Excavating has never been easy work — but today’s jobs come with even more pressure to hit grade faster, get cuts and fills right the first time and keep people safe around the machine. Whether you’re training new operators or just trying to keep projects on schedule, having the right tech on board makes a big difference.

Many of today’s excavators include built-in tools that take some of the load off the operator, helping both new recruits and long-time pros work with more speed, accuracy and confidence.

Here’s a look at four that come standard on every Cat^® Performance model and can start delivering a return on investment with your very first job. (They’re easy add-ons to GC models, too.)

Want to build on Grade with 2D’s benefits? Put it to work with Cat Grade with Assist. This simple-to-use tech adds semi-autonomous control of the boom and bucket. Once the operator sets a target depth and slope, Grade with Assist takes over those functions.

That allows for single-lever digging — helping reduce manual inputs, improve consistency and cut down on operator fatigue. The result? When you use it with Grade with 2D, Grade with Assist can boost operator efficiency up to 45%.*

Safety bonus: Less need for constant adjustment means operators can focus more on their surroundings.

All kinds of automated assistance features come with Grade with Assist — operators can use it to control the excavator’s boom, swing, tilt and more. One of the most useful? Bucket Assist. It automatically maintains the bucket angle during sloping, leveling, fine grading and trenching. That helps keep the bucket steady and your cuts accurate, even when site conditions vary.

Safety bonus: Automation can reduce fatigue and distraction, helping operators stay more alert and aware.

Here’s a built-in technology that’s all about safety — protecting people and property while reducing the costs associated with damage and fines.

E-fence creates invisible boundaries over, under and around your excavator, keeping the front linkage within a predefined work zone. You can avoid overhead obstacles with E-ceiling, stop underground damage with E-floor, and prevent side and front contact with E-wall and E-swing. It’s a smart way to support a safer site and improve efficiency.

You don’t have to be a technology expert to get more out of your excavator. With standard features on Cat Performance models — and easy-to-add options for GC models — you can start working smarter and safer on the very first job.

Not sure what’s included on the model you’re considering? Your local Cat dealer can walk you through what’s standard, what’s optional and what makes the most sense for your business.

*Compared to traditional grading methods. Individual results may vary.