Trimble Offers Connected Machine Platform and GradeMax Technology for Optimized Performance

Connected Machine Technology Maximizes Machine Uptime, Improves Productivity and Enables Asset Management

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Apr 16, 2012, 06:33 ET

PARIS, April 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Trimble (NASDAQ:TRMB) today announced the release of its Trimble® GCS900 Grade Control System version 12.2 with optimized performance for dozers and deeper integration into the connected construction site. The new version includes Trimble GradeMax™ technology that significantly increases the overall grading performance of dozers and allows the operator to grade a faster, more consistent run with tighter accuracy. For the first time in the industry, the Trimble Connected Machine enhances productivity by wirelessly synchronizing data between the office and the machine to reduce machine down time and drive greater productivity. Connected Machine technology is now included as standard in every new GCS900 system.

The announcement was made at Intermat 2012, the international exhibition of equipment, machinery and techniques for the construction and materials industries.

The Trimble Connected Machine

"With this release, we are demonstrating Trimble's commitment to transforming the construction site and making connectivity standard on the machine," said Roz Buick, vice president and general manager for Trimble's Civil Construction Division. "The continued optimization of grade control technology and innovative Connected Machine functionality help eliminate work stoppage for routine tasks. One machine control platform device, the SNM940 Connected Site Gateway, provides machine communications and connectivity—enabling the update of design files, reporting of machine usage and monitoring of site progress. With the Connected Machine, real-time communication will be an integrated part of the workflow on a modern connected construction site."

Trimble Connected Machine technology brings the machine and the office together in real-time. Integrating grade control data communications, remote GNSS corrections and telematics, Connected Machine functionality optimizes asset productivity and reduces operational costs. Contractors can better remotely manage assets 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.

GradeMax Technology

GCS900 version 12.2 also includes Trimble GradeMax technology that optimizes performance for dozers without adding additional sensors. Real-time control of the machine's automatic blade control settings allows operators to adjust the machine's response to differing material conditions and optimize the machine's performance for a particular grading task. With GradeMax, Trimble has also doubled the update rate for GNSS data controlling blade movement. Faster data means smoother, more consistent control and rapid recovery of the dozer blade so operators can now grade higher quality surfaces at faster speeds, on simple or complex designs, and in any material type.

Availability

The GCS900 Grade Control System version 12.2 is expected to be available in the second quarter of 2012 through Trimble's worldwide SITECH® Technology Dealer Channel.

About Trimble's Heavy Civil Construction Division

Trimble's Heavy Civil Construction 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, visit: www.trimble.com.

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SOURCE Trimble