TKE developed a excavator control system for REMU’s Big Float amphibious excavator to improve machine control, reliability, and usability in demanding environments
The project focused on creating a modern and scalable machine control solution for heavy-duty excavation and dredging operations.
Control system for the REMU Big Float 800 dredging excavator
TKE Oy, a specialist in CAN technology and mobile machine control systems, developed the control system for REMU’s Big Float 800 dredging excavator. REMU is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of innovative screening and excavation solutions.
The Big Float 800 combines a standard excavator with a floating pontoon track system. This special excavator consists of a basic excavator, where the normal track system is replaced with floating pontoon/track-system. This helps the excavator to float on lakes or sludgy marshes and can access challenging locations that conventional excavators cannot reach.
Split into three different physical CANbusses with TKEs TCS-10 CAN-switch
From the beginning of the project, TKE designed the control system using only CANopen-compatible devices. The team also divided the system into three separate physical CAN bus networks using TKE’s TCS-10 CAN switch.
Splitting the CAN-network enables shorter and simplified wiring. The hydraulic valves coils were controlled by TKEs CDVD-10 CANopen I/O-nodes, so it is easy to keep track where the possible future problems will occur, when the bus and intelligence of device is reached there where hydraulic device lies.
Splitting the CAN network simplified the wiring architecture and reduced cable lengths throughout the machine. The distributed structure also improved system reliability and made troubleshooting easier.