Hidden components keep equipment safe and productive

Whether it’s measuring the angle and position of an excavator boom in real time or how far a telescopic arm has extended on your telehandler, specialist components work in the background to support the operation of modern equipment.

To find out more, Peter Haddock spoke to Stephane Walz of Posital at Conexpo, who explained how its clever components work, starting with its tilt sensor

Stéphane: “This sensor provides the angle and position of the boom. Without this sensor, the excavator wouldn’t know where the boom is in the whole context of the machine.”

“This positional awareness is essential for technologies like 3D machine control, where systems rely on accurate data to guide digging, grading and material placement.”

Posital also produces linear extension sensors that monitor how far a boom or telescopic arm has extended. At first glance, it looks similar to a tape measure, but it performs a much more critical function.

Stephane: “Here we are providing safety information on the linear extension of any boom or telehandler. Instead of a wire, we use a special tape that is designed not to break.

“We combine the extension measurement with the angulation from our tilt sensor, included in the unit. So you know the tilt and the length together. For telehandlers and other lifting machines, this information is vital.

“Overloading or exceeding safe operating limits can quickly create dangerous situations, and sensors like these provide the data needed to prevent those incidents.”

So when that lift warning comes up on the screen, or you get that perfectly shaped attenuation pond from your 3D model, think about the little sensors and components that make it happen.