Best Practices When Using Single-3D Guidance

The following best practices are recommended:

  • Check and update cutting edge wear regularly.
  • Maintain the machine in good condition to remove the play in joints that is caused by excessive wear.
  • Ensure that the system has an accurately calculated orientation by moving the machine when prompted to do so. If the machine direction is wrong, tap the direction shortcut key to change it (press and hold the shortcut key to open the Direction of Travel screen). An accurately calculated orientation is required for accurate guidance.
  • When using an electric mast, completely lower the mast extension during operation.
  • Lead with the blade tip carrying the 3D sensor to assure optimal guidance.

  • Engage the machine’s gear to match the direction of travel on the work screen.

UTS

  • Place the UTS on a tripod, free from vibrations caused by passing machinery or the wind.
  • For best accuracy, place the UTS between 15 meters (50 feet) and 200 meters (650 feet), up to a maximum of 300 meters (1000 feet), from the MT9xx target.
  • Set up UTS instruments accurately using a minimum of three survey control points in a good geometric pattern.
  • For UTS guidance, check blade tip elevation against an independent known elevation before starting work and remove any differences by benching.
  • Ensure that the UTS has a continuous line of sight to the MT9xx target. Check that the line of sight is maintained for all machine positions across the work area.

General procedures before a grading run

Perform the following procedures before any grading run:

  • Bench the UTS and verify the accuracy of the system using a grade checker.
  • If accuracy does not meet requirements, verify the cause before recalibrating the sensors.
  • Ensure that the machine is not articulated, has zero circle-sideshift, and no wheel lean.
  • Ensure that the blade rotation is no more than ±45°.
  • If using electric masts, ensure that the mast lean is less than ±10° off vertical.
  • Avoid rotating, rolling, or sideshifting the blade during a run.

Specifying machine direction of travel

If you are using single 3D guidance, the system displays an orange Move Machine operational state message at start-up. When the machine is moved, and during normal operation, the system determines when the machine is traveling forward and when it is traveling in reverse. If the determined direction is incorrect at any time, tap the direction of travel shortcut button to manually set the direction.