Depth Autos Setup on Cat NGH mini/micro machines

Depth Autos performs best when grading a finish surface. After you finish bulk excavating and approach final grade, engage Autos. The system automatically controls movement of the boom and attachment, while you manually control movement of the stick.

NOTE – Use Autos with a bucket, do not use it with any other type of attachment.

NOTE – For machines with a two-piece boom, do not move the upper boom while in Autos mode.

TIP – For information on best practices, see Best Practices When Using Depth Autos.

TIP – For optimum performance when using Autos features, avoid connecting the Operator App device to the system via Wi-Fi. Ensure that you use a wired connection.

Depth Autos status indicators

The Depth Autos status indicators at the bottom right–hand corner of the work screen show you what state Autos are currently in.

Status indicator Status

Manual

Depth Autos is armed, but not engaged.

Manual interlock

Depth Autos is armed but cannot be engaged.

Possible reason: Hydraulic lockout engaged, other menus or apps are obscuring the Autos icon.

Depth Autos ready

Depth Autos is armed and engaged, but is not active because the attachment is outside the control range.

Depth Autos engaged

Depth Autos is armed, engaged and active with the attachment inside the control range.

In this state the system controls movement of the boom and attachment.

Depth Autos not ready

Depth Autos is armed and engaged but cannot be active so Autos is temporarily suspended.

Possible reason: Elevation not benched.

Arm and Engage Depth Autos

WARNING – Do not leave the cab when Depth Autos is engaged. When Depth Autos is engaged, the system will control movement of the boom and attachment. These movements could cause injury to anyone near the attachment, or damage to the machine. Always put the attachment on the ground and engage the hydraulic lockout before you leave the machine.
Do not use Depth Autos if the ground conditions are unstable. Only use Depth Autos to grade a finish surface. Disarm Depth Autos when you perform other applications, such as lifting.

To use Depth Autos:

  1. If you are in Depth and Slope mode, bench the machine before you use Depth Autos.

    If you are in Design mode, load a design before you use Depth Autos.

  2. Position the machine on solid, stable ground to prevent rocking.

  3. Make sure the machine’s hydraulic oil reaches its normal operating temperature (55°C/130°F ).

  4. Select High Power mode and turn the throttle up to maximum revs.

    NOTE – It is okay to use the auto idle function on your machine.

  5. Position the attachment within the control range.

    TIP – Use the lightbars, cut/fills and buzzer to guide the attachment.

  6. Set the Grade Configuration to Depth Only and toggle on Grade Enable via the Cat Machine Display.

  7. Press the Grade Auto switch and acknowledge the Grade Enable message on the Cat Machine Display.

  8. To engage Depth Autos: Press and hold the Grade Auto switch as the attachment cutting edge approaches the design elevation. If the attachment is in the controls range it will start the automatic movement of the boom and attachment.

    To temporarily disengage Depth Autos: Let go of the Grade Auto switch. Be aware that while Autos is disengaged you can cut beneath the design. Sometimes you may purposefully want to dig below design, however if this is not the case make sure that you monitor your cut/fills and lightbars. Press the Grade Auto switch again to re‑engage Depth Autos.

    You can manually override Autos at any time by moving the boom or attachment.

Select and Apply a Preset

You can select and apply the active preset via the Autos Setup or Autos Optimization screen. You can access these screens via the Work Settings menu. There is always at least one preset stored which is the Default preset set by your technician in the Web Interface. This cannot be edited or deleted.

Select the active preset that you require and tap Apply.

You can create, edit or delete a preset via the Autos Optimization screen. For more information, see Depth Autos Optimization on Cat NGH mini/micro machines.

Troubleshooting

The table below lists some of the error messages that may appear when you use Autos. You may need to enlist the help of your technician to resolve the error states.

TIP – There is additional troubleshooting information in the Configuration Guide contained in the technician's commissioning manuals.

Error Message Possible cause(s)
Auto State Not Visible Suspect that other menus or apps are obscuring the Autos icon.