R2900 Load Haul Dump Autodig System - If Equipped Caterpillar

This section contains basic operating procedures for the AVSpare Elphinstone Autodig System.

Reference: For further information on the operation of the Autodig system, refer to Systems Operation, Testing and Adjusting, "Autodig System" for the machine that is being serviced.

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The bucket and bucket control group operate automatically. A safe operating distance must be maintained between the machine and other personnel. Operating the machine within an unsafe distance can be dangerous and could result in severe injury or death.

Under no circumstances should any service work or testing and adjusting be carried out on the machine while the machine is operating on Autodig.

Autodig Controls

Illustration 1	g00953191

Enable Switch (1) - Press the right side of enable switch (1) to initiate an Autodig cycle. Indicator lamp (2) on the dash panel will turn ON indicating that an Autodig cycle has been initiated. Press the right side of the switch to cancel an Autodig cycle. Indicator lamp (2) on the dash panel will turn OFF, indicating that an Autodig cycle has been cancelled.

Mode Selection Switch (3) (If Equipped) - Turn the knob on mode selection switch (3) to mode I, II, III, or IIII. Each Autodig mode allows different bucket loading characteristics and loading aggressiveness levels. Use mode selection switch (3) to select an appropriate mode of Autodig operation to match the machine operating conditions.

Isolation Switch (4) (If Equipped) - Turn the key on isolation switch (4) clockwise to turn the Autodig system ON. Turn the key counterclockwise to turn the Autodig system OFF. Turn the key on isolation switch (4) to the OFF position when not using the Autodig system.

Autodig Operation

Autodig Operation from the Operator's Station

Illustration 2	g00916671

1. With the engine running and the operator in full control of the machine, turn Autodig isolation switch (4) to the ON position.

2. Turn mode selection switch (3) to mode I, II, III or IIII. Select an appropriate mode of Autodig operation to match the machine operating conditions.

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Illustration 3	g00916675

3. Drive towards the pile in first speed forward at high idle, with the bucket level (as shown in Illustration 3) and the joystick control lever in the HOLD position. The operator may apply downward pressure with the bucket if keeping the ground clear of debris.

4. Depress Autodig enable switch (1) on the joystick control lever. Indicator light (2) will turn ON.

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Illustration 4	g00916798

5. Drive the machine into the pile. When the machine contacts the pile, Autodig will sense contact and sound the Autodig horn once. Also, hood light (5) will turn ON indicating an Autodig cycle has commenced.

   Note: The Autodig cycle will not commence until all of the following conditions are met:

   • The Autodig isolation switch (4) has been turned to the ON position.

   • The enable switch (1) has been depressed.

   • The bucket is near the ground.

   • The bucket is near level.

   • The transmission is in first speed forward and the engine is near high idle.

   • The joystick control lever is in the HOLD position.

6. While the operator maintains the accelerator control at high idle and steers the machine, Autodig takes control of the bucket and bucket control group to automatically load the bucket. At the end of the cycle Autodig will lift and fully tilt back the bucket. Indicator light (2) and Autodig hood light (6) will turn OFF and the Autodig horn will sound twice to signal the completion of the loading cycle. The Autodig system is no longer active. The operator now has control of the bucket and bucket control group.

   Note: If Autodig fails to complete a loading cycle, follow either of the following actions:

   • Complete the cycle manually.

   • Dump the load and start a new Autodig cycle by performing Steps 3 through 7.

   Note: The height at which the bucket stops at the completion of an Autodig cycle depends upon the operation mode selected on switch (3) and the operating conditions. The operator may need to adjust the height of the bucket before starting to haul.

7. After hauling and dumping the load, repeat Steps 3 through 6 to perform another Autodig cycle.

Autodig Operation from Remote Control

Illustration 5	g00898889

Remote control operation for the Autodig system is the same as for "Autodig Operation from the Operator's Station" except that the operator uses Autodig enable switch (6) located on the remote control transmitter.

Reference: For further information on the transmitter controls for the remote control system, refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Transmitter Controls" for the machine that is being serviced.

Cancelling an Autodig Cycle

Illustration 6	g00944774

To cancel an Autodig cycle while operating the machine from the operator's station, perform either one of the following:

• Depress Autodig enable switch (1) .

• Move joystick control lever (7) fully to the LOWER, RAISE, DUMP or TILT BACK position.

Illustration 7	g00898881

To cancel an Autodig cycle while operating the machine on remote control, perform either one of the following:

• Depress Autodig enable switch (6) .

• Move bucket control lever (8) fully to the LOWER, RAISE, DUMP or TILT BACK position.