Komatsu now offers Smart Construction 3D Machine Guidance kit as a technological enhancement for a broad range of standard Komatsu machines as well as mixed fleets. This launch hopes to provide Komatsu customers with technological solutions that improve safety, enhance productivity and efficiency, and reduce carbon emissions in construction operations.

Jim Venerus, Product Marketing General Manager said: “Customers tell us that productivity, real-time jobsite information, and keeping pace with digital transformation are some of their biggest challenges today. Komatsu has developed the 3D Machine Guidance kit in response to these needs.”

The kit provides an accessible way to add 2D and 3D machine guidance to any crawler or wheeled excavator from 13-tonnes up to 120-tonnes. “One of the main benefits of the 3D Machine Guidance kit, through ease of installation, is its ability to digitally transform any excavator, of any generation, at any time,” added Venerus.

The 3D Machine Guidance kit can be customized with various optional additions such as a tilt bucket and couplers kit, two-piece boom kit, super long front kit, and SATEL radio kit. These options allow the kit to better accommodate each customer’s machine configurations and operating conditions.

“The 3D Machine Guidance Kit is the result of extensive efforts by Komatsu to deliver a truly user-friendly system, giving the operator a level of digital assistance whatever the requirement,” said Richard Clement, Deputy General Manager Smart Construction

Developed by Komatsu for Smart Construction to the same strict standards as their renowned yellow machines, the 3D Machine Guidance kit hardware components provide customers with guaranteed reliable quality and performance. Clement added: “The 3D Machine Guidance kit is fully supported by the Komatsu distribution network along with the digital expertise of our Smart Construction team.”

A 3D safety zone feature has been integrated into the system. This allows customers to create and import avoidance zones. The feature serves as a preventive strategy, sending alerts to operators when they are in proximity to hazards such as powerlines, underground utilities, walkways, or public roads.

The 3D Machine Guidance kit’s automatic file conversion is compatible with most common design file formats. This ensures a seamless integration with customers’ existing 3D systems from different manufacturers.

Payload metering
In addition to the standard machine guidance functionality, the 3D Machine Guidance kit comes with an integrated payload meter option for Komatsu machines

The integrated payload meter feature allows for dynamic weighing of materials, eliminating the need for manual checks and interruptions. This boosts productivity by ensuring each truck is loaded to its optimal capacity without risking overload.

Besides being a standard 3D GNSS system, the 3D Machine Guidance kit is also integrated into the Smart Construction suite as a first step towards optimising earthmoving process (DX). It works as an IoT tool automatically collecting terrain and payload data, which can be visualised and analysed using Smart Construction solutions and expert advice.

“Combined with Komatsu’s connected services, the 3D Machine Guidance kit meets the common challenges of our customers today to deliver productivity gains via 2D and 3D machine guidance, real-time connectivity, and the ability to make data-driven decisions.” concluded Venerus.