Trimble PCS900 Paving Control System Automates Adjustment of the Paver Screed and Promotes a Smoother Asphalt Mat

Trimble AutoAdjust Feature Helps Contractors Achieve Accuracy and Smoothness Specifications

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Apr 19, 2010, 06:30 ET

MUNICH, April 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Trimble (Nasdaq: TRMB) today introduced a new version of its 3D Trimble® PCS900 Paving Control System with automated screed adjustment. Unlike other 3D paving control systems, the system now monitors the height of the trailing edge of the screed and automatically corrects for errors to achieve higher accuracy and smoothness of the asphalt mat. This innovative Trimble functionality sets a new industry standard for paving control.

The announcement was made today at Bauma 2010, the world's largest construction equipment exposition.

AutoAdjust Improves System Accuracy

PCS900 version 1.1 includes the new Trimble AutoAdjust feature, which automates the adjustment of the screed to accurately stay on grade at the trailing edge. This unique functionality immediately adjusts the screed when the need is detected by the system, rather than the operator manually adjusting the screed when the grade checker notes a discrepancy.

Asphalt mat is checked by grade checkers approximately every 10 meters (30 feet) when using traditional paving methods or other paving control systems. The new AutoAdjust feature constantly monitors the trailing edge of the screed and automatically makes fine adjustments to the design height. The mat can be checked less often, improving the productivity of the machine and allowing grade checkers to perform other tasks on the job site.

The Trimble AutoAdjust feature helps produce a smoother asphalt mat, as the automatic screed adjustment ensures a more consistent and timely reaction to errors. As a result, contractors can achieve accuracy and smoothness specifications, which in many cases can translate to bonus income and the avoidance of rework.

About the Trimble PCS900 Paving Control System

Trimble PCS900 is a 3D extension to the 2D Trimble PCS400 Paving Control System. The paving contractor can easily switch from grade and slope (2D) mode to 3D mode, depending on the requirements of each individual project. The PCS400 and PCS900 combination provides the customer the choice between sonic sensors, slope sensor, sonic averaging beam, 3D slope and 3D elevation control on each side of the screed.

Heavy and highway contractors can also leverage key Trimble grade control hardware on asphalt pavers — allowing both new and existing users to realize a higher and more rapid return on their investment in Trimble technology. With expansion of the 3D machine control mix to include pavers, contractors can now use their SPS Series Universal Total Station and move their Trimble GCS900 Grade Control System display, radio and sensors between dozers, graders, excavators, soil compactors, milling machines, trimmers, and asphalt pavers.

The Trimble PCS900 Paving Control System can be mounted on a variety of new or used asphalt paving machines, regardless of manufacturer. The 3D-based PCS900 system can be flexibly configured with a combination of sonic tracers, slope sensors, averaging beam and contact sensors. Trimble's system components are designed rugged and durable for the tough asphalt paving conditions. All components have an IP67 rating to protect against dust and water.

The Trimble PCS900 is now available 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, visit: www.trimble.com.

GTRMB

SOURCE Trimble