JH Fencing Contractor, based at Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, has purchased the first Bobcat MaxControl Remote Control system in the UK from Bedale-based Grays Machinery Ltd, the local authorised Bobcat dealer. The firm is using the MaxControl system to remotely control its Bobcat T450 compact tracked loader, also supplied by Grays Machinery, at the end of last year.
The owner of JH Fencing, Jack Hampshire, said the MaxControl system was perfect for remote control of the Bobcat T450 equipped with a post knocker attachment, that’s uses to install fence posts.
“I use the MaxControl system on my iphone to move the machine and attachment from one installation point to another, positioning the machine exactly where it’s needed,” he said. “As well as allowing me to do the fence installation work by myself from outside the machine, the MaxControl system gives me a perfect view of all the work area.
“This means I require fewer staff and it also greatly increases work efficiency, being able to load and unload more safely and to possibly operate in places where I may have felt less comfortable inside the loader. As a result, I’m finishing work in about two-thirds of the time, taking two to three hours off a 10-hour day.”
Bobcat MaxControl is a new hardware kit, combined with an iOS application, with easy touch controls that are designed for smartphones, so that remote control using the system is just as intuitive as using a phone app. An Android version should be available shortly.
With MaxControl, owners of Bobcat loaders don’t need the latest machine like the T450 at JH Fencing or costly hardware updates to enjoy remote control. The system is already compatible with all Bobcat loaders with Selectable Joystick Controls (SJC) dating as far back as 2004. As a result, the MaxControl system provides a new widely applicable remote control solution for use in many markets including construction, demolition, agriculture, landscaping, cleaning, recycling and general lifting and handling.
“I purchased the T450 from Grays for its compact size and operating weight of only 2,961kg, combined with the low ground pressure and high traction provided by the durable tracks on the machine to work in all conditions,” Mr Hampshire said. “Another very attractive feature of the T450 is it’s fully towable and, with a width of less than 1.4m on 300mm tracks, the T450 can pass through even the narrowest gates on farms and elsewhere, which is perfect for our work creating new equine arenas and other fencing applications.
“The T450 may be a compact machine, but it provides all the power we need for our work. It is driven by the well-proven Bobcat D24 Stage V high-torque diesel engine providing 55hp and combines this with an impressive tipping load and a rated operating capacity of 2,049kg and 717kg, respectively.”
When lifting and carrying large loads, the use of MaxControl eliminates blind spots in front of the load and raises awareness of the surrounding environment. Being outside the cab also allows for face-to-face communication with co-workers on site, enabling faster organissation of the work. Operators may never know in advance when remote operation will come in handy, but with MaxControl on the phone in their pocket, they’re always ready for any challenges that can arise.
“The set-up is child’s play and very intuitive,” Mr Hampshire added. “You simply connect the device to the machine via the joystick control and a remote dashboard forms and is displayed on the smartphone. Thanks to this flexibility, I can simply start the machine, pull out my mobile phone and control the machine remotely. Switching back to manual driving is just as quick. It’s easy and intuitive to use and has a range of up to 100m. Being based on an app, I know I can also get the newest features the moment they’re available.
“With MaxControl installed on the T450, it allows us to combine jobs without having to jump in and out of the loader’s cab. Being able to operate outside the cab provides a different angle of view, helping new and even less experienced operators in tight areas.”
