Depth and Tilt Autos Setup on Cat NGH mini/micro machines

NOTE – If you only want to use Depth Autos, see Depth Autos Setup on Cat NGH mini/micro machines. If you only want to use Tilt Autos, see Tilt Autos Setup on Cat NGH mini/micro machines. This chapter is for using Depth and Tilt Autos together.

Depth and Tilt 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 – Tilt Autos is only supported via certain models of tiltrotator.

NOTE – Use Depth and Tilt 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 and Best Practices When Using Tilt 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 and Tilt Autos status indicators

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

Status indicator Status

Manual

Depth and Tilt Autos is enabled, but not engaged.

Manual interlock

Depth and Tilt Autos is enabled but cannot be engaged.

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

Depth and Tilt Autos ready

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

Depth and Tilt Autos engaged

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

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

Depth and Tilt Autos not ready

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

Possible reason: GNSS precision is outside tolerance.

Enable and Engage Depth and Tilt Autos

WARNING – When Depth and Tilt 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 and Tilt Autos when somebody is working near the attachment or if the ground conditions are unstable. Only use Depth and Tilt Autos to grade a finish surface. Disarm Depth and Tilt Autos when you perform other applications, such as lifting.

To use Depth and Tilt Autos:

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

    If you are in Design mode, load a design before you use Depth and Tilt 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. Be aware that the Autos limits are different for depth and tilt. Tilt Autos will engage when the focus point is within 1 m (3.3 ft) from design or bench, but Depth Autos will not engage until the focus point is within 0.4 m (1.3 ft).

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

  6. If you are using a non‑integrated tiltrotator:
    1. Set the Grade Configuration to Depth Only and toggle on Grade Enable via the Cat Machine Display.
    2. Access the Autos Setup screen via the Work Settings menu.
    3. In the Autos Setup screen, toggle Arm Tilt Autos on and tap Apply.
    4. Press the Grade Auto switch and acknowledge the Grade Enable message on the Cat Machine Display.

    5. To engage Depth Autos: Press and hold the Grade Autos switch as the attachment cutting edge approaches the design elevation. If the attachment is in the controls range it will start automatic movement of the boom and attachment curl as you move the stick lever.

      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 and hold the Grade Auto switch again to re‑engage Autos.

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

    6. To engage Tilt Autos: Press and hold the Tilt Autos switch as the attachment cutting edge approaches the design elevation. If the attachment is in the controls range it will start automatic movement of the attachment tilt as you move the stick lever.

      To temporarily disengage Tilt Autos: Let go of the Tilt Autos 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 and hold the Tilt Autos switch again to re‑engage Autos.

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

  7. If you are using an integrated tiltrotator:
    1. Set the Grade Configuration to Depth and Tilt and toggle on Grade Enable via the Cat Machine Display.
    2. Press the Grade Auto switch and acknowledge the Grade Enable message on the Cat Machine Display.

    3. To engage Depth and Tilt 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 automatic movement of the boom and attachment as you move the stick lever.

      To temporarily disengage Depth and Tilt 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 and hold the Grade Auto switch again to re‑engage Autos.

      You can manually override Depth and Tilt 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 and Tilt 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.
Machine Control System Error Check the machine display for faults.

NOTE – When using an integrated tiltrotator, the tilt bucket angle values on this system and the Cat monitor may show a slight difference in values. This is because the data is coming from different sensors.

TIP – When using an integrated tiltrotator, if the bucket tips do not drive to the correct grade try performing a 360 degree revolution of the tiltrotator. This executes an internal calibration that resolves the driving to grade issue.