Cat launch the PL161 attachment locator
Caterpillar introduce new locator device for machine attachments and job site assets
CATERPILLAR have announced the addition of the PL161 attachment locator to the Locator series of their Cat Product Link hardware product line. The PL161 locator is said to be the most advanced OEM integrated technology solution for attachment tracking.
With the ability to track location and utilization, users are able to know where their attachments are across all work sites, reduce the number of lost attachments, and plan for attachment maintenance and replacement.
The PL161 attachment locator can be used on attachments and non-powered assets as an affordable option for last-known location tracking, and it integrates easily into users’ operations for full fleet management of machines and attachments from one dashboard on a smartphone or a tablet.
The locator is a customer-installable device that supports operations in harsh environments. The compact design of the device makes it compatible for a wide range of assets without interfering with the work they are doing.
The PL161 locator is designed to be used with the Cat App and with other PL-Series scanning devices installed on Next Generation excavators, whilst retrofit kits are available for older machines.
When using the Cat App within range of the PL161 locator device, the location will be logged automatically. This system leverages cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity through the user’s own smartphone or tablet to transmit data to the VisionLink and My.Cat.com applications. Purchase of the PL161 locator comes with a subscription to VisionLink for the life of the device.
The Cat App is compatible with most smart devices that have Bluetooth 4.0 or later and is available for download from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). Bluetooth range is up to 30m (100ft), depending on the environment and any obstructions. The device is battery powered with an estimated life of two years.
The PL161, which measures approximately 5mm x 3.8cm x 1.5cm and weighs 85g, is available from the factory on select attachments and will be factory-installed on all excavator attachments starting from the middle of 2019.
