Eliminates stakeout and grade checking downtime while easing excavation of complex surfaces.

(Norcross, Ga., 4 March, 2008), Leica Geosystems introduces Leica PowerDigger 3D, the world‘s most popular, flexible and user friendly 3D excavator system. This advanced excavator guidance system includes a choice of single or dual GNSS (GPS + GLONASS) PowerBox and PowerAntenna sensors, each capable of precisely locating the exact 3D position of the excavator bucket relative to the design surface.

In real time, Leica PowerDigger 3D receives the machine position via GNSS, calculates the excavator bucket‘s exact 3D position on the site and compares the bucket position with the 3D design model, displaying differences (cut/fill/slope) to the operator on a large, easy-to-see display screen.

Rich Calvird, Product Marketing Manager for Leica Geosystems, says, “GNSS-driven positioning can virtually eliminate downtime for stakeout and grade checking which translates to significant time and cost savings. It also makes working with vertical curves, cross-slope transitions, and changes in width fast and easy. Even fine-grading is possible with real-time 3D information about the bucket position, including bucket tilt and rotation.”

The Leica PowerDigger 3D always displays the machine’s position relative to the 3D design surface, in any site conditions. It can operate in single and dual GPS/GNSS configuration.  The Dual GNSS configurations provide maximum speed and flexibility for projects with frequent moves, while single GNSS configurations provide a cost-effective entry to 3D excavating.

Calvird continues, “Leica PowerDigger 3D allows the operator to design complex surfaces with several slopes and store on-the-fly data directly in the machine. It is also the perfect tool for underwater excavations, and can also record the final excavated surface, for as-dug reports – now you know when the project is finished.”

Leica PowerDigger 3D supports all common 3D design model formats. Design files can be sent to the excavator via a GSM or local wireless LAN with Internet access.

See the Leica PowerDigger 3D and other advanced systems at the CONEXPO-CON/AGG, March 11-15, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the Leica Geosystems booths # (S-16805) and (S-17105).

Leica Geosystems – when it has to be right
With close to 200 years of pioneering solutions to measure the world, Leica Geosystems products and services are trusted by professionals worldwide to help them capture, analyze, and present spatial information. Leica Geosystems is best known for its broad array of products that capture accurately, model quickly, analyze easily, and visualize and present spatial information.

Those who use Leica products every day trust them for their dependability, the value they deliver, and the superior customer support. Based in Heerbrugg, Switzerland, Leica Geosystems is a global company with tens of thousands of customers supported by more than 2,400 employees in 22 countries and hundreds of partners located in more than 120 countries around the world. Leica Geosystems is part of the Hexagon Group, Sweden.