New PowerDigger Lite Guidance System Increases Machine Productivity For Backhoes And Mini Excavators

(Norcross, Ga., 16 August 2010) Leica Geosystems releases Leica PowerDigger Lite, its new entry-level single- slope guidance system for all types of excavators. PowerDigger Lite is easy to use, economical, and answers the needs of contractors looking for an entry level machine control system.

Designed with single slope applications in mind, PowerDigger Lite is ideal for mini excavators and backhoes. It increases machine productivity by eliminating stakes over-excavations.

Leica PowerDigger Lite is the newest addition to the PowerDigger line — the result of 12 years market-leading experience with excavator guidance systems. With PowerDigger Lite you have the flexibility to work from different references including the existing surface, hub, stringline, or laser reference, and you can offset your reference surface.

The system, based on the well-known and reliable PowerDigger hardware platform, is targeted at single slope applications such as trenching, grading and pipe-laying, and can be mounted on any excavator. The PowerDigger Lite is 100% waterproof, so no special sensors or cables are needed for underwater use.

Easy-to-use Machine Control
Quickly installed, PowerDigger Lite’s heart is the rugged control panel with a full-color 3.5-inch graphical display, enabling accurate single slope and depth control. The simple menu structure provides an intuitive user interface for quick learning and increased productivity. 

All functions are logically placed for straight forward operation. To start work, operators simply choose a height reference and enter the desired slope; both are presented on the graphical display. Final grade and the offset from the bucket edge are also displayed on your screen.

High productivity in many applications
Leica PowerDigger Lite offers basic functions for single slope standard applications. It can be used for foundations, embankments, pipe trenches, grading, and even for underwater work, as the user can always see the bucket position relative to target grade on your display. By eliminating over-excavation and working faster, contractors will save time, money, fuel and materials costs. 

Unique safety features
Leica PowerDigger Lite also removes the need for grade checking increasing safety on busy constructionsites. Additionally, when working in potentially dangerous areas such as under bridges and power lines or inside buildings, the operator can preset a maximum working height or depth and be warned when the excavator arm or bucket reaches the critical height. Leica PowerDigger Lite also features the unique integrated buried service detection warning. An EZiDIG cable detection sensor can be interfaced directly to the PowerDigger CAN connection. The operator will be alerted of buried services while digging by an audio alarm and a multi-level bar on the PowerDigger Lite display.

Availability
Leica PowerDigger Lite is available now through all authorized Leica Geosystems’ Machine Control Dealers.

For more information, go to www.leica-geosystems.us/machinecontrol

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 Geosystems 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 3,500 employees in 28 countries and hundreds of partners located in more than 120 countries around the world. Leica Geosystems is part of the Hexagon Group, Sweden.