Archive for category: Off Highway Vehicle

In an era where efficiency and safety are paramount, the work truck industry is experiencing a transformative shift thanks to a variety of advanced truck-mounted equipment options. 

Cattron recently introduced its Tyro 2S family of products to the North American market, promising to change the way upfitters, truck body builders, and manufacturers of specialized vehicles approach truck-mounted equipment control.

A DIRECT LINE TO THE FUTURE

The Tyro 2S line brings flexibility and precision to truck-mounted, engine-driven, hydraulically driven, and electrically driven equipment. This technology allows end-users to control their equipment from handheld devices, enhancing safety, productivity, and operational efficiency across various applications.

“The evolution of engine technology to meet stringent emissions standards like Tier 4 final and Stage 5 has led to more sophisticated electronic control systems,” says Shane Samson, business development manager at Cattron. “This complexity has sparked a growing demand from our customers for deeper insights into their engine operations. Concurrently, we’re observing a trend in mobile applications where increased automation is becoming crucial. This automation allows for greater productivity with a reduced workforce, addressing the challenges of labor shortages and operational efficiency concurrently.”

VOLUMETRIC CONCRETE MIXERS

Volumetric concrete mixers allow on-site mixing and greater control over the production process. The integration of Tyro 2S remote control systems takes this a step further. Operators can now control the mixer’s functions remotely, moving away from traditional control panels mounted on the truck.

Tyro 2S systems enable input of mix designs and production of concrete at the touch of a button. Remote capability is particularly valuable in challenging or hazardous environments where operator safety is a concern. The system’s rapid response time of under 0.1 seconds ensures real-time control, critical for maintaining concrete quality and consistency.

Tyro’s Musca 6F Concrete Remote complements Cattron’s existing Pump Boss product. The system’s ability to support global frequencies (434 MHz, 915 MHz, and 2.4 GHz) ensures compatibility across different regions.

DETACHABLE AND INTERCHANGEABLE WORK TRUCK BODIES

The concept of detachable work truck bodies has increased productivity for fleet management, allowing one truck to perform the work of an entire fleet. Tyro 2S provides remote control over the electric-powered hydraulic hoist and winch systems used for loading and unloading interchangeable bodies.

No matter the type of body, it offers precise control from a safe distance. This is particularly beneficial in industries such as waste hauling, municipalities, landscaping, snow and ice management, tree care, and construction. With an IP65 to IP68 rating, Tyro 2S controllers can withstand harsh environments, including exposure to dust, moisture, and impact. 

Tyro 2S system enables precise input of mix designs and production of concrete.

SEWAGE PUMPERS

For the liquid waste industry, including businesses maintaining residential and commercial septic systems, renting portable restrooms, and providing industrial vacuum services, the system offers control and safety.

Operators can control pumping operations from a safe distance, reducing exposure to potentially hazardous materials. The system’s customizable interface allows for specific functions to be programmed, such as controlling pump speed, monitoring tank levels, and managing pressure systems.

Tyro 2S’s compatibility with CAN bus systems permits communication between the remote control and the equipment. This integration allows for real-time monitoring of critical parameters.

FLATBED CAR CARRIERS

Flatbed car carriers rely heavily on hydraulics when loading and unloading vehicles. Hydraulic motors not only control the flatbed’s tilting functions, but also its winch. Operators can control the bed and winch from various vantage points.

The system’s ergonomic design, with large tactile buttons and backlit keys, makes it easy to use even when wearing gloves – a common scenario in the towing and recovery industry. The haptic feedback feature provides operators with immediate confirmation of their commands, crucial when handling valuable cargo like vehicles.

Recovery trucks and wreckers utilize a wide array of truck-mounted, engine-driven, hydraulically-driven, and electrically-driven equipment.

RECOVERY TRUCKS AND WRECKERS

Recovery trucks and wreckers utilize a wide array of truck-mounted, engine-driven, hydraulically driven, and electrically driven equipment. Operators can manage winches, booms, and outrigger stabilizers remotely, allowing for precise positioning and operation in challenging recovery scenarios. The system’s ability to provide real-time feedback on the equipment’s status enhances safety and efficiency, particularly in time-sensitive or hazardous recovery situations.

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES AND INDUSTRY IMPACT

Remote control technology for work trucks addresses many of the challenges faced by the industry.

Customization: The systems offer extensive customization options, allowing users to personalize transmitters with specific icons and symbols matching their equipment’s control interfaces. This enhances safety and ease of use across different applications.

Durability: With IP ratings ranging from IP65 to IP68, products are built to withstand the harshest environments. This durability ensures reliable performance in various conditions, from dusty construction sites to wet and muddy terrains.

Safety: The implementation of advanced safety features, including ISO 13849-1 PL-c certification for some models, addresses the industry’s growing focus on operator and bystander safety.

Flexibility: Support for multiple frequencies and the ability to pair multiple transmitters with a single receiver (and vice versa) provide the flexibility needed in diverse work environments.

Integration: The system’s compatibility with CAN bus, supporting protocols like J1939 and CANopen, allows for seamless integration with modern vehicle systems.

Pump Boss gives workers a method of operating concrete mixer trucks, volumetric mixers, and line pumps, and is compatible with the Tyro 2S system.

THE COMPLETE PACKAGE

Emphasizing user-friendliness and operational efficiency, the Tyro 2S systems incorporate advanced features like one-touch pairing. This allows for quick transmitter-receiver connections, reducing setup time – a crucial advantage in mobile applications where equipment is frequently relocated. Furthermore, the system’s support for multiple transmitter-receiver pairings enhances operational flexibility and provides built-in redundancy, allowing multiple operators to control equipment seamlessly and ensuring continuous operation even if a transmitter is misplaced or damaged.

“We are proud to offer U.S. and Canadian customers the same level of performance and reliability that European customers have appreciated from Tyro for years,” says Ryan Wooten, CEO of Cattron. “Tyro products bolster our global portfolio with a proven remote-control solution for mobile equipment applications.”

UNIQUE IN THE INDUSTRY

Cattron offers solutions for remote equipment control. The company’s product portfolio covers remote control systems and also on-engine controls. This approach allows Cattron to address a wide range of control needs, from basic remote operations to complex engine function integration. By providing this full spectrum of solutions, Cattron simplifies the process for customers seeking to enhance their equipment’s capabilities, whether for standard remote-control applications or more specialized engine-related controls.

As work truck applications continue to evolve, remote control systems will play a crucial role in enhancing efficiency, safety, and operational capabilities. As the industry moves towards more automated and remotely operated systems, these technologies are set to become not just a luxury but a necessity in the modern work truck ecosystem.

The future of work truck operations is here, and it’s in the palm of your hand. The industry is poised for a new era of safer, more efficient, and more versatile truck-mounted operations.