A remote-controlled Caterpillar D8 bulldozer has been deployed for extensive marine filling work at Frier Vest in Grenland, Norway
The remote-controlled bulldozer has been utilised in Norway’s largest earthmoving operation to build an industrial park, housing and port facility spanning 370 hectares in Frier Vest, Grenland.
The port terminal will connect the local area with shipping routes to the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, the UK, Sweden and Denmark.
The remote-controlled bulldozer reduces risk and increases efficiency at the site
The remote-controlled bulldozer is used to manage material from up to 14 dump trucks at the marine filling site. The Caterpillar 772G, 775G, and electric Sany trucks unload their loads inland, and the dozer pushes the material outwards.
The dozer operator works approximately half a kilometre away from the machine, eliminating the risks associated with landslides and collapse.
Technology company Steer Remote, who supplied the remote-controlled bulldozer to civil engineering contractor Hæhre for the Frier Vest project, have integrated Trimble machine control into the system, enabling the dozer blade to be automatically controlled via GPS.
“It’s a much safer method than equipping operators with life vests, oxygen tanks, and mechanisms for automatic window breaking,” says Njål Gjermundshaug, CEO of Steer.
The operator is located around 500m away from the machinery, reducing the risks of collapses or landslides.
The operator chair uses joysticks and two or three control panels with touch screens. The control panels are:
- Steer monitor- Operator is able to configure the Steer Remote system, machine ignition, handbrake, rpm etc.
- Manufacturer monitor- This is the monitor from the cabin of the machine. This is typically used to turn on lights, activate GradeAssist, display fuel level, warning/error messages from the machine etc.
- Machine control monitor- For machine control and GPS Support. (Leica, Topcon, Trimble etc.)
The technology could become standard in large earthmoving operations
Steer hopes that the success of the Caterpillar D8 bulldozer on the Frier Vest industrial park will set remote-controlled bulldozers as the standard for marine filling projects.
The technology could also be applied to quarry and mining operations, with a single operator managing multiple loaders and bulldozers.
Steer have already tested automated solutions at the Eikefet and Seljestokken quarries, retrofitting Caterpillar 772G dump trucks to move rock from various blast sites to the crusher for processing.
“This technology allows us to efficiently deliver on demanding projects without jeopardizing operator safety,” says Asle Ståland, project director at Hæhre.
“The experience has been very positive so far. Operators find the solution easy to use and comfortable.”
Steer, Hæhre, and RG have collaborated on developing the dozer and the operator station.
Espen Holte, technical lead at Hæhre, reported that only minor adjustments remain to meet operator preferences, including fine-tuning the seat and controls.
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