The Ergonic® control system set benchmarks for the simple, safe and reliable control of concrete pumps, mixers and placing booms. With Ergonic® 3, Putzmeister is now demonstrating how something good can become even better: The latest generation of the control system supports machine operators like never before. With operation that has never before been this simple and intuitive.
The further development of Ergonic® focussed on added benefits that are high in demand on construction sites: Reliability, maximum robustness and, above all, user-friendliness. As such, the Ergonic® 3 quick-access buttons can also be operated reliably while wearing gloves. All basic functions of a concrete pump are also available on the radio remote control and can be controlled via hardware buttons, independent from the display. As a result, even less experienced machine operators can operate the system confidently and with ease. Someone who knows just how well that works in practice is Mr. Hassan, operation supervisor from CK Ready-Mix Concrete. He has tested the new Ergonic® 3 on construction sites in Dubai.
And it’s no wonder, since the machine speaks the language of its machine operators, with more than 20 language versions that can be accessed with just a few clicks. In addition, the new uniform user interface with its optimised icons offers a perfect interplay of images and text, guiding machine operators through all functions in a simple and clear manner.
Another factor making things simpler is the continuous concept of Ergonic® 3. The control system features the same functions and visuals for all Putzmeister products, making it very easy to switch to a different machine. The clear menu structure and logically arranged functions also facilitate day-to-day work. They allow for intuitive operation and quick reactions in all situations – a significant advantage especially when rapid intervention is required. It does not matter whether the machine is operated via the radio remote control or on the Ergonic® Graphic Display (EGD).
Safety first – and Ergonic® 3 even guarantees productivity
Machine downtimes during ongoing operation on the construction site are particularly annoying – and expensive. In order to prevent them, Ergonic® 3 offers maximum transparency and enables machine operators to “look inside the machine” via the display on the control cabinet. In addition, machine operators will quickly receive help from the comprehensive Putzmeister fault management in case there is a fault. Aside from the fault message, which includes possible causes, this also involves helpful suggestions for solutions that can be implemented directly on-site. “We have been working with Putzmeister for more than 14 years. As usual, Putzmeister pumps stand tall but what makes them even greater is the Ergonic 3 system,” reports Mr. Hassan. And if a successful resolution cannot be found despite all this, the relevant task can at least be safely completely via emergency operation with manual control. With the new system, there is no such thing as impossible.
Two new module expansions offer even more options
Another convenient function for machine operators is the intelligent Boom Control (iBC). This feature makes it even easier to control the arm assembly. All arm movements can be controlled easily and precisely via the joystick using just one hand. This is due to the fact that the boom’s response characteristics have been improved by 80%. The boom damping, which has also been developed further, ensures that the arm assembly remains stable and steady even at high delivery rates.
Putzmeister has completely revised the intelligent Setup Control (iSC) safety system. It enables the machine to be set up in a fully flexible manner to suit the relevant conditions on the construction site. All without having to specify a support configuration first, but with a guarantee that the machine can be operated absolutely securely. The patented drop warning and the possibility of providing additional support help machine operators effectively in difficult conditions. Since the concrete weight is always taken into account, there is no need to reduce the working area when starting to pump. This means one thing on construction sites: Greater reach than ever before! In combination with the reliable reach prediction, machine operators can utilise the robust steel structure of Putzmeister machines to its fullest potential.
In conclusion: Operating a concrete pump has never been as simple and convenient as with Ergonic® 3. It makes work significantly easier – after all, daily work on construction sites is difficult enough as is.