Stage 4: Advanced Features and Real-Time Connectivity

Stage 4: (Download Brochure Here) GPS technology takes a giant step forward from Stage 3 with the addition of a wireless mesh radio network, allowing multiple machines to share real-time data. This is very important on working faces where GPS is incorporated into multiple compactors, ensuring that the machines do not duplicate their efforts.

Another huge advantage of Stage 4 technology is the ability to provide two-way data communication between the office and the field. This network supports the real time collection and analysis of the machine location data by a remote computer, eliminating the need to manually gather, download and compile the data sets from each individual machine.

The two-way data communication also allows the landfill manager or engineer the ability to remotely update the topographic fi le sets used by the machine operator. In addition, the system can be remotely accessed for training, support or data management functions.

Landfill Cell Development Cost: $200,000/acre

Average Depth of Waste: 80 feet

Average Gate Rate: $25.00/ton

Annual Volume: 280,000 tons/year (approx. 1,000 tons/decade)

Current Density: 1,500 pounds per cubic yard (lb/cy) Of course, GPS technology is only a tool, not a cure-all. The actual results that a landfill experiences will depend on many factors. However, it is not unusual for a landfill to increase its density by more than 10 percent using this technology. The cost of a full Stage 4 GPS system will be recovered by the additional revenue going into just one acre of landfill if a 10 percent density increase is achieved.

Conclusion: GPS technology has advanced rapidly in recent years. Regardless of the stage of implementation, it provides a vital tool for the machine operator, landfill manager and landfill engineer to use collectively to get the greatest possible returns from their landfill.