Trimble expands Earthworks to medium-sized wheel loaders and introduces 3D VCL file visualization in Trimble Connect, boosting jobsite accuracy and collaboration in civil construction.
Trimble Enhances Civil Construction Workflow with Wheel Loader Integration and 3D VCL Visualization
Trimble has rolled out two major enhancements designed to boost productivity and teamwork on construction sites: expanded Earthworks compatibility for mid-sized wheel loaders and new 3D VCL file viewing capabilities in its cloud-based Trimble Connect platform.
Earthworks Now Compatible with Mid-Sized Wheel Loaders
The Trimble Earthworks platform—known for its 3D grade control capabilities—can now be used with mid-sized wheel loaders, typically weighing 10 tons or more. This update enables construction crews to apply high-precision positioning technology to a broader range of machines used for key tasks such as grading, site cleanup, and surface preparation.
Running on Android, Earthworks leverages dual-GNSS positioning to deliver accurate, real-time data on the loader bucket’s location and orientation. The platform also maps front and rear wheel positions, helping operators maintain ground surface awareness throughout each phase of the job.
According to Trimble, this expansion was driven by customer feedback from contractors already using Earthworks on other machinery and seeking the same functionality for their wheel loaders.
Trimble Connect Introduces 3D Viewing for VCL Design Files
In a separate update, Trimble has added 3D visualization for VCL files in Trimble Connect. The VCL format—unique to Trimble—contains detailed design information used across various hardware and software tools. The ability to view these files in 3D directly within the browser-based Trimble Connect interface simplifies design interpretation and project coordination.
This new functionality supports Trimble Connect’s mission to serve as a centralized platform for construction data management. By enabling direct access to VCL files without the need for additional software, teams can work more efficiently with up-to-date design models throughout a project’s lifecycle.
Trimble Connect already accommodates over 40 file types, including DWG, DXF, IFC, and PDF, and supports both 2D and 3D formats. The platform enables teams in the office and field to collaborate seamlessly by sharing live project data and design files in real time.
Driving Efficiency Through Integration
These updates underscore Trimble’s commitment to streamlining construction operations through better digital integration and more accessible tools. As jobsite demands grow in complexity, solutions like Earthworks and Trimble Connect are evolving to support faster decision-making, improved accuracy, and stronger coordination across teams—regardless of machine or file format.
