Compact excavators working on large earthmoving projects can now use the same digital designs as the big diggers with Leica’s new iCON site excavator.
The simple machine control solution for compact excavators helps increase the efficiency and accuracy of trenching, grading or moving material on a smaller scale, Leica says. The system supports the swing boom, tiltrotator and tilt bucket functions of the machines.
The iCON site excavator system includes three new components: a software application, a dual GNSS receiver and an optional communication device. It can be purchased as stand-alone software or as an add-on within the existing iCON site platform.
When used as an add-on, workers can execute a variety of on- and off-machine jobs leveraging the same tools.
For example, Leica says, operators can use the controller unit with a Smart Antenna to first measure an area to stake out or create a design. Then, they can mount it in the cab and start digging according to that design. Once the job is finished, the operator can use the same system to conduct as-built checks. (Check out the process in the video below.)
If there are design updates, Leica ConX will communicate the same updates to the entire connected fleet of machines working on the project.
The iCON site excavator application will be available for a range of iCON field controllers in various sizes. The new GNSS receiver and communication device are designed specifically for compact machines.
