Machine Control

Machine Control FAQ

• 1. What is machine control in construction?

  Machine control is the on-machine system that combines GNSS positioning, an engineered design model, and a cab display so heavy equipment operators cut, fill, and grade directly to the design without staking the site. CHC Navigation builds machine control systems for excavators, dozers, and graders, replacing manual stake-out with continuous real-time guidance.

• 2. What is the difference between GPS machine control and 3D machine control?

  GPS machine control uses satellite positioning to track the implement against the design surface in two dimensions, which is enough for simple grade work. 3D machine control adds the vertical axis through GNSS plus inertial sensing or total station integration, so the system can guide cut, fill, and slope in full three-dimensional geometry. CHC Navigation 3D machine control systems cover both flat-grade and full-3D applications on the same hardware.

• 3. Which machines work with CHC Navigation 3D machine control systems?

  CHC Navigation 3D machine control systems run on excavators (EasyNAV EMG100, MCNAV TX73), dozers (CHCNAV TD63 Pro), and graders (CHCNAV TG63). The same GNSS receivers and on-machine sensors carry across the fleet, so contractors can standardise on one machine control platform across excavator, dozer, and grader work without retraining operators on different cab interfaces.

• 4. How accurate is 3D machine control on a construction site?

  A CHC Navigation 3D machine control system typically holds centimeter-class vertical accuracy on the cutting edge of the implement when paired with RTK GNSS corrections. Real-world accuracy depends on GNSS signal quality at the site, the grade of the inertial sensors on the machine, and how often the system is calibrated to a known reference point.

• 5. Can CHC Navigation machine control retrofit onto existing construction equipment?

  Yes. CHC Navigation 3D machine control systems retrofit onto most makes of excavators, dozers, and graders without replacing the machine itself. The on-machine sensors, GNSS receiver, and cab display install on the existing iron in a day or two, and the operator continues to use the same machine controls with the new 3D guidance layer on top.