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GNSS has become even more reliable and accurate in recent years by adding compatibility with the Russian GLONASS satellite constellation as well as the U.S. Global Positioning System constellation. This dual-constellation capability roughly doubles the number of signals available to the GNSS antenna/receivers and provides a high degree of positioning accuracy.

Testing indicates that the 3D-MC² system can allow grading with twice the productivity and four times the productivity of grading without the use of machine control. Its components include a new MC-R3 GNSS controller unveiled at ConExpo 2008 that works in conjunction with an MC2 sensor that replaces a slope sensor; a four-color, touchscreen, Bluetooth-capable GX-60 control box; and a conventional GNSS antenna mounted on the dozer blade. The MC2 sensor combines a gyro, compass and inertial sensor to measure the X, Y and Z position as well as the roll, pitch, yaw and acceleration of the dozer. The technology gives the system the capability to provide blade position readings up to 100 times per second.

According to Topcon, the new system has the potential to fundamentally change the way contractors utilize equipment, schedule projects and even bid projects. Double the productivity can mean that a single dozer can replace two that would otherwise be needed on some projects. Theoretically, half the equipment used can equate to half the fuel consumed-not a minor issue given the high fuel costs of 2008 and the economic downturn that began in 2007 and necessitates more scrutiny of profit margins than ever. Finally, twice the productivity can even allow a contractor to take on twice as much work without incurring major additional capital costs.

New dozer built for speed
Deere considers the new 764 HSD dozer (watch a video overview of 764 HSD) the first new machine form that the construction industry has seen in decades. According to Deere, what differentiates the new machine is construction speed.

The idea behind the new dozer is combining the speed of a grader with the flotation of a crawler dozer. The result of this combination is the potential for the contractor to handle some tasks that used to require both a dozer and grader with just a dozer. An example is excavating dirt to a subgrade and then bringing base material back in and spreading it to grade. Typically, the dirt would be graded with a dozer, the stone would be brought in by truck and spread by a dozer, and then a motor grader would be used to bring the stone to grade. According to Deere, contractors report that the 764 HSD can perform all of these tasks due to a combination of its pushing power and ability to hold a finish grade similarly to a motor grader.