3D excavation safety first for Australias Abletech Underground Group

On a recent visit to its Yandina depot on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Peter Haddock caught up with Maurice Heading of Leica Geosystems with Abletech’s new Hitachi 85-USB to find out more.

Maurice: “Abletech is leading the way in Australia when it comes to the use of technology to both detect and now avoid utilities when excavating.

“As the first company in the country to combine both solutions, they can now design in 3D and also create 3D avoidance zones.

"With our machine control accurately tracking the machine’s location, including the position of the boom, stick and bucket, the Xwatch system can use this data to automatically stop the excavator bucket. 

“It uses proportional control, so as the machine approaches a yellow zone, the system proportionally ramps down hydraulic power, slowing its movement. And when it reaches the red zone, it comes to a complete stop, preventing entry.

"Inside the cab, the operator will see visual alerts on our MC1 tablet and acknowledge the warning and move the machine out of the avoidance zone. 

"The system itself can account for height, depth, and slew movements to enforce boundaries, ensuring safety without relying solely on the operator's view.

"With increased investment in infrastructure for major projects such as the Brisbane Olympics, Abletech has also set up a demonstration area in its yard.

“This enables them to showcase the technology to customers in a real world environment, which has already led to future project enquiries.

“They have also added a tilt bucket to the excavator, which allows them to take on more complex jobs.”