Bobcat® compact excavator owners can increase performance, profitability and productivity by adding the new Bobcat Depth Check system option — a grade control system. The system is available for use with E32, E32i, E35, E35i, E42, E45, E50 and E55 models, with either standard or long-arm iterations.

The Depth Check system is a kit that utilizes three sensors — one on the trenching or grading bucket, one on the arm and one on the boom — that are connected to the deluxe instrument panel inside the cab to track the precise location of the bucket teeth as the bucket, boom and arm move. The system can be calibrated to a specific machine as well as its corresponding attachments — up to five buckets — using the excavator’s boom and arm length, as well as a bucket tooth radius.

Less effort, more precision

Bobcat compact excavator operators can dig faster using less effort and have greater precision with the new Depth Check system. Tasks such as trenching for footings and utility lines or grading ditches call for a consistent grade or sustained slope. The Depth Check system has an accuracy of ± 0.5 inches, preventing excavator operators from stopping the machine to measure depth and entering and exiting a trench with a measuring device. It also helps to minimize over-digging and under-digging, and the costs and time associated with backfilling, compacting fill material and manual labor to finalize depth or grade. Another benefit: No additional display screens are required, allowing for more operator space in the excavator’s cab.

How to use the system

Excavator operators simply access the Depth Check system screen in the deluxe instrument panel’s menu bar. Excavator operators choose from multiple methods for using the Depth Check system.

• They can dig to the desired depth, bench off the grade point with the target depth set to zero

• Bench off a grade post that is within reach, with the target depth set to the desired grade

• Set the depth target at minimum cover value, then bench off the adjacent soil

An audible alert can be turned on or off to help indicate how close the Bobcat excavator operator is to the desired target. A slow beep will sound when the operator approaches the target depth, a solid tone will occur at target depth and a fast beep will let the operator know if he or she is beyond the target depth.

Some excavator operators may utilize a laser beacon while someone else holds a laser receiver on a grade stick to check for grade. That process can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. The base Depth Check system is laser-compatible and can be operated with a basic laser system, allowing the operator to benchmark off a laser signal instead of the trench grade. Plus, the laser helps excavator operators to grade or slope with a beacon or grade at multiple onsite locations. The Depth Check system takes out the leg work and assures proper grade.

Depth Check laser receivers

Two Depth Check system laser receivers are available. The CR600 basic laser is not tied to the system; however, it visually aligns the receiver with the beacon signal. The BLR2 receiver is available as an upgrade, is connected to the Depth Check system harness and can catch the beacon signal as it passes through the beam.

Bobcat advantages

Compared to other manufacturers, the Bobcat Depth Check system utilizes a built-in deluxe panel screen for display and operator input, avoiding the extra expense of adding another display panel — a Bobcat exclusive feature. As a wired system, Depth Check system reduces signal lag time from the sensor to the display, boasts improved functionality if submerged in water and eliminates charging or maintaining batteries.

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ABOUT BOBCAT COMPANY

Bobcat Company, headquartered in West Fargo, North Dakota, is a worldwide leader in the manufacturing and distribution of compact equipment. Bobcat compact equipment includes skid-steer, all-wheel steer and compact track loaders; compact excavators; mini track loaders; VersaHandler® telescopic tool carriers; utility vehicles; and Toolcat™ utility work machines. Bobcat is a global brand with more than 550 dealer locations in North America and the leader in compact equipment — the industry’s original innovator, beginning more than 50 years ago with the first compact machine and predecessor to the skid-steer loader. Bobcat Company is a subsidiary of Doosan Infracore Bobcat Holdings Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Doosan Infracore Co., Ltd. For more information on Bobcat products, visit bobcat.com.