New Graphical Display on Trimble Grade Control System Makes Excavating Easier for Operators

Trimble CB450 Control Box Makes it Simple to Monitor Grade Guidance While Also Viewing Conditions at the Dig Site

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Feb 24, 2010, 06:30 ET

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Trimble (Nasdaq: TRMB) today introduced a new rugged LCD display for the Trimble® GCS600 Grade Control System for excavators. Designed for use in harsh construction environments, the Trimble CB450 Control Box brings an enhanced user experience to the excavator operator and makes it easier to achieve the desired depth and slope with less fatigue and reduced rework.

This new display for excavators further expands the Trimble commitment to provide cost-effective technology that helps heavy highway contractors maximize their productivity, minimize material usage, increase safety, and eliminate costly rework.

The Trimble CB450 enhances the excavator operator experience with full-graphical display of 2D profile information, grade guidance and warnings. Adjustable brightness and viewing angle accommodate different outdoor operational lighting conditions to increase screen readability for the operator.

Four integrated LED lightbars in the display make it simple to monitor grade guidance information in the cab of the excavator while also viewing conditions at the dig site. The Trimble CB450 simplifies installation and portability between excavators.

Built Rugged for Construction Site Conditions

The Trimble CB450 is built rugged to survive the harsh conditions typically found on construction sites. It has a sealed, cast aluminum on-machine display housing, with internal memory for storing profile designs, machine files and program logs. Using any USB memory stick, the user can easily load files to the control box. File transfer and archiving rules prevent operators from accidentally deleting or overwriting files on the Trimble CB450. USB data transfer also increases compatibility with Trimble SPS Site Positioning Controllers. This allows for easy data exchange between surveyors, grade checkers, site supervisors and machine operators – e.g. data can be emailed or synchronized to a field crew or supervisor who can rapidly deploy or retrieve data to or from the machine control system.

About the Trimble GCS600 Grade Control System for Excavators

The Trimble GCS600 Grade Control System for excavators is a highly flexible depth and slope system for excavation, trenching, grading and profile work. Designed for both tracked and wheeled hydraulic excavators, it is ideal for earthmoving, site preparation and general contractors looking for an economical and easy-to-use grade control system to improve their productivity and efficiency.

The GCS600 Grade Control System utilizes the Trimble AS450 Angle Sensor, Trimble AS460 Dual Axis Sensor and Trimble LC450 Laser Catcher, which together measure the relationship between the body, boom, stick and bucket to determine where the cutting edge is and should be, directing the operator to the desired depth and slope.

Ideal applications for the Trimble GCS600 include:

Excavating basements, foundations and footers
Flat bottom and simple slope trenching
Flat and simple slope grading and embankments
Profile excavation and canals or batters

The Trimble GCS600 Grade Control System and new Trimble CB450 Control Box are available now through Trimble's worldwide Heavy and Highway Construction Distribution Channel.

About Trimble's Heavy and Highway Division

Trimble's Heavy and Highway Division is a leading innovator of productivity solutions for the heavy and highway contractor. Trimble's solutions leverage a variety of technologies, including Global Positioning System (GPS), construction lasers, total stations, wireless data communications, the Internet, and application software. As part of the Trimble Connected Site™ strategy, these solutions provide a high-level of process and workflow integration from the design phase through to the finished project—delivering significant improvements in productivity throughout the construction lifecycle.

About Trimble

Trimble applies technology to make field and mobile workers in businesses and government significantly more productive. Solutions are focused on applications requiring position or location -- including surveying, construction, agriculture, fleet and asset management, public safety and mapping. In addition to utilizing positioning technologies, such as GPS, lasers and optics, Trimble solutions may include software content specific to the needs of the user. Wireless technologies are utilized to deliver the solution to the user and to ensure a tight coupling of the field and the back office. Founded in 1978, Trimble is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif.

For more information Trimble's Web site at www.trimble.com.

GTRMB

SOURCE Trimble