Komatsu Smart Construction Retrofit kits offer entry-level 3D guidance

Once a conventional excavator is fitted with Smart Construction Retrofit, operators no longer have to set up a laser or bench every time the machine moves

Komatsu aims to help contractors improve grading performance with its Smart Construction Retrofit kits that equip conventional Komatsu excavators with 3D guidance and payload monitoring.

Smart Construction Retrofit can bring 3D to most Komatsu excavators in your fleet. Installed by a local Komatsu distributor, the low-cost guidance kit gives operators in the field and managers in the office access to 3D design and payload data to help drive accuracy, control load volumes and improve operations.

“No matter where you are in your Smart Construction journey, we have the expertise to help you integrate and optimize your fleet, based on your specific needs,” said Ron Schwieters, senior product manager, customer solutions, Komatsu. “Smart Construction Retrofit kits are an entry-level solution that can help bridge the technology gap and drive production improvements to your fleet.”

According to Komatsu, Smart Construction Retrofit gives operators the latest design data, measures payload volume and load counts and allows production to be monitored from the office.

Once a conventional excavator is fitted with Smart Construction Retrofit, operators no longer have to set up a laser or bench every time the machine moves. The global navigation satellite system (GNSS) can determine where a machine is on the job site and what the target grade is.

The need for additional labor is reduced because the technology collects and delivers information directly to the operator, so fewer people have to be working on the ground, or in an open trench.

Machine production can be monitored from the office by integrating Smart Construction applications, and as-built and payload data can be collected for progress tracking.

With Smart Construction Retrofit you can reduce handling and reworking material for improved productivity and profitability. The payload meter helps prevent overloaded trucks by promoting proper loading weights for on- and off-road vehicles, to reduce the potential for equipment damage and other risks.