Topcon MC-R3 Masted Dozer System

Topcon’s MC-R3 masted dozer system is an earlier-generation GNSS machine-control solution designed to provide real-time blade guidance and, where the machine has a compatible hydraulic interface and automatic blade control.

The system positions the blade using one or more Topcon PG-S3 GNSS antennas mounted directly to the blade. Single-, Twin- and Dual-Antenna configurations are available depending on the system setup.

Single antenna: One GNSS antenna installed on one blade-mounted mast. A separate blade slope sensor is used to calculate the position and cross slope of the complete cutting edge.

Twin antenna: Two GNSS antennas installed on one mast, on a diamond shaped bracket, the GNSS antennas being fixed at end both points. The fixed distance between the antennas allows the system to calculate the heading and orientation of the antenna assembly.

Dual antenna: Two GNSS antennas installed on two separate masts, positioned at different points across the blade. From these two measured positions, the system calculates blade elevation, cross slope and direction.

The MC-R3 combines the GNSS receiver, correction-radio hardware, machine-control processing and hydraulic valve drivers within a singular piece of hardware. Available radios, communication equipment, GNSS capabilities and software options vary according to the original specification of the individual controller.

Cab Kit Components

GX-60 or GX-55 touchscreen display.
MC-R3 GNSS receiver and machine-control controller.
UHF radio, cellular communication equipment or external modem selected for the correction method.
1-2x Vibration Poles
2x PG-S3 GNSS receivers
1 x Diamond PG-S3 pole mount (If twin antenna setup)

The exact components vary according to the age of the system, dozer model, correction method and whether the installation is indicate-only or fitted with automatic hydraulic control.

Wiring Kit Components

One or more Topcon PG-S3 GNSS antennas, depending on the antenna configuration.
Vibration pole and blade-mounting equipment.
9620 single-port slope sensor on applicable Single-Antenna configurations.
GNSS antenna cable or cables.
UHF radio antenna.
Machine-specific power and communication harnesses.
Automatic/manual control wiring where automatic control is installed.
Machine-specific CAN or conventional hydraulic-control interface.
Hydraulic valve block where required by the machine installation.

The Dual-Antenna configuration does not use the 9620 single-port slope sensors. Single-, Dual- and Twin-Antenna systems must therefore be correctly identified before replacement components are ordered.

Topcon Sitelink3D Online Data Transfer and Remote Access

Sitelink3D is Topcon’s cloud-based platform for transferring machine-control data, accessing connected systems remotely and keeping project information synchronised across a site.

Sitelink3D was available as an optional feature on compatible MC-R3 systems. Operation requires suitable 3D-MC software, the correct software activation and supported cellular communication equipment.

Users must first create a free MyTopcon account. Service Points can then be purchased through a Topcon dealer and added to the customer’s MyTopcon organisation.

Once the service is active, compatible machines can be connected for supported remote-access and file-transfer functions. Designs can be issued to selected machines or groups of machines, helping ensure that operators are working from the latest approved information.

Where enabled, recorded survey, as-built and progress information can also be transferred back to Sitelink3D for quality control and project monitoring.

Sitelink3D supports a range of Topcon, CAD and industry-standard design formats, including:

TP3 – Topcon project file.
TN3 – Topcon surface file.
LN3 – Topcon linework file.
GC3 – Topcon localisation file.
DXF.
DWG.
LandXML.
CSV.
TXT.

For further information about Sitelink3D, account creation and Service Points, please see: [LINK]

Software Features

Real-time cut-and-fill blade guidance.
Single-, Dual- or Twin-Antenna 3D positioning.
Indicate or automatic hydraulic control on compatible machines.
2D and 3D machine-control operation.
Display of design surfaces, linework and project information.
Vertical grade and blade cross-slope guidance.
Vertical and horizontal working offsets.
Steer-to-line guidance.
Adjustable on-grade tolerances.
USB transfer of supported project and design files.
Remote file transfer and access through Sitelink3D where supported.
Survey, as-built and pass-count recording where enabled.
Integrated horizontal and vertical LED guidance on the GX-55 display.
Storage of multiple projects and machine configuration files.

Typical Uses

Topcon’s 3D-MC masted dozer system is suitable for bulk earthworks, cut-and-fill operations, rough and final grading, platform construction, road formation, embankments, batters, quarry work, landfill applications and working directly from digital terrain models.

Software and Firmware Versions

GX-60: 3D-MC v12.1.484
GX-55: 3D-MC v12.2.536

Available Configurations and Upgrades

Single-, Dual- and Twin-Antenna Configurations

The standard masted dozer system is available in Single-Antenna, Dual-Antenna and Twin-Antenna configurations.

Each configuration uses a different antenna arrangement and may require different sensors, cables, software settings and machine measurements.

Components should not be transferred between antenna configurations without first checking compatibility and completing the required measurements and calibration.

An indicate-only installation cannot be assumed to be upgradeable through software alone.

Important Notes

The system is available in Single-Antenna, Dual-Antenna and Twin-Antenna configurations.
Automatic control requires a compatible machine and hydraulic or CAN interface.
Automatic control requires a compatible dozer and hydraulic-control interface.
Software and firmware compatibility must be checked before carrying out an update.
Used, transferred or repaired systems should be inspected, measured and recalibrated before being used for automatic grading.