In November 2024, Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, and DEVELON, formerly Doosan Construction Equipment, announced a new aftermarket 3D machine control solution tailored for the DEVELON DD100 and DD130 dozers. These dozers are already designed to excel in earthmoving tasks, providing superior power and efficiency. According to the company, now, with the addition of the Leica MC1 3D machine control system, the dozers will further enhance operator accuracy and overall project productivity. The Leica iCON iGD3 3D machine control solution, which integrates with DEVELON’s hydraulic controls, allows operators to execute precise grading and earthmoving tasks with minimal rework.
To learn more about the collaboration, Equipment Today (ET) spoke with both Neil Williams, president, Machine Control Division at Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, and Jake Sherman, compact track loader and dozer product manager at DEVELON. Read on for their insights.
ET: Tell us about the newly launched aftermarket 3D machine control solution for the DEVELON DD100 and DD130 dozers.
Williams: This solution integrates Leica Geosystems’ advanced MC1 3D machine control system with DEVELON’s high-performance dozers, enabling operators to achieve superior accuracy in grading and leveling tasks. It provides a user-friendly interface and integrates seamlessly with existing workflows, empowering operators to work faster and more efficiently.
Leica Geosystems’ machine control solution supports both 2D and 3D dozer operations, using laser, total stations, and blade-mounted or cab-mounted GNSS technologies. It communicates with DEVELON’s DD100-7 and DD130-7 hydraulic controls, enabling it to adjust the blade to meet the requirements of any reference model. Additionally, the solution supports six-way blade functionality, offering improved visibility and convenience for the operator.
Sherman: DEVELON is attentive to customer demands and preferences, which is why the DD100 and DD130 dozers utilize an open architecture solution enabling aftermarket technology to be easily incorporated into the DEVELON dozer lineup.
ET: What are some standout features and how do they compare to current market offerings?
Williams: The solution consists of robust hardware (display, GNSS antennas, sensors) and a user-friendly software platform, Leica MC1. Standout features include:
- Leica MC1 software — A fully integrated 3D machine control platform that is intuitive and easy to use. It is designed as a one-for-all solution, providing operation for a wide range of construction applications, including grading, excavating, piling and more. The system allows operators to switch between machines, enabling the activation of different application software licenses with just the push of a button through a single, easy-to-use interface. One investment – multiple applications.
- Seamless integration — Advanced sensors deliver real-time data, enhancing precision and reducing rework. Thanks to the collaboration with DEVELON, the installation and calibration are seamless.
- Six-way blade — Six-way blade functionality on the Leica MC1 system offers precise control and versatility for complex grading tasks. Providing operators with accurate, real-time blade positioning data enables fine adjustments to be made, even on challenging terrain.
- As-built feature — Operators can automatically log data from the tracks and blade at specific intervals to create accurate as-built documentation. This information can be instantly shared with the office via cloud connectivity, enabling seamless progress reporting. The system’s surface logging functionality provides a live heatmap of the tool’s edge movements, allowing users to customize heatmap colors to visualize the tool’s edge history in relation to the target height distance.
- Cloud connectivity — To enhance productivity, operators need access to real-time project data and the ability to connect with office teams for remote support. Cloud connectivity is therefore essential for maximizing efficiency. To meet these needs, all Leica Geosystems machine control solutions include the option of Leica ConX, enabling the sharing of designs and progress data directly with project teams.
Compared to current market offerings, this solution excels in its ease of use, reliability and interoperability, making it a top choice for contractors looking to enhance productivity and cut costs.
Sherman: The Leica MC1 software allows operators and project managers the flexibility to work with a wide range of industry-standard data formats including LandXML, DXF, GEO, KOF, L3D, LMD, LIN, MBS and TRM, which enables the customer to integrate the solution to existing applications and workflows.
Leica Geosystems takes an open architecture approach to working with competitive solutions on-site to help make operations run smoother.
Ease of flexibility between machines is a standout feature. You can transfer major components between machines as needed. In addition, the MC1 provides the same user interface for all applicable machine models to make onboarding new and existing operators easier.
Plug-and-play functionality is available from the factory.
The Leica iCON iGD3 3D machine control solution integrates with Develon’s hydraulic controls, allowing operators to execute precise grading and earthmoving tasks with minimal rework.Leica_Develon
ET: How does this solution help end users in earthmoving improve the accuracy of their operations?
Williams: Autonomy and digitalization are driving significant savings in time, costs and materials, while also contributing to the achievement of sustainability goals. This is why making operators more independent, autonomous and backed up with digital tools can result in significant savings at each job:
The solution significantly reduces the need for manual staking and rework, leading to more accurate operations. Operators can now work more independently, eliminating the need to wait for surveyors.
With real-time data and accurate visualizations available on the run screen inside the cab, they can make informed decisions on the spot, adjusting their work as needed without delays. This autonomy speeds up the workflow, reducing downtime and allowing for more efficient project completion, further contributing to cost and time savings.
Following the design with ease-of-use results in less material waste — moving it only once, right. Precise control of the blade helps minimize over-excavation, reducing material wastage.
Sherman: The addition of a 3D grading system is universally accepted as an opportunity to improve worksite efficiency. The inclusion of this technology also helps reduce operator fatigue and errors, as it can decrease operator input by up to 80%. Additionally, experienced operators are becoming scarce. Technology can help less experienced operators achieve greater worksite efficiency and quality.
ET: What are the benefits of selecting an aftermarket grade control solution?
Williams: Aftermarket grade control solutions provide flexibility and affordability for contractors who want to enhance their fleet’s performance without purchasing entirely new machinery. These solutions can be retrofitted to existing equipment, allowing users to extend the life of their machines while gaining the latest technological advantages. Additionally, aftermarket systems like ours are versatile and compatible with multiple brands and models, giving contractors a scalable solution.
Sherman: The advantages to an aftermarket system enable a customer-driven solution. Customers have the ability to add technology as their applications evolve and the capability requirements of their dozers increase.
ET: What other notable construction equipment technologies does Leica offer?
Williams: Leica Geosystems provides an extensive portfolio of machine control technologies that span a wide range of applications across the construction industry. These solutions are designed to enhance precision and efficiency in everything from earthmoving and ground stabilization to paving and even snow management. Whether it’s optimizing grading, leveling and excavation tasks,
ensuring the stability of soil and structures, or managing paving operations with high accuracy, Leica Geosystems’ technologies empower operators to complete projects more effectively and safely.
Leica Geosystems also prioritizes the safety of both operators and infrastructure with a range of safety awareness solutions. These technologies are designed to minimize risks and improve the overall safety of operations. For instance, Leica Geosystems’ machine control systems are equipped with features such as collision avoidance, proximity alerts and zone monitoring, which ensure that operators are always aware of their surroundings and potential hazards. The systems can detect and alert operators about obstacles or unsafe conditions, such as working too close to high-risk areas, preventing accidents before they occur.
While many of our solutions are aftermarket-compatible, we also work closely with OEMs to deliver factory-installed systems. This ensures that customers have options tailored to their specific needs, whether they are integrating technology into an existing fleet or investing in new machinery. Whether retrofitting existing machinery or using factory-installed systems, Leica Geosystems’ offerings deliver the flexibility, scalability and precision needed to enhance performance and save on costs.
ET: Can we expect to see more heavy equipment tech collaborations in the future?
Williams: Absolutely. As digital transformation accelerates across the industry, partnerships between technology providers and equipment manufacturers are essential to meeting customer demands. Leica Geosystems is committed to fostering collaborations that drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and create value for our customers.
Sherman: Yes. Those following the DEVELON brand over the last few years can attest to the rapid expansion of the DEVELON product portfolio. A strong relationship with technology solutions is an integral part of further DEVELON product portfolio growth. DEVELON looks forward to continuing a strong relationship with Leica.
Leica Geosystems’ machine control solution supports both 2D and 3D dozer operations, using laser, total stations, and blade-mounted or cab-mounted GNSS technologies.Leica_Develon
ET: What else should readers know?
Williams: Leica Geosystems remains committed to empowering construction professionals through innovative technology. By working closely with partners like DEVELON and listening to our customers’ needs, we continue to set the standard for precision and efficiency in construction.
Sherman: DEVELON is cognizant of the need for all our products to incorporate and be compatible with a wide range of the latest technology solutions. DEVELON has worked with and will continue to work with industry-leading technology providers to deliver the best value for our customers. Additionally, DEVELON has included several technology solutions as standard in the DEVLEON dozer lineup. All DEVELON dozers come standard with MY DEVELON fleet management (telematics), 2D grading capability and fully electronic hydraulics.
