Trimble Caterpillar AS400 Angle Sensor

The Trimble AS400 Angle Sensor is a high‑precision, heavy‑duty slope and angle sensor designed for machine‑control systems on Caterpillar motor graders, bulldozers, dozers, and other earth‑moving or grading equipment. 

As part of Trimble’s acclaimed GCS family (e.g. GCS500, GCS600, GCS900), the AS400 provides accurate blade‑angle and machine‑pitch/roll data for grade control, cross‑slope cutting, fine grading, excavations, embankments, road construction, and more.

Built as a gravity‑reference angle sensor, the AS400 delivers reliable, real‑time readings of the orientation of the blade or frame relative to gravity, enabling precise slope, tilt, and cross‑slope adjustments on the jobsite. 

Why Choose the AS400 Slope / Angle Sensor

Precision & Accuracy

The AS400 is engineered for precise angle measurements, allowing operators to achieve exact blade slope, tilt, or cross‑slope, essential for fine grading, road base preparation, ditch and embankment shaping, and other critical jobs

Full Slope Capability (100%) 

The sensor supports up to 100% slope measurements, giving full flexibility for steep grading tasks, embankments, ditches, and slope work.

Durable & Rugged for Jobsite Conditions 

Built to withstand harsh environments typical of construction and earthmoving: robust housing, designed for vibration, dust, moisture, and rough handling

Compatibility with Trimble Grade Control Systems

The AS400 integrates seamlessly into Trimble’s suite of grade‑control solutions (GCS500, GCS600, GCS900, etc.), working alongside other sensors (rotational, laser, sonic) to control blade elevation, tilt, and cross-slope with high precision.

Flexibility Across Machine Types

Whether used on motor graders, bulldozers/dozers, excavators (with proper configuration), or other heavy machinery .AS400’s modular sensor design supports multiple applications and machine types. 

Key Specifications & Technical Details

Note: Always verify machine compatibility (mounting, connectors, control box, wiring) before installation. Proper integration with blade‑control hydraulics, control box and other sensors is critical for reliable functioning.

Typical Use Cases & Applications

1. Road Construction, Grading & Fine Finish Work

When you need precise blade slope and cross‑slope control for road bases, ditches, embankments, driveways, sidewalks, or general earthwork AS400 provides accurate slope data for consistent results. Systems like Trimble GCS500 (cross‑slope control) or GCS600 (cross‑slope + elevation) typically rely on dual AS400 sensors (one for each side of blade) plus rotational/laser/sonic sensors to control both slope and elevation.

2. Grader & Bulldozer Work: Blade Tilt, Pitch, and Leveling

For motor graders and bulldozers, AS400 helps measure blade tilt, pitch, and orientation relative to machine frame critical for leveling tasks, precision grading, ditch shaping, preparing building pads, and site grading.

3. Earthmoving, Excavation, and Mass‑Grading Jobs

When operating excavators or machines in earthmoving projects especially where slope, depth, and precise grade are needed AS400 (in properly configured Trimble machine‑control setups) helps deliver reliable angle feedback, ensuring consistent performance across large or complex terrains

4. Upgraded Machine‑Control & 3D Grading Systems

In advanced grading or 3D grade‑control environments (e.g. integrated GNSS + sensor‑based control), AS400 can function as a core component, feeding accurate slope/angle data to the system to combine with GPS or laser/sonic data giving operators full control over blade position, slope, elevation, and machine orientation.

Benefits for Contractors & Buyers

• Enhanced Accuracy & Consistency 

Achieve uniform grading, slopes, and cross‑slopes with minimal manual correction, reducing rework.

• Faster Completion Times 

With reliable real‑time slope data, operators make fewer manual adjustments, accelerating project timelines.

• Better Jobsite Efficiency & Cost‑Effectiveness 

Minimize material waste, avoid over‑cuts/under‑cuts, deliver precise grading, and reduce fuel/hydraulic usage through optimized blade control.

• Durability for Tough Conditions

Works reliably in harsh construction environments: dust, vibration, moisture, and temperature fluctuations.

• Flexibility & Scalability 

Because of its modular design and compatibility with multiple systems and machine types, AS400 is a flexible investment suitable for current use and future upgrades.

• Compatibility with Leading Grade Control Systems 

As part of the Trimble GCS lineup, AS400 fits seamlessly with other sensors (rotational, laser, sonic) and control hardware, making system integration smoother and support accessible.

What to Check Before Buying / Installing

To ensure optimal performance and avoid issues, make sure:

• The AS400 sensor is compatible with your machine type (grader, dozer, excavator, etc.).
• Your control system (e.g. Trimble GCS500, GCS600, GCS900) supports AS400 sensors, and the wiring/connector interface matches
• Blade‑mounting, push‑arms, A‑frames or C‑frames (depending on machine) are properly configured to accept a slope/angle sensor
• If integrating into a full grade‑control or GNSS‑based 3D system, ensure proper calibration and alignment with other sensors (laser, rotational, GNSS).
• Environmental factors: although AS400 is rugged, regular maintenance and correct sealing/installation will prolong life and reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly does the Trimble AS400 Angle Sensor measure?

The AS400 measures the orientation of the machine’s blade (or A‑frame/push‑arm/C‑frame, depending on the machine) relative to gravity i.e., blade angle, tilt, cross‑slope, pitch/roll. This feedback allows precise control of blade slope and tilt during grading, excavation, or slope work.

On which machines can AS400 be used?

AS400 is commonly used on motor graders and bulldozers/dozers. With appropriate system configuration (mounting hardware and control system), it can also be part of excavator grade‑control setups

Which control systems is AS400 compatible with?

The AS400 works with the Trimble GCS control system family notably GCS500 (cross‑slope control), GCS600 (cross‑slope + elevation control), and the full-featured GCS900 (2D/3D grade control) systems.

What slope/angle range can AS400 handle?

AS400 supports up to 100% slope suitable for steep slopes, embankments, ditches, and slope‑heavy grading or cutting tasks. 

Is AS400 rugged enough for rough construction environments? What about dust, moisture, vibration?

Yes. Trimble designs its on‑machine sensors (including AS400) to withstand harsh jobsite conditions vibration, dust, possibly moisture making them suitable for heavy equipment and outdoor earthmoving tasks.

Do I need other sensors along with AS400 for full machine control?

Often yes depending on application. For example, blade cross‑slope systems (e.g. on graders) may use two AS400 sensors (one for each side of blade) plus a rotational sensor (e.g. RS400) to calculate precise blade orientation. For elevation control or full 3D grading, laser receivers (like LR410) or sonic tracers may be used alongside.

What are the main benefits of installing AS400 on my grader or dozer?

The core advantages include precise slope/tilt control, consistent blade positioning, faster and more efficient grading, reduced rework, better material usage, and overall improved productivity and jobsite quality. It’s especially valuable for road construction, embankments, site grading, and any slope-critical earthwork.