Bobcat says that compact excavator operators can dig faster using less effort and have greater precision with the new Depth Check 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. Bobcat says that 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.
Excavator operators simply access the Depth Check system screen in the deluxe instrument panel’s menu bar and can 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
- 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
- The laser helps excavator operators to grade or slope with a beacon or grade at multiple onsite locations
- 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 says that 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.
