Top 100: Excavating Machines Get Smarter

Trimble's SiteVision GPS system has a new variant designed for excavating equipment, SiteVision Excavator. The system uses an in-cab digital site plan in conjunction with its GPS capability to provide three-dimension machine control. The system tells the machine where on the site it's located and what type of operation is required at that location. Linear encoders provide the data to compute the position of the excavator's boom, stick and bucket. Estimated price: $60,000.