Sensor solutions for construction equipment
Moving mobile automation from assistance to autonomy
- check_circle Delivers superior performance for construction vehicles
- check_circle Reliability for the demanding off-highway environment
- check_circle Sensors for smart and autonomous machines
Moving mobile automation from assistance to autonomy
Increasing productivity and workmanship quality despite a shortage of qualified operators requires more and more assistance functions and autonomy in off-highway equipment. Choosing the right sensor solution is key to reliably advancing vehicle functions.
We guide you to the right sensor solution for construction vehicle application areas such as boom and bucket positioning, fluid management, and structural strain and damage monitoring. These application areas apply to excavators, dump trucks, dozers, wheel loaders, graders, drilling rigs, concrete pumps, and many other vehicles.
Baumer sensors enable the automation of digging, grading, and loading operations by providing the feedback needed to determine the position and orientation of working equipment and vehicles. Measuring bucket and trailer load along with steering angle also supports load cycles. To ensure equipment operates safely, fluid sensors provide feedback on the condition of hydraulic oil, such as temperature, level, or pressure.
Overview of sensor solutions for applications in construction equipment:
EAM580RS – Safety-Certified Absolute Encoder
Superstructure positioning
The working range and orientation of boom machines are determined not only by boom and bucket positions, but also by the angular position between the superstructure and undercarriage.
Baumer absolute magnetic encoders provide reliable, long-lasting operation under demanding conditions and are also available in redundant versions.
EB360R – Absolute Kit Encoder
Bucket positioning
Along with boom angles, bucket angle determines the position of the blade relative to the superstructure and enables the automation and support of work processes such as digging, loading, and grading.
The compact, bearingless magnetic encoder offers easy integration, low total system cost, and reliable operation under high load conditions. Alternatively, the GIM700DR dynamic inclination sensor can be used.
GIM700DR – Dynamic Inclination Sensor
Boom positioning
Knowing the correct boom angles is essential for calculating the working range, determining blade position, and automating and supporting work processes such as digging, loading, and grade control systems.
The Baumer dynamic inclination sensor delivers high measurement accuracy in dynamic applications to enable higher productivity through automation, and is equipped with an off-highway-specific CAN output. Alternatively, the EB360R absolute encoder kit or EAM580R absolute encoders can be used.
DST55R – Strain Sensor
Bucket fill factor
Optimizing bucket fill factor in wheel loaders increases productivity and provides valuable feedback to the operator for further optimization.
Baumer strain sensors offer easily integrable measurement of large forces in demanding outdoor environments.
PP20S – Pressure Sensor
Hydraulic pressure monitoring
Fluid pressure is one of the most important parameters in fluid technology. Its main purpose is to monitor the correct operation of functions and processes in the system.
The fully welded Baumer pressure sensor is ideal for hydraulic pressure monitoring thanks to its high durability and burst pressure capacity.
EAM580R – Absolute Magnetic Encoder
Steering angle
Absolute magnetic encoders are used to determine the vehicle's direction of travel to support automation such as load cycles and autonomy concepts.
DST55R – Strain Sensor
Load measurement
Overloading of mobile machines is dangerous and increases wear on the mechanical structure, steering, suspension, and hydraulic system. It can also lead to unjustified warranty claims against the machine manufacturer.
Baumer strain sensors offer large force measurement that is easily integrated in demanding outdoor environments, with stable measurement over time and temperature changes. A single sensor can be used for different applications and force ranges.
TE2 – Compact RTD Temperature Sensor
Hydraulic oil temperature
Knowing the hydraulic oil temperature in a system is important. Excessively high temperatures lead to premature aging of the hydraulic fluid and seals. In addition, fluid viscosity is temperature-dependent, and control may need to be adjusted based on fluid temperature.
Its compact and rugged design offers typical process connections such as G ¼ A ISO 1179-2 (DIN 3852-E). Ideal for low-pressure conditions (up to 100 bar).
CFAK22 – Oil Level Switch
Hydraulic oil level
The Baumer oil level switch prevents damage caused by low fluid levels. Baumer brings capacitive frequency sweep technology to the off-highway industry. The CFAK 22 outperforms established technologies such as float switches, fixed-frequency capacitive, and electro-optical level sensors, and is factory pre-set for hydraulic fluids as well as other operating fluids with similar properties, such as transmission oil and diesel.
It can be used for pressureless fluid monitoring and leak detection in differential housings, gearboxes, and fluid tanks.
Boom and bucket positioning
Smart angle and inclination sensors for precise positioning of booms and buckets to automate work processes such as digging, grade control, and load cycles.
Hydraulic fluid monitoring
Smart temperature, level, and pressure sensors help sustain the productivity of mobile machines' hydraulic systems and prevent damage.
Structural strain and damage
Smart process, force, and position sensors help prevent damage that can occur in the structure of mobile machines.
Boom and bucket positioning is required in many mobile machines for detecting and delimiting the working area, increasing efficiency, and automating work processes up to autonomous applications and vehicles. Baumer sensors are used for positioning rotary motion and boom angles, and for monitoring linear motion and various implements.
The hydraulic system is one of the key systems in modern mobile machines. Knowing parameters such as temperature, pressure, low fluid level, or leaks helps sustain productivity and prevent damage.
Many machines systematically experience large loads during operation. Sometimes these loads exceed specifications, leading to unjustified warranty claims. Monitoring critical structural components and preventing damage, or limiting power to warn the operator of an impending failure, can also be advantageous. This reduces warranty costs and increases uptime.
Make a difference with your construction equipment
High-performance sensors support increased productivity, process flexibility, and workmanship quality. Construction equipment always needs rugged, compact, and reliable sensor solutions to extend uptime and lower operating costs.
Discover how you can make a difference by achieving these goals with Baumer sensors.
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