Best Practices when Using 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.

For the best results when using Autos, follow the practices outlined below.

WARNING – The bowl may move without warning when Autos is engaged. These sudden movements could cause injury to anyone near the bowl, or damage to an unattended machine. Always put the system in Manual, lock out the hydraulics and engage the machine's park brake before you leave the machine, or when somebody is working near the bowl.

Prepare the machine

Before you use Autos, you should check that:

  • The machine is in good operating condition.
  • None of the cylinder connection points have excessive wear. If the cylinder connection points are loose it can cause movement in the bowl and will affect the accuracy of the system.
  • The pivot bearings are well lubricated and do not have excessive wear. If the pivot bearings are loose it can cause movement in the bowl and will affect the accuracy of the system.
  • The measure‑up and calibration of the machine is accurate. The surface you build cannot be better than the accuracy of these measurements and calibrations.

Best practices for machine operation

Autos can be used in a variety of applications to increase productivity, from bulk earthmoving to finish grading.

Procedures to perform every time you use Autos

  • Make sure the machine’s hydraulic oil is at its normal operating temperature.

  • Position the bowl within the control range.

    • TIP – Use the lightbars, cut/fills and buzzer to assist you to position the bowl within the control range. The Control Range is also available as a text item.

Procedures to perform, as required

NOTE – The frequency at which you need to check the cutting edge length depends on factors such as the type of material you work with, the durability of the cutting edge and the accuracy you are trying to achieve.

  • Check the cutting edge length, and if required, update the values in the Cutting Edge Length screen, accessed via the Edit button on the Bowl Manager screen.

  • Replace the cutting edge if there is more than a 3 mm (⅛ inch) deviation.

    The cutting edge wear deviation can occur in different ways; it can arc from the center to the edges creating a downward bow, it can arch from the edges to the center creating an upward bow or from the center wearing at either end.

    To check the deviation, do one of the following:

    • Place the cutting edge on or slightly above a flat surface, such as concrete or pavement.
    • Tie a string across the bottom of the cutting edge.

    Compare the cutting edge to the surface or string. In each case, the straight edge of the cutting edge should have less than 3 mm (⅛ inch) deviation. If the cutting edge does not meet this specification, replace it.

  • Ask your technician to perform a new valve calibration when:

    • The ambient temperature is much lower or higher than when the last valve calibration was performed.
    • The hydraulic system has been serviced or modified and as a result the performance in Autos has degraded.

  • Ensure that very small hydraulic movements equals very small bowl movements. If they do not, suspect wear in the hydraulic ram connections.

TIP – To test this, rest the bowl on the ground with enough pressure so the hydraulic rams are nearly vertical and the ram connections are loose in the sockets. Measure the ram extension. Raise the bowl using manual controls and stop as soon as it begins to move. Measure the ram extension again and compare it to the bowl height. The difference indicates connection wear and may mean the wear shims need replacement to maintain the machine ''tight'' and the Autos performance optimal.

Operating practices that can improve fine grading performance

  • To improve grading performance avoid using poor technique. Examples include:
    • Operating too fast for the task being carried out and the material being worked.
    • Cutting a rough surface at too high a speed. This can result in a rippled or wavy final surface.
    • Moving too much material. This can cause the machine to rock forward and overcut.

  • Create a smooth starting pad.

    The starting platform for your run is one of the most important things to get correct.

  • Autos optimization.

    You can adjust the settings in the Autos Optimization screen to improve performance. For example, if the surface shows short, choppy waves, reduce the raise/lower speed.

    You may also need to adjust the Autos optimization settings when material conditions change:

    • Type
    • Density

    • Moisture content

      NOTE – For more information, see the Autos Optimization guide.

  • If things go wrong:

    1. Stop
    2. Correct the problem
    3. Back up a few meters, and start again

Best practices for GNSS Precision Tolerance

Autos is available when GNSS precision is within the set tolerance limits for Fine, Medium, or Coarse modes. A technician can adjust these limits in the Web Interface. The table below explains when to use each mode and the corresponding Autos tolerance limits.

Mode Use when doing... Default precision tolerance Tolerance limit for Guidance Tolerance limit for Autos
Fine Finish grading 0.030 m (1.181 inches) 0.048 m (1.889 inches) 0.001 - 0.048 m (0.039 - 1.889 inches)
The Fine tolerance limit must be less than the tolerance limit used for Medium.
Medium General work < 0.045 m (1.771 inches) 0.049 m (1.929 inches) 0.002 - 0.049 m (0.078 - 1.929 inches)
Coarse Work in areas with limited GNSS guidance 0.100 m (3.937 inches) 10.0 m (32.808 feet) 0.050 - 0.100 m (1.968 inches - 3.937 inches)