After reaching a major milestone of 25 years in business, HARD-LINE’s internationally recognised DRIVE BY WIRE system has now been installed on 200 different machine types worldwide across close to 50 brands. Designed and built in-house, DRIVE BY WIRE has been installed on more than 3,000 machines. In mining this includes almost the full range of underground LHD models from Cat, Epiroc and Sandvik plus in surface mining even some large hydraulic excavators including the Hitachi EX5600, Cat 6050 and Komatsu PC5500.

As one of HARD-LINE’s initial creations, DRIVE BY WIRE uses electrical systems that parallel traditional mechanical controls to perform various vehicle functions including throttle, brakes, transmission, and steering. Every function is controlled electrically while the driver is removed from the machine allowing for remote-control operation in a safe location. HARD-LINE says its experts can convert any machine to DRIVE BY WIRE, no matter the type, make, age, or model of machinery. “This customisable product can be fully integrated into the OEM build process for a clean and seamless solution for end customers,” says HARD-LINE’s Senior VP of Technology, Ryan Siggelkow.

DRIVE BY WIRE is the enabling element of HARD-LINE’s RRC (Radio Remote Control), TeleOp system, and automation products. In 1996, DRIVE BY WIRE was first installed on an LHD at an underground mine in Timmins, Ontario, Canada. Today, this system is retrofitted on all types of heavy machinery for mining, construction, infrastructure, public works, hazardous materials management, and other industries. There are machines that have more challenging installation processes due to size, quantity of functions, type of hydraulic systems; however, we provide end-to-end solutions regardless of complexity.

DRIVE BY WIRE benefits include that operators removed from dangerous situations plus they can strategically place themselves to get a better view of work area. It offers equal or better control of machine increasing operational accuracy plus flexibility in design. It also increases revenue opportunities as operations continue during downtime/blast cycles. It can be applied to machines not designed for autonomy, integrated with other systems and used to augment existing designs.