Komatsu PC88 Trimble Earthworks Install: What Goes Into a Precision Setup
Link - https://4kequipment.com/trimble-machine-control/
Take a behind-the-scenes look at a Komatsu PC88 getting Trimble Earthworks installed here at 4K Equipment. We break down each step of the hardware setup, how it integrates with the machine, and the real-world benefits it delivers, so whether you’re considering your first machine control system or just curious about the process, you’ll get a clear, inside view.
Brackets & Sensor Mounting
Every install starts with welding the required brackets onto the machine. Once those are in place, we mount the GS520 sensors along the boom. These sensors are critical, they track boom, stick, and bucket movement in real time to ensure precise digging.
On smaller excavators like the PC88, installs can require a little creativity. Space is tighter, and off-the-shelf solutions don’t always fit perfectly. That’s where custom fabrication comes in.
Controller Installation & Wiring
Next, we install the EC520 controller on the bottom plate underneath the excavator. From there, all wiring is routed throughout the machine:
- Power and data lines are run up to the cab for the display
- Sensor wiring is routed cleanly up and down the boom
Clean, protected wiring is key to long-term reliability, especially in harsh jobsite conditions.
Custom Fabrication (When Needed)
With smaller machines, custom solutions are often required. On this PC88, we used a custom bracket for the MS975 Smart Antenna Head mounted on the backside. Not every machine is the same, and compact excavators especially demand tailored solutions.
The good news? We handle custom fabrication in-house, so we’re not limited by standard kits. If it needs to be built, we can make it happen.
Calibration & Setup Wizard
Once all hardware is installed, the real precision work begins. Inside Trimble Earthworks, there’s a built-in setup wizard that walks you through calibration step by step.
Using a total station, we measure:
- Machine rotations
- Pin locations
- Boom, stick, and bucket geometry
This ensures the system knows exactly where your bucket is at all times, so what you see on the screen matches what’s happening in the dirt.
Install Options
We offer Trimble Earthworks installs anywhere in the U.S., but we also understand that some customers want to reduce costs by handling installs themselves.
If you choose a self-install:
- We ship the main Earthworks components
- We send a loaner total station
- You install, weld brackets, wire, and calibrate
- Once finished, you send the total station back to us
You still get professional-grade accuracy, just with more hands-on involvement and at a lower cost.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help
Installing Trimble Earthworks on a Komatsu PC88 is a detailed process, but the results speak for themselves.
From precise sensor placement and clean wiring to custom fabrication and careful calibration, every step ensures the system delivers unmatched accuracy on the jobsite. At 4K Equipment, we make sure every install is tailored to the machine and the operator’s needs so you can focus on getting the job done efficiently and accurately.
If you’re thinking about putting Trimble Earthworks on your excavator, or if you’re already installing and need guidance, give us a call. We’re always happy to help you figure out the best solution for your machine and your budget.