an art form in today's machine," says Caterpillar's Wade Porter. "We've definitely simplified that with the M-Series."

The revised control system combines all of the primary operating functions into just two joysticks. "Because of the way the joystick functions, that operator is actually able to simultaneously, and more precisely, move more functions with the M-Series joystick controls than he can with any motor graders currently on the market," Porter claims.

The intention of the design change is to enable younger operators to more easily step into the machines. "It's more difficult to attract people to run a motor grader because of its difficulty level, and because of the number of years it takes to become proficient at it," says Caterpillar's Dan Gillen. "We needed to make it easier to run. We needed to make it somewhat 'fun' to run — similar to the other products that are out there. And hopefully make it a tool that's easier to learn than the conventional style.

"The result is that we have a very intuitive design," he adds.

Finding common ground

In spite of their differences, manufacturers tend to agree when it comes to the need to enhance controllability, while simultaneously improving the operating experience for the individual behind the controls.

According to Brian Lowe at Volvo, ergonomic improvements were key design criteria during development of the Volvo G900 Series. This led to lower control lever efforts and shorter throws, while maintaining optimal feathering capability. "Volvo's Proportional Demand Flow (PDF) hydraulic system optimizes the entire system's response so the operator has complete control and superior featherability, whether operating one or three controls simultaneously," he states.

Deere also sought to optimize controls to maintain "feel" plus reduce operator fatigue. Improvements on its D-Series models include the addition of load-sensing hydraulics, event-based shifting to eliminate the need for clutch usage, improved hydraulic/steering speeds and the addition of cruise control. "These improvements result in increased precision and greater productivity over the length of the day's work," Rowan asserts.

Caterpillar also stresses the ergonomic benefits of its dual joystick design. "The effort to control the machine has definitely been improved," says Porter. "The operator can now sit back in the seat comfortably with their hands in a comfortable position."

He adds that third-party tests have demonstrated a 78% reduction in upper body movement and a 50% reduction in muscle fatigue levels for certain muscle groups. "The way we've combined our joysticks really does simplify the way a motor grader operator runs the machine, and it makes it much easier [on them]," says Gillen.