Benchmark Podcast Episode 2 – CHCNAV's Excavator Machine Control Solutions

In this episode of the Benchmark Podcast, Chuck Harris and Levi walk through CHCNAV’s excavator machine control solutions and how each solution fits different experience levels. Watch the full episode below.

Here’s a quick written summary of the main points discussed in the episode.

Overview

CHCNAV offers three excavator solutions for basic (EasyNav), mid-level (TX73 Basic) and advanced (TX73 Advanced) experience levels. All three systems:

• Are 3D excavator guidance systems
• Provide real-time northing, easting, and elevation of the bucket tooth
• Are compatible with excavators ranging from small two-ton machines to large excavators
• Use ruggedized Android-based machine control displays
• Use IMU sensors mounted on the dog bone to enable bucket switching
• Support standard and custom buckets
• Allow multiple buckets to be switched with a button press (calibration can be performed by the customer or supported by the Benchmark team)

The table below shows a simple comparison of EasyNav, TX73 Basic, and TX73 Advanced to highlight how each system differs.

EasyNav — Entry-level excavator solution

EasyNav is for crews that rely on infield design and do not need to import external models.

Design Capabilities

• Infield design only
• Create flat planes, slopes, pads, ditches, trenches, foundations, and driveway profiles directly in the cab
• Does not load external 3D models

Interface and workflow

• Simplified Interface
• "Go" button to jump straight into creating designs
• No 3D surface visualization on screen

Bucket and Boom Support

• Supports standard, custom and tilt buckets
• Does not support tilt-rotate buckets
• Swing boom monitoring without requiring an additional sensor

Job Management

• Designs are stored and can be recalled later
• Operators can return to a previous job without rebuilding the design

Installation and training

• Typical installation: ~3–4 hours
• Training: ~30 minutes to 1.5 hours
• Crews are often operational within half a day

Common Applications

• Septic and wastewater systems
• Drain fields and tank holes
• Pool construction
• Residential footers and foundations

TX73 Basic - Mid-level Excavator Solution

TX73 Basic is designed for crews that want more design flexibility and visualization while still relying heavily on infield workflows.

Design Capabilities

• All infield design options available in EasyNav
• Ability to take multiple bucket shots and create a triangulated 3D surface
• More control over slopes using two-point alignment or single-point alignment

Interface and workflow

• Full 3D view of the excavator and created surfaces
• More customizable interface than EasyNav

Bucket Support

• Supports standard buckets, custom buckets, tilt buckets, and tilt-rotate buckets

Upgradability

• Uses the same hardware as the full TX73 system
• Can be upgraded to full 3D model support via a license
• Licenses can be rented monthly for short-term jobs or purchased as a perpetual upgrade

Installation and Training

• Typical installation: ~6–8 hours
• Training: ~2–3 hours

TX73 (Advanced)

The full TX73 system adds support for engineered 3D models created outside the machine. This system is typically used on commercial or engineered projects where designs are created before arriving on site.

Model Support

• Imports DXF files
• Supports XML surface files
• Accepts CSV and text files for points
• Works with localization files

Model Control and Visualization

• Full layer control
• Ability to change colors and toggle layers on or off
• Designed for working directly from civil engineer plans

Have questions about how one of these systems fits into your setup? The Benchmark team is available to help.