From designing modern electro-hydraulic control systems to adding advanced object detection technology, excavator manufacturers are pushing the boundaries of what these machines can do.
Electro-hydraulic control systems improve the precision, safety, and efficiency of construction and earthmoving operations. This sophisticated system uses electrical and hydraulic components to manage the motion and functions of an excavator.

Technological advances have revolutionized excavators, transforming them from basic digging tools to multi-functional tools that redefine efficiency, productivity, and safety on the job site.

From designing modern electro-hydraulic control systems to adding advanced object detection technology, excavator manufacturers are pushing the boundaries of what these machines can do. As a result, these multi-functional machines have become indispensable. Here are 8 of the latest excavator innovations tailored for the construction industry.

2D systems allow operators to work from point A to point B on a single plane, such as a straight trench.

Electro-hydraulic control systems
Electro-hydraulic control systems improve the precision, safety, and efficiency of construction and earthmoving operations. This sophisticated system uses electrical and hydraulic components to manage the motion and functions of an excavator. It integrates electronic sensors, controllers, and actuators with traditional hydraulic components to provide more precise and efficient control of the excavator's operations.
Electro-hydraulic control systems in excavators can include features such as:
Programmable joystick switches for easy operation.
Fully electronic joysticks to manage various excavator functions.
Swing sensors that measure and monitor the swing motion of the excavator superstructure.
Equipped with sensors on the boom, stick, bucket and upper body, including laser catchers, to assist 2D grading systems.

Grading Assist

Grading assist systems in excavators are used to achieve precise surface grading or leveling. They ensure the desired slope, height and contour of the terrain are up to standard. When the excavator operator activates the grading system, a touchscreen setting enables them to set the assist mode - allowing the computer to assist the operator through audio and visual displays. The operator controls the arm functions while the machine automatically manages the bucket and boom to maintain the desired grade or grade. The touchscreen monitor gives the operator greater control over the direction of travel and more precise settings of the depth, height and grade of the bucket teeth in earthmoving and grading applications.

Grading assist systems in excavators are used to achieve precise, accurate surface grading or leveling.

2D Leveling System
Like other advanced machine guidance and machine control systems, the 2D Leveling System is a valuable technology. The 2D system allows the operator to work on a single plane, such as a straight trench from point A to point B.
By utilizing sensors and controllers, the 2D Leveling System can make real-time adjustments to achieve the exact grade and height required for the job. This eliminates the manual labor involved in traditional leveling methods, increasing productivity by streamlining the leveling process and reducing the time and effort required to complete leveling tasks.

The Fine Swing function controls the rotational movement of the excavator superstructure, known as the slewing motion.

Fine Swing Function
The Fine Swing function controls the rotational movement of the excavator superstructure, known as the swing motion. Activating the Fine Swing function gives the operator greater control when lifting objects and greater precision when placing objects. Additionally, it increases operator safety in certain lifting applications, such as pipe laying, and can prevent objects from falling off the excavator and causing damage.
The operator can manually turn this function on or off, giving them control over whether it is enabled. When this feature is enabled, “overspeed” disappears, allowing the excavator to smoothly reach maximum swing speed while eliminating any sudden jolts or shocks. The operator can turn off rotation or slewing, and apply the brakes to prevent material loss in the bucket.
Precision technology features like Virtual Wall Settings help operators improve safety and productivity when working in tight spaces.

Virtual Wall Settings
Precision technology features like Virtual Wall Settings help operators improve safety and productivity when working in tight spaces. Excavators are equipped with GPS receivers or proximity sensors that monitor the machine’s position relative to predefined coordinates or objects on the job site. For example, if there are obstacles on either side of the machine, the operator can set limits to prevent the machine from going beyond those obstacles. They can also adjust the settings for the arm extension and set upper and lower limits. If the excavator approaches the side where the obstacle is located, the system alerts the operator and limits the machine’s movement in the direction of the obstacle. This feature can be overridden at any time.
Excavators often lift or hoist objects on the job site, so with Lift Assist, operators can take the guesswork out of the process.

Lift Assist Mode
Excavators often lift or hoist objects on the job site, so with the Lift Assist feature, operators can take the guesswork out of the process. This feature measures and displays the bucket’s current weight as well as the tipping load as material is loaded, and alerts the operator if the total load weight exceeds the limit. The sensor is accurate to within 3%. This feature can alleviate concerns about the machine tipping over if the object is too heavy, such as large rocks, concrete blocks, and heavy machinery parts.
Onboard weighing systems use load cells and sensors to measure the weight of the material and provide real-time feedback to the operator to optimize the loading process.

Onboard weighing systems

Onboard weighing systems use load cells and sensors to measure the weight of the material and provide real-time feedback to the operator to optimize the loading process. It accurately measures the amount of material loaded into the machine and reduces the number of trips required to move the necessary material. In addition, onboard weighing systems help reduce fuel consumption and equipment wear. It helps companies adhere to weight limits and prevent overloading, which can avoid fines and machine damage. It also provides a safer working environment for operators and others working near the equipment.

Depending on the machine, AVM systems can provide up to 360 degrees of visibility through a monitor in the machine’s cab.

Around View Monitor Camera Systems
Around View Monitor (AVM) camera systems display a panoramic view around the machine, giving operators greater confidence when working in tight conditions. Depending on the machine, AVM systems can provide up to 360 degrees of visibility through a monitor in the machine’s cab. This enables operators to identify potential hazards and obstacles that are not visible from their seat, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. AVM systems also increase productivity and efficiency by reducing the time operators need to manually check their surroundings.
Another key feature on many of today’s excavators is a rearview camera. With a rearview camera, operators can more safely maneuver around any object or person within the camera’s line of sight. The camera feed can be viewed on the cab’s LCD display at the push of a button. Some manufacturers have increased the camera’s field of view or included sensors that alert operators when they are about to hit an object – also known as object detection. Object detection improves safety by increasing awareness and compensating for blind spots. Sensors sound an audible warning to the operator when the machine is about to hit an object. The closer the machine is to an object, the louder or more frequent the sound may be.
Excavator technology is becoming smarter, more efficient and more productive than ever before, pushing the boundaries of how construction projects are executed and shaping the future of the industry.