Bell Equipment is delivering significant innovation through its agnostic approach to safety, autonomy, control technology and its Fleetm@tic telematics system.
In an industry where safety and productivity are constantly sought after, Bell Equipment is changing the game with its advanced technology platform designed into its range of articulated dump trucks and motor graders.
Through the platform, Bell provides a gateway controller (ISO 21815-2) that can connect to a third-party Proximity Detection System or Collision Avoidance System of the customer’s choice.
When the machine is moved to a new worksite, the third-party PDS/CAS can be removed and replaced with the PDS/CAS system used at the new site.
Jeremiah Mokhomo, Grader Product Manager for Bell Equipment says, the third-party PDS/CAS system will do the detection and give commands, while the Bell responsibility is to execute the commands, ensuring the safety of the operator and pedestrians.
Together with the company’s in-house telematics system Fleetm@tic, this is changing the way contractors manage risk, monitor machine health, and optimise performance on roads and infrastructure projects.
Mokhomo adds that the choice to align Bell technology platforms across different equipment types has always been a top priority.
“Technicians only need to learn and work with a single interface, regardless of whether they are servicing a grader or an articulated dump truck (ADT),” he says.
“For customers, having a uniform technology platform allows them to collect and analyse data seamlessly across all machines, creating a consistent user experience.”
PDS and CAS
In busy roadworks and infrastructure projects, where people and heavy machinery operate side by side, the margin for error is next to none.
Ensuring the safety of both operators and ground personnel is a top priority, and one that increasingly relies on technology.
Bell Equipment’s ability to provide a ‘plug and play’ integration of PDS and CAS directly address this challenge.
The PDS system is designed to detect potential collision threats and warn the operator visually and audibly that a collision is imminent.
The CAS goes beyond warning alerts by actively intervening and slowing or stopping machines to prevent accidents.
This technology creates a safer working environment by increasing operator awareness, protecting ground personnel, and helping contractors reduce accidents, downtime, and liability on site.
Mokhomo says the integration of these systems with Bell machinery significantly enhances safety on job sites by reducing the risk of collisions between machines, vehicles, and personnel.
“Together with Fleetm@tic, these integrated systems make Bell ADTs and graders more productive, but also significantly safer in demanding work environments,” he says.
“Further enhancing the productivity of the motor graders is the fact that they are compatible across the most common operating systems and can be integrated with a variety of third-party technologies, including 2D and 3D grading systems.”
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Fleetm@tic
In the fast-paced world of construction, managing machine performance, fuel efficiency, and downtime is critical to staying on schedule and on budget.
Bell Equipment’s in-house developed Fleetm@tic telematics system delivers the real-time visibility and actionable insights that contractors and fleet managers need to take control of their operations.
Standard on all new graders and ADTs for the first two years, and available on subscription thereafter, Fleetm@tic connects machines into a unified, data-driven platform monitoring specific data depending on the machine.
“With ADTs, Fleetm@tic can be used to track load cycles, payload, haul routes, and fuel consumption,” says Mokhomo.
“When used on graders it records operating hours, the production area covered and fuel efficiency.
“This single telematics system allows fleet operators, contractors and site managers to gain real-time insights at the click of a button.”
The system also monitors machine condition, flagging service intervals, operator abuse, and diagnostic fault codes. By consolidating this data, Fleetm@tic enables site managers to identify bottlenecks, balance workloads, and schedule proactive maintenance, minimising downtime and maximising on-site efficiency.
More than just data collection,
Fleetm@tic also delivers accurate, up-to-date information on operational performance, production, fault codes, machine location, and movements. All presented through a user-friendly web-based interface.
Mokhomo says fleet managers value the consistency of having one telematics and diagnostic platform in Fleetm@tic, but the real appeal of the system lies in its simplicity and accessibility.
With a secure login and password, customers can monitor their own machines from anywhere, whether at home, in the office, or even while travelling abroad.
“For contractors juggling multiple projects, machines, and deadlines, Fleetm@tic is ideal for those with a lot on their plate,” says Mokhomo.
“They can also choose to have automated reports arrive daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on individual preferences.”
Importantly, Fleetm@tic and PDS/CAS data remains the property of the customer, ensuring full control and privacy.
Bell Equipment can only access this information with explicit permission.
All system interventions including safety-related actions are logged on the machine’s onboard memory module.
This log can be retrieved by the customer to review safety measures, identify recurring risks, or assess operator behaviour.
In the unfortunate event of a collision, Bell machines are equipped with a “black box” system, similar to those used in aviation.
At the customer’s request, Bell can download and analyse this data to reconstruct the incident, providing critical insight that can support investigations, improve future site safety, and reduce liability.
“By providing the customer access to this information anywhere at any time, Bell promises a reduction in maintenance and travel costs,” says Mokhomo.
This article was originally published in the October edition of our magazine. To read the magazine, click here.
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