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CANBus Control Systems

Mobile Machine CANbus Controls

Control systems are the backbone of mobile machinery, allowing for efficient, reliable, and scalable operations. Canbus control systems (or Controller Area Network control systems) are integral to successful performance in modern mobile machines, offering unparalleled machine communication, diagnostics, and control capabilities.

Whether your machine is powered by a hydraulic or electric system, CANbus technology can provide a comprehensive and future-proof solution for managing complex operations and ensuring that your machine is consistently operating the way you need it to.

Cross Company’s Mobile Systems Integration Group has the experience, expertise, and equipment to handle your CANbus control system application. With our Mobile Technology Center, we can prototype and tune your machine to ensure it’s working properly. Or we can offer on-site startup services to make sure your machine works in the environment it’s intended to. Contact Cross today to learn more or to start the process.

What Does A CANbus Control System Do?

CANbus control systems are communication networks that allow the various components of your machine (for instance, sensors, controllers, actuators, etc) to communicate and exchange information in real-time. Unlike traditional wiring systems that require discrete wires for every connection, CANbus systems use streamlined wire setups to transmit data across the whole system. This is able to not only reduce wiring complexity, but also can enhance safety, reliability, and scalability.

For example, controllers and operator interfaces (HMIs) can be supplied with preloaded programs, meaning there is no configuration or software downloading time needed. All you have to do is provide the proper connections and you’re ready to go.

Also, I/O feedback can be provided as a part of routine machine diagnostics. This allows you to ensure the wiring is correct during both production and start-up. This eliminates the threat that you’ll get the machine out in the field, only to find that a miswired component is preventing operation.

towable backhoe

Cross Mobile Systems Integration Providers

Offering solutions from an industry-leading number of suppliers so we can help our customers implement the right components into their projects, no matter the brand. 

Why Choose a CANbus from Cross for Mobile Machines?

CANbus control systems are designed to meet the needs of modern mobile machinery, providing several key advantages such as enhanced reliability, real-time communication, scalability, advanced diagnostics, and greater safety

Enhanced Reliability

CANbus systems are able to withstand harsh or demanding environments, including high/low temperatures, machine vibrations, and moisture presence. This ensures long-term reliability even in harsh conditions.

Real-Time Communication

CANbus systems allow for precise control and coordination between machine components through near-instantaneous data exchange. This is needed for applications like engine management or automated operations.

Scalability

Adding or upgrading components in a CANbus system is straightforward. New devices are able to be integrated with minimal changes to wiring configurations, making it easy to adapt your machine to evolving needs.

Advanced Diagnostics

CANbus systems are able to provide detailed diagnostic information such as fault codes, performance metrics, and system status updates. This simplifies troubleshooting and machine maintenance, reducing downtime and cost.

Greater Safety

By reducing the number of wires and connections, CANbus systems minimize the risk of electrical faults and improve system safety overall. Error detection systems also ensure consistent and reliable operation.

Check Out Our CANbus Resources

Take a look at some of our most popular Cross resources about CANbus control systems for off-highway vehicles.

can bus control system for off-highway machinery
There are many reasons for wanting to implement a new control system on your mobile machine. However, you first have to ask yourself “is my machine right for a control system and will the market I serve accept it?” In addition, you need to consider how the people that operate
April 27, 2020
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demonstration video for off-highway hydraulic mower from cross company
So, you have a choice. Do you design the newest revision of your brush mower using the same old hardwired relay logic that you have always used? Sure, your customers are asking for some more features, but is it worth it to change? It’s gotten you this far without too
April 24, 2020
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remote control system for off-highway work vehicle
There are many reasons why operating a mobile machine remotely makes sense. Sometimes it has to do with operator safety, and other times it has to do with being more efficient. Whatever the reason, radio frequency remotes have been proven over the years to be a safe and reliable means
April 24, 2020
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Cross Applications of CANbus Control Systems

At Cross, we understand the unique challenges of mobile machinery, and our experienced engineers have been working closely with mobile work vehicles and machinery for decades. This expertise, combined with our Mobile Technology Center, can help you design, prototype, test, or tune your machine to ensure optimal performance. CANbus solutions are versatile and can be applied to a wide range of mobile machinery and we’re here to help you effectively implement it.

Some potential applications include

Engine and Transmission Controls – With the J1939 protocol, CANbus systems are able to seamlessly communicate with modern electronic engines and transmissions. This enables advanced features like RPM control, stall prevention, and Tier 4 emissions compliance. Whether you need to adjust operating parameters or capture diagnostic messages, we can design a system that meets the needs of your machine.

Hydraulic System Integration – CANbus technology is able to easily integrate with hydraulic systems, allowing for precise control of pumps, valves, and actuators. This is ideal for applications like construction, agriculture, material handling, and more. Our engineers can work with you to develop custom solutions to ensure your hydraulic systems are operating efficiently and reliably.

Electric Machine Control – As operations move more and more towards electrification, CANbus systems provide a reliable means of managing electric motors, battery systems, and other critical components in mobile electric machines. Whether it’s full-electric or hybrid, Cross can help you design and implement a control system able to maximize performance and efficiency.

Cross Best Practices for CANbus System Implementation

Implementing CANbus control systems is about more than just choosing the right components. It’s also about ensuring every detail is executed to the highest standard. At Cross, we don’t just provide technology – we provide the expertise and support you need to ensure your system is built to last. From design to start-up, we’re here to help.

We make it our business to ensure long-term durability and reliable operation for your mobile work vehicles. That includes ruggedized design, proper wiring practices, CAD drawings, and more. When you partner with Cross, you’re not just getting a control system. You’re also getting a team of experts dedicated to your success.

With our experience and dedicated Mobile Technology Center, we can ensure that your machine meets your exact requirements.

Ruggedized Design

Proper Wiring Practices

CAD Drawings

Ongoing Support

Reliable Communication

The Value Cross Brings To Your Industry

If you’re utilizing off-highway machines or mobile work equipment, Cross Company is your trusted partner for CANbus control systems. From heavy-duty machinery operating in rugged environments to precision-driven equipment requiring advanced diagnostics and control, our solutions are designed to meet the unique demands of your industry.

Off-highway machines often face challenges such as harsh operating conditions, complex system requirements, and the need for seamless communication between components. At Cross, we specialize in providing CANbus control systems that address these challenges head-on. Whether your equipment is powered by hydraulic systems, electric motors, or a combination of both, our solutions are tailored to ensure reliable performance, scalability, and long-term durability.

By partnering with Cross, you gain access to a team of experts who understand the complexities of mobile machinery. We don’t just deliver technology. We deliver value

Construction

Marine Equipment

Recycling

Utility Vehicles and Work Trucks

Frequently Asked Questions

CANbus systems are commonly used in mobile machinery such as construction equipment, agricultural vehicles, and material handling machines. They enable real-time communication between components like engines, transmissions, hydraulic systems, and operator interfaces.

A CANbus system controls various machine functions, including engine management, hydraulic system operations, electric motor control, and diagnostics. It ensures seamless communication between sensors, controllers, and actuators for efficient and reliable operation.

CANbus technology is essential for mobile-rated work machines because it enhances reliability, reduces wiring complexity, provides advanced diagnostics, and ensures real-time communication. This makes it ideal for demanding environments and applications requiring precise control and scalability.

mobile technology center (MTC) for cross mobile systems integration group

Partnering With Cross For CANbus Control Systems

As mobile machinery continues to evolve, CANbus control systems are becoming a necessity for advanced features, greater efficiency, reduced costs, and improved safety. At Cross Company, we partner with our customers to implement scalable, reliable solutions that are able to meet the demands of both today and tomorrow.

Whether your machine is powered by hydraulic or electric systems, our team has the expertise, resources, and technology to deliver a control system that works for you.

Ready to take your mobile machine to the next level? Contact Cross Company today to learn how our CAN Bus solutions can help you achieve your goals.

See How Our Mobile Systems Integration Team Can Help Improve Quality, Increase Efficiency, And Reduce Risk

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Did you know… Cross Company is an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). Our ESOP started in 1979 and as of 2006, we are 100% employee-owned! Learn more about our ESOP and how that benefits both team members and our customers.
Did you know... the precision measurement group at Cross was founded in 1939 by our current CEO's grandfather, Jim King. That's a whole lot of calibration!
Did you know... A fingerprint weighs about 50 micrograms. We know, we weighed it! The residue left from a finger can actually make a difference in weight results which is why we wear gloves when we calibrate weights. For reference, a sheet of paper is about 4.5 grams, that’s 4.5 million micrograms.
Did you know… Cross Company has grown significantly since our start in 1954. Over the years we've acquired 26 companies! Today, our five groups have expertise in everything from industrial automation to precision measurement, and industry knowledge going all the way back to 1939.