New Komatsu motor graders and bulldozers can now be purchased with the desired Topcon automated machine control system as a factory-installed, standard equipment option.

Topcon Corporation announced that a letter of agreement has been signed with Komatsu Ltd. that will allow new Komatsu motor graders and bulldozers to be purchased with the desired Topcon automated machine control system as a factory-installed, standard equipment option. This agreement covers the Komatsu distribution network worldwide, and three-dimensional (GPS- and LPS-based) and two-dimensional (laser- and sonic-based) machine control systems manufactured by Topcon. Topcon's position as the only manufacturer that has the ability to receive both the NavStar and GLONASS satellite networks added valuable productivity opportunities that GPS-only systems cannot match.

According to Topcon, the alliance is the result of two innovative companies who know that the future of the industry is dependent on customer-friendly solutions to productivity and environmental issues. Topcon believes that the combination of its automated grading technology and the innovative grading equipment of Komatsu will broaden the benefits of highly productive, efficient earthmoving.

Under the agreement, Topcon and Komatsu will share information to assure that the Topcon control platform and specified Komatsu machinery will maintain complete compatibility at a core technology level, making both installation and operation of Topcon's productive control systems seamless. All "on-machine" components of the Topcon systems can be ordered directly from Komatsu, arriving at the Komatsu distributor pre-installed and ready to use. The Komatsu distributor will purchase "off-machine" components (GPS base stations, robotic control instruments, laser transmitters, etc.) from the local Topcon distributor. In-field support can be provided by Komatsu or any authorized Topcon distributor.

Topcon and Komatsu both recognize this agreement is a key opportunity to provide more efficient utilization of earthmoving equipment all over the world, helping to ease the demands on existing infrastructure by providing faster construction methods, with less disruption of resources, and lower financial and social stress on local populations.

Source: Topcon, March 26, 2004