“Besides new automatic machine control features for dozers and motorgraders, GradeStar Version 4.5 now offers a low-cost version for indicate-only applications, such as bulk earth moving jobs,” said Matthias Fritz, product manager for machine automation at Leica Geosystems.

A major new feature in Version 4.5 is an enhancement to GradeStar’s exclusive automatic side-shift functionality.  The operator can now pick any polyline from the plan view window and select it as a horizontal reference or centerline.  GradeStar will automatically utilize the selected line and calculate real-time offsets to it.  These offsets can be displayed on the screen or – in the case of a motorgrader – used to operate the hydraulic side-shift function.

Other new features include the ability to store hydraulic tuning settings and vehicle data in the vehicle settings files, making it easier to swap the system from machine to machine, and new data screens and views to improve performance.

Leica Geosystems, with worldwide headquarters in Heerbrugg, Switzerland, develops, manufactures and markets systems for surveying, mapping and position determination.  The company has a turnover of almost 700 million Swiss francs and is listed on the Swiss Exchange.  Leica currently has 2,370 employees, with 600 located in the United States.  It is structured in six divisions:  Surveying and Engineering, GIS and Mapping, Metrology, Special Products, Consumer Products and New Businesses.  Along with the Swiss facilities, the company also has development and production subsidiaries in America and Asia.  Leica Geosystems has 20 wholly-owned sales subsidiaries worldwide and representation in more than 120 countries.

For sales inquiries contact Leica online at www.leica-geosystems.com or your local Leica dealer.