A system and method for various levels of automation of a swing-to-hopper motion for a rope shovel. An operator controls a rope shovel during a dig operation to load a dipper with materials. A controller receives position data, either via operator input or sensor data, for the dipper and a hopper where the materials are to be dumped. The controller then calculates an ideal path for the dipper to travel to be positioned above the hopper to dump the contents of the dipper. In some embodiments, the controller outputs operator feedback to assist the operator in traveling along the ideal path to the hopper. In some embodiments, the controller restricts the dipper motion such that the operator is not able to deviate beyond certain limits of the ideal path. In some embodiments, the controller automatically controls the movement of the dipper to reach the hopper.

A system and method for various levels of automation of a swing-to-hopper motion for a rope shovel. An operator controls a rope shovel during a dig operation to load a dipper with materials. A controller receives position data, either via operator input or sensor data, for the dipper and a hopper where the materials are to be dumped. The controller then calculates an ideal path for the dipper to travel to be positioned above the hopper to dump the contents of the dipper. In some embodiments, the controller outputs operator feedback to assist the operator in traveling along the ideal path to the hopper. In some embodiments, the controller restricts the dipper motion such that the operator is not able to deviate beyond certain limits of the ideal path. In some embodiments, the controller automatically controls the movement of the dipper to reach the hopper.

A work vehicle is disclosed. The work vehicle comprises an attachment comprising a cutting edge. The attachment is configured to move from an operating position to a dump position. An operator input device is configured to receive a grade command. A grade control system is communicatively coupled to an operator input device and configured to receive the grade command and define a cutting plane. A controller is configured to receive a boom position signal, an attachment position signal, and the grade command. The controller is configured to maintain the cutting edge on the cutting plane in both the operating position and the dump position.

Arrangements for diverting and removing spoil created when a microtrench is being cut. The disclosed arrangements divert the debris and dust away from the microtrench during the cutting process. In optional embodiments, a spoil vacuum system is used to remove the dust particles during the debris diversion process. In further optional embodiments, a microtrench slot cleaning tool and slot vacuum system may be used. The microtrencher can be mounted on a skid-steer loader or a similar support vehicle.

A work vehicle is disclosed. The work vehicle comprises an attachment comprising a cutting edge. The attachment is configured to move from an operating position to a dump position. An operator input device is configured to receive a grade command. A grade control system is communicatively coupled to an operator input device and configured to receive the grade command and define a cutting plane. A controller is configured to receive a boom position signal, an attachment position signal, and the grade command. The controller is configured to maintain the cutting edge on the cutting plane in both the operating position and the dump position.

A sediment classification system enables the screening of material that enters a backhoe bucket. Material that enters the bucket exits through a duct with an opening at the back of the bucket. The material is screened by passing between a first set of bars and a second set of bars. The bars have spacers between them attached to one of the sets of bars. The second set of bars is pined to the first set and is able to move to clear material wedged between the bars.

An excavation machine includes a detector detecting a state of an object to be excavated, a storage storing a plurality of pieces of excavation information in which a state of a first portion before excavated by a learning excavation device, and a first operation of when the learning excavation device excavates the first portion are associated with each other, and a processor including an estimation unit obtaining a state of a second portion intended to be excavated, the state having been detected by the detector, an operation determining unit selecting the state of the first portion corresponding to the state of the obtained second portion, from among the states of the first portions of the excavation information, and determining the first operation corresponding to the selected state, as a second operation of when excavating the second portion, and an excavation controller operating an excavation device with the second operation.

A system and method for various levels of automation of a swing-to-hopper motion for a rope shovel. An operator controls a rope shovel during a dig operation to load a dipper with materials. A controller receives position data, either via operator input or sensor data, for the dipper and a hopper where the materials are to be dumped. The controller then calculates an ideal path for the dipper to travel to be positioned above the hopper to dump the contents of the dipper. In some embodiments, the controller outputs operator feedback to assist the operator in traveling along the ideal path to the hopper. In some embodiments, the controller restricts the dipper motion such that the operator is not able to deviate beyond certain limits of the ideal path. In some embodiments, the controller automatically controls the movement of the dipper to reach the hopper.

A system and method for various levels of automation of a swing-to-hopper motion for a rope shovel. An operator controls a rope shovel during a dig operation to load a dipper with materials. A controller receives position data, either via operator input or sensor data, for the dipper and a hopper where the materials are to be dumped. The controller then calculates an ideal path for the dipper to travel to be positioned above the hopper to dump the contents of the dipper. In some embodiments, the controller outputs operator feedback to assist the operator in traveling along the ideal path to the hopper. In some embodiments, the controller restricts the dipper motion such that the operator is not able to deviate beyond certain limits of the ideal path. In some embodiments, the controller automatically controls the movement of the dipper to reach the hopper.

Arrangements for diverting and removing spoil created when a microtrench is being cut. The disclosed arrangements divert the debris and dust away from the microtrench during the cutting process. In optional embodiments, a spoil vacuum system is used to remove the dust particles during the debris diversion process. In further optional embodiments, a microtrench slot cleaning tool and slot vacuum system may be used. The microtrencher can be mounted on a skid-steer loader or a similar support vehicle.