Trimble GCSFlex Grade Control System Now Fully Upgradeable to the Trimble GCS900 Grade Control System

Contractors Can Upgrade to GCS900 for More Advanced Connected Machine Benefits

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Apr 15, 2013, 06:31 ET

MUNICH, April 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Trimble (NASDAQ:TRMB) today announced that its Trimble^® GCSFlex™ Grade Control System is fully upgradeable to the advanced Trimble GCS900 Grade Control System. Excavator contractors who are new to grade control can start with an easy-to-use GCSFlex and improve their productivity using the system's innovative Wi-Fi enabled GNSS positioning and in-field designs. When more advanced features are needed, the contractor can seamlessly upgrade to the Trimble GCS900 Grade Control System and further leverage their GCSFlex investment. The advanced functionality of GCS900 allows small contractors to work on larger, more complex construction projects that require 3D designs and machine connectivity.

The announcement was made today at bauma 2013, the 30^th international fair for construction machinery, building material machines, mining machines, construction vehicles, and construction equipment.

Expanded Business Opportunities

Upgrading to GCS900 can expand business opportunities for small- to medium-sized contractors by allowing them to work with the 3D design models and Connected Machine technology required when sub-contracting on larger construction projects.

"Upgradeability lowers the risk for a contractor who is looking to adopt machine control for the first time," said Julian Dann, business area director for machine control. "A small owner operator can start with a configuration that suits their needs today, and they still have the flexibility to implement more complex 3D designs and Connected Machine functionality in the future. Plus the two systems leverage the same interface and workflows, so there's a very small learning curve to upgrade."

Leverage the Existing GCSFlex Investment

Contractors who own a GCSFlex system can leverage the same control box, positioning sensors and wiring when they upgrade to a GCS900 system. By adding a software upgrade and the Trimble SNM940 Connected Site^® Gateway, contractors can work with 3D design models and enable the Connected Machine technology unique to the Trimble GCS900 system.

Part of the Trimble Connected Site portfolio of solutions, Connected Machine technology wirelessly integrates grade control data communications, remote GNSS corrections and telematics, while optimizing asset productivity and reducing operational costs. Contractors can remotely manage assets, training, support and projects from the office. Machine operators can stay up-to-date with the latest design files, work orders, and training without ever leaving the machine.

Availability

Trimble GCSFlex Grade Control System software upgrade is expected to be available in the second quarter of 2013.

About Trimble's Heavy Civil Construction Division

Trimble's Heavy Civil Construction Division is a leading innovator of productivity solutions for the heavy civil construction 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, visit: www.trimble.com.

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SOURCE Trimble