Hitachi Construction Machinery on factory fitting Leica Geosystems 3D machine control

Peter Haddock speaks to Jake Walley at its 21-bay facility in the North East, where he witnessed systems being put onto a new fleet for Careys, having already been to its recent dig day. 

Jake: "Factory fitting the Leica Geosystems machine control here allows us to work in dedicated bays, ensuring a high quality base kit install that we cover with our warranty. It also allows us to add safety solutions like the Xwatch 3D collision avoidance to the machine.

“In addition, we can fit a full range of tiltrotators that can take advantage of the Leica CoPilot solution that automatically positions the bucket to the desired grade.

“And when we fit a tiltrotator we calibrate the machine to be used with them and also calibrate the machine with a standard bucket. This allows customers to use the machine control for a range of different tasks.

"And because this information stays with the machine in the tablet cradle, it means that as soon as it gets to site, it is Leica ready.

“So whether a customer chooses to have a full install and cab kit or the base kit install and rent a cab kit from us, the machine is fully set up.” 

Having attended both of the recent Hitachi Dig Days and seen its machine operating in the Leica Geosystems School, Peter has also witnessed the benefits of operators being able to try the technology in a live environment.

Jake: “The dig days have really boosted demand for our factory installs, and this is why we will continue to do them in the future.

"We also decided to have a dedicated machine in the Leica School so customers could visit the facility and try out the technology with support from their experts.”

Peter added: “It was certainly interesting to see and learn how Hitachi has built up its offering ‘beyond the machine’ and hear the impact it is making for customers and how the integrated xWatch system, which operates on the Leica in-cab tablet, is enhancing safety.”