Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions Section. This area is broken up into two sections, the first section deals with general Machine Control questions and the second section deals with individual product queries. In each section you should click on your question and the link will bring you to the answer. If you have a question that is not covered here, please send an email to info@scanlaser.co.uk and we will get right back to you.
Please click on a question below and you will be taken to the answer.
What is Machine Control?
What are the benefits to me?
Do I have a suitable application for Machine Control?
Can Scanlaser Help?
Does my workforce have the skills to use these new systems?
Can you supply end to end systems?
Will I get the support I need?
Will I be kept up to date?
Will the equipment be compatable with other manufactureres?
How durable are the sensors and other equipment?
How upgradeable is the equipment?
Can it be moved easily from machine to machine?
What warranty do you offer on the equipment?
How long will a machine be down for installation?
How soon can you deliver / install the product?
Machine control products give the machine operator more control over equipment and crucial guidance to work at a higher level of precision. It can also empower the operator with information to control site activity which would be traditionally carried out by engineers. Machine control is an integral part of overall site control, providing real-time information, allowing greater freedom and the ability to make more accurate and rapid decisions.
2. What are the benifits to me?
Different product solutions offer different benifits, however geneally speaking machine control improves the overall control of the machine. This control makes the job easier. If we take the example of excvation, precise data from the machine control system means the job is done right first time. Rework or over excavation is eliminated, and the overall quality of the work improves. The externality of this is higher asset utilisation and better overall productivity which will only help your businesses bottom line. Scanlaser's diverse range of systems also help to promote a greener site as fuel costs and material costs are reduced.
3. Do I have a suitable application for machine control?
Scanlaser is not a distributor. We focus on matching tailor made solutions to your individual projects. The start of the process begins with a free of charge no obligation consultation with our expert representatives. If you have machines and require guidance or control to a given grade, or just want to increase profitability, then we do have an appropriate machine control solution for you.
Yes, Scanlaser is the preferred supplier of machine control in the UK. We work closely with our key product partners, Leica Geosystems, SBG, Mikrofyn, Cable Detection and D&PS. We therefore have a wide basket of products to choose from, ranging from excavator and dozer machine control systems, to cable avoidance tools (CATs), to lasers and GPS systems. We can be confident we have the right product for you.
5. Does my workforce have the skills to use these new systems?
Yes, for two main reasons. Firstly all systems which require a human interface are specifcally designed and developed with ease of use in mind. They often feature an intuative layout, and some of the most recent developments feature memory functions and fast menu naviagtion to allow any individual to use the system to the maximum of its capabilities. Secondly, Scanlaser offers on site and classroom based training for all equipment. The training courses are conducted by dedicated training staff and cater for up to 12 individuals in one session, and can be tailored for your particular project. Not only will your workforce be trained, but they will be given all of the knowledge they need to work immediately.
6. Can you supply end-to-end solutions?
Yes, Scanlaser is a full end-to-end business from initial site visit and face to face consultation, through to delivery and installation, through to your training and comprehensive after sales support. Scanaser is with you and your business every step of the way.
7. Will I get the support I need?
Yes, Scanlaser prides itself on having a unique customer focus. We are dedicated to supporting our customers and are just a phone call away. If any fault were to develop in any of our products, fully trained engineers will be a your site as soon as possible, and will arrive with a full set of equipment to ensure that your machine will be up and running quickly.
Yes, In the up coming weeks the Scanlaser website will be undergoing improvements to ensure we provide a higher level of customer care. We aim to have up to date product literature and sales infomation available, as well as product software updates and training documentation. We also focus heavily on individual customers and are present at many of the UK trade shows and exhibitions, and have a quarterly newsletter with a product showcase, so we will keep you current with our products and our services
9. Will the equipment be compatable with other manufacturers?
Our equipment is designed to integrate with many different pieces of equpment and many operating conditions. We recognise that every customer is different and every problem brings its own unique challenges. We are confident we can adapt to suit your individual needs.
10. How durable are the senors and other equipment?
All of our products are designed for the harsh and demanding construction industry environment. Furthermore all proucts are tested on their specific application so we can be confident of their ruggedness and durability before they are sold to the wider market. Some of our products are sealed at an IP-67 standard, and can withstand temperatures in excess of 80ºc and are water and shock resistant. The level of durability is dependant on the specific piece of equipment and we are confident that they will exceed our customers expectations.
11. How upgradable is the equipment?
Upgradability is integral to the success of our products. Many systems can be given extra functionality by bolting on extra sensors and readouts. Our MikroDigger product is a 2D / 3D system. The 2D system can easily be upgraded by adding more sensors, and with our unique PowerSnap technology; by quickley adding a new interface. Our products can evolve as your business and individual needs evolve.
12. Can it be moved easily from machine to machine?
Yes, once a base installation kit is installed moving individual components or even a full system can be done with the minimum of fuss.
13. What warranty do you offer on the equipment?
1 Year parts and labour warranty will be given with each product regardless of its manufacturer.
14. How long will a machine be down for installation?
Installation time is dependant on the product complexity and the number of machines or systems to install. Even so, our dedicated installation engineers aim to be on site and have your equipment up and running as soon as possible. Many systems can be installed and working within a matter of hours.
15. How soon can you deliver / install the product?
Product delivery depends on the control soluton which has been offered to your business. However we aim to have the product at your site and ready for installation withi 1-2 weeks.
Please click on a question below and you will be taken to the answer.
How quickly will I get a return on investment from my purchase?
Can the XC2 be moved from machine to machine in my fleet minimising the amount of system purchases?
Can the XC2 console be removed from the machine on a night for security purposes?
Will I still need the use of a banksman with the machine?
How will your system give me "the edge" over my competition?
Does the system have to be used with my more senior skilled operators, or can it be used with an operator with relatively little experience on a machine?
What is the minimum/maximum size machine your system will fit onto?
How much training will I require to fully operate the XC2?
Can the XC2 be upgraded to meet the changes of my fleet requirements?
So where do we go from here?
How quickly will I get a return on investment from my purchase?
Based on an excavator of approx 15 tonne capacity installed with XC2 working an average 40 hour 5 day week, would improve the overall performance of you and your machine significantly by:
- Complete done in fewer passes
- More accurate excavation within +/- 10mm
- No more over excavations
- Reduce rework costs
- Reduction in fuel costs providing a greener operation
- More efficient utilisation of workers as no one will be needed to measure
Therefore taking the above points into account, a typical saving of £11,176 per annum depending on the specific application.
Can the XC2 be moved from machine to machine in my fleet minimising the amount of system purchases?
Yes, having discussed your application of use and exact solution requirements, you can have your whole fleet fitted with base cable and mounting kits. Our operator training can include how to re-calibrate between machines, which will provide you more flexibility and greater utilisation within your fleet.
Can the XC2 console be removed from the machine on a night for security purposes?
Yes, the whole process takes less than a minute, simply by detaching the console via 2 cables and a mounting bolt that doesn't require any tools. It can simply be put back on the machine in the morning in the same way and as long as it is the same machine it came off will not need re-calibrating.
Will I still need the use of a banksman with the machine?
No, the construction industry is constantly striving to reduce the amount of accidents involving plant and transport on site especially around excavated areas. One of the key components of the XC2 excavator solution is the provision of a combined stick/dipper angle and laser receiver that replaces the traditional "man in the trench" approach taking readings off a staff mounted sensor by providing the machine operator with accurate height and depth indication on the colour in cab display in conjunction with a strike from a construction grade rotating laser.
How will your system give me "the edge" over my competition?
The recent trend in spiralling material costs, labour control and tight completion deadlines can now be more accurately gauged at the tender stage which means that your company can give more defined guarantees to the client as per question 1. It will also provide you and your client precise wastage budget planning over traditional methods.
Does the system have to be used with my more senior skilled operators, or can it be used with an operator with relatively little experience on a machine?
The XC2 is easy to use and therefore can be used by anyone. It simply means a more experienced operator can tackle more complex profile or dual slope grade work with minimum assistance. Allowing the less experienced operator to gain more confidence quicker with the aid of the easy to use guidance system keeping him on track, thus making the operator more competent quicker.
What is the minimum/maximum size machine your system will fit onto?
The XC2 guidance system can be installed on any machine ranging from 1 to 600 plus tonnes, dual booms or long reach machines with a reach of more than 25m (80`), the standard system solution will fit them all.
How much training will I require to fully operate the XC2?
This can range from half a day to a full day with a maximum of four operators; this is also dependant on your chosen application.
Can the XC2 be upgraded to meet the changes of my fleet requirements?
The basic XC2 solution is a fully upgradeable system. Depending on your application of use, you can start with a single grade system that will allow you to complete most operations such as fixed depth excavation, batters, trench work, blind cuts and grading work. But as your applications become more complex you have the flexibility to upgrade your current system simply by adding additional sensors such as full rotation sensors for dual grade work and tilting bucket sensors that can add further dimension to your machine control solution.
To meet the increasing 3D market, the XC2 can become fully 3D capable by simply adding a "piggy back console" without the need to replace the existing 2D system providing you an all in one solution.
So where do we go from here?
It couldn't be any simpler, just pick up the phone and give us a call, or while you are here, just fill out the contact form on the next page and one of our fully trained competent staff will be able to advise you on the right level of machine control for your project. However, due to the fact that every project is different, whether your requirements are laser, 2D or 3D based applications, the first step is that we as a company need to fully understand your application and requirements from outset. We will then provide a personalised consultation to guide you through an end to end solution that puts you in a more defined position to choose the level of machine control that meets your need and suits your application within budget, but more importantly that Scanlaser offer the total package solution, not just products!