(Norcross, GA, 22 March 2011) – Leica Geosystems releases the next generation of its unique Leica SP Technology further enhancing flexibility and productivity when grading with a dozer. SP Technology now also supports machine control with total stations, providing high precision and increased grading speed in environments where GPS is not useable. This additional functionality allows users to choose the positioning sensor for their machine control system and to achieve excellent results in any environment. The innovative SP technology for bulldozers is revolutionizing the way contractors move dirt and fine-grade. Using an inertial system SP Technology significantly enhances grading performance, resulting in higher productivity even on challenging job sites.
Achieving faster results
SP technology provides improved hydraulic control that allows faster grading with outstanding smoothness and precision at high speeds, dramatically increasing machine utilization and productivity. Bulldozers can now take on even more fine grading jobs, completing work with less heavy equipment on site and helping contractors to finish their projects ahead of schedule and under budget.
High precision attainable at higher speeds By using inertial guidance with highly responsive hydraulic control, grading performance is significantly enhanced. Leica SP Technology compensates for various weaknesses that GPS and total stations have in normal machine control applications. Thus operators can achieve consistent and precise results even under the most difficult conditions. Machines equipped with SP technology reduce the need for rework and increase machine uptime during poor satellite (GPS/GLONASS) coverage, temporary loss of correction signals, or interrupted prism tracking when working with a total station.
Total precision in any environment
The next generation Leica SP Technology adds unique flexibility to speed and precision. Working with GPS or total station SP technology allows fast and precise grading even on challenging job sites. If GPS is not usable, e.g. when working in urban canyons, deep cuts, forested or mountainous areas, or in tunnels, the operator can swap the GPS sensors with a total station and can keep working with its 3D machine control system enjoying the same SP performance and speeds as with GPS. No matter the environment, Leica SP Technology offers customers a flexible solution for fast, high precision grading.
Increased value of existing hardware
SP Technology is an available upgrade or option to the Leica PowerGrade platform. Along with the unique PowerSnap concept, which allows easy and quick exchange of machine control panels, customers have unrivaled flexibility and speed. Since the first release of SP Technology many contractors have already upgraded their Leica PowerGrade 3D system to benefit from this cutting edge technology and many of them confirmed considerable productivity gains in grading with a dozer.
No learning curve
All dozers equipped with a Leica PowerGrade 3D system controlled by GPS or total station can be easily updated to get the full benefit of the unique SP Technology. A simple sensor swap, upgrade of software, and recalibration of the machine and SP Technology is ready to go.
Availability
The new Leica SP Technology version is available now through all authorized Leica Geosystems’ Machine Control representatives.
For more information about Leica Geosystems’ innovative SP technology, visit: http://www.leica-geosystems.us/sp
Leica Geosystems – when it has to be right
With close to 200 years of pioneering solutions experience 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 throughout more than 120 countries around the world. Leica Geosystems is a member of the Hexagon Group, Sweden.