RDS to launch the Loadex 100 at Hillhead in June

Next-generation retrofittable onboard weigh scale for wheel loaders and excavators to make UK debut in June. The Loadex 100 from RDS Technology is a retrofittable scale suitable for installation on both tracked and wheeled 360o excavators and material-handling machines to weigh the net material load in the bucket, grab or clamshell. A minimum of two pressure sensors are installed in the hydraulic lift system. The pressure signals are captured, filtered and corrected by measurements taken by an inclinometer. Slope corrections are made from another inclination sensor on the chassis.

Dipper arm position is established by a mechanical angle sensor mounted on the boom-to-dipper arm pivot. This provides a fast and precise dipper arm angle measurement that is not affected by inertia g-forces or acceleration effects.

Oil temperature compensation can be provided by a clamp-on temperature sensor. Ultrasonic technology provides accurate bucket position compensation.

The final calculation is sent via CAN protocol to the Loadex 100 terminal in the cab. Load and store information is saved in the terminal where it can be distributed to an in-cab printer, modem or internal SD flash card.

Also making its Hillhead debut is the new Loadmaster a100 on-board weighing scale for wheel loaders. This is a CAN-based system combining cutting-edge sensor technology and signal-processing techniques to provide precise bucket weight information.

Designed to operate within the fastest loading environments and toughest of conditions, Loadmaster a100 reduces cycle times and maximizes tonnes/h performance. It also allows correct loading, first time. It uses a 7 in colour, resistive touch-screen display and additional physical keys, providing a modern and ergonomic operator interface. Suitable for use with up to 10 different attachments, e.g. buckets or forks, the system can be retrofitted on to wheel, telescopic and tractor-type loaders.

The system continually measures hydraulic pressure using up to four sensors. The signals are captured and filtered through a weighing ‘arc’ provided by inclination sensors measuring the angle of the main boom.

All signals are processed in the RDS Smart Box and the resultant weight calculation is sent to the terminal mounted in the cab.

An SQL database capability with up to eight reference fields provides for virtually unlimited inputs of products, customers, trucks, hauliers, locations, destinations, mix blends and notes. There is a blend facility with an infinite number of mixes and products.

GPRS or Wi-Fi connectivity provides one or two-way communication with the back office to send and receive job information.

Video input for switching the head unit into reversing camera mode removes the need for an additional screen, releasing valuable cab space.