The Basics

Leica PowerGrade 3D is the latest grade control system from Leica Geosystems..  Leica PowerBade 3D precisely regulates the elevation and cross slope of the dozer blade through cutting-edge, robust sensor technology.   By integrating seamlessly with the bulldozer’s hydraulic system, fully automatic blade control ensures the desired finished surface is produced with speed and precision.

 

System Features

 

• Work the blade directly from CAD model with Leica PowerGrade 3D.
• Full color, touchscreen display fitted conveniently inside the cab – providing all machine information to the operator.
• 3D graphics –  see the job how you need to with full 3D pan/tilt/zoom control.
• GNSS (GPS) and Total Station options - maximum flexibility & coverage, select the sensor that your job requires.
• Rugged component and cabling design – built specifically for the harsh construction environment.
• Unique “PowerSnap” modular concept – rapid interchange of sensor components as your job site demands change.
• Compatible with most make and models of bulldozers on the market – including plug-and-play CAN-Bus interface to newer Caterpillar Series K, N and T machines.
• Fast & easy removal of components for overnight security.
• Support many competitor 2D hydraulic control systems  - call for further details on how to save money when “going 3D”
  

 

Immediate Benefits

 

• Achieve maximum grade accuracy automatically – increasing the speed of project cycles.
• Improve site safety – removes the need for grade checkers to enter the earthworks area.
• Reduces material & rework costs – do the job once, do it right!
• Work without boundaries – increases machine productivity by reducing your dependency on site survey teams.
• Creates a greener site – reduced rework and increased productivity all add up to substantial fuel savings, as well as reduced machine hours, as the job gets done quicker!
• Complex projects become simple – construct complex geometries, superelevated curves and transitions in a fraction of the normal time.
• Significant material savings – what is estimated is used.
• Full payback on your investment can be achieved in one project.

 

In-Cab Display Screen

The power behind Leica PowerGrade

Leica PowerGrade 3D uses the latest technology to put a wealth of features and functionality at the operators fingertips.

 

In-Cab Display Screen Features

 

• Work the blade directly from CAD model with PowerGrade 3D.
• Rich 3D graphics - operators see exactly what they need, detailing cut and fill values, exact positioning and terrain models.
• Best in class 3D display which supports competitor control systems and total stations – making integration on your site simple!
• Common interface on all machine types – so whether you have an excavator, bulldozer or motorgrader, the Leica PowerGrade 3D software reduces training needs and allows operators to switch between different machine types easily.
• Machine specific settings are stored on the interface cradle, so panels and components can be changed, without the need for further machine setups.

 

System Configurations

The system can regulate blade elevation and cross-slope with a variety of methods – no matter what your budget or project requirements we can offer you an affordable control system for your bull dozer.

The system configurations monitor the blade elevation via GNSS/TPS and cross slope with a robust slope sensor. While both configurations offer a wealth of individual features and benefits, the modular design allows configurations to be changed quickly. Need a laser-based 2D system, simply change the display and sensors in seconds – its that simple!

GPS/GNSS System

Put simply, more satellites = more uptime = greater productivity  

1x GNSS Antenna
1x Slope Sensor

 

GNSS, (or Global Navigation Satellite System) is the modern term for GPS, spanning the "traditional" GPS system from thre United States, but also supporting the Russian GLONASS and soon, European GALILEO system. In many cases, GPS-alone cannot provide sufficient all-day-long jobsite coverage, so by adding our GLONASS support option, your productivity will be greatly enhanced.  
                              
Just call 01782 654450 to discuss your requirements with us.

 

Single Total Station

TPS guidance configuration - providing users with the maximum earthworks precision.

1x Mast with PowerTracker Prism
1x Slope Sensor

 

Mix-n-Match

With Leica PowerGrade 3D you get the full 2D system capability built-in!

Mix-n-match 2D & 3D panels, sensors and machines according to the type of work you're doing

• Total jobsite flexibility
• Maximised return-on-investment
• Spread your investment across more machines
• Ideal for rental fleets and/or working on multiple jobsites at different stages on the development plan

 

Single Mast Setup

The most cost effective option, offering simplicity and a wealth of functionality.

1x MM4 Manual Mast
1x MD10 360° Laser Receiver
1x SS14 Single Slope Sensor

Dual Mast Setup

Two laser masts for maximum accuracy and affordability.

2x MM4 Manual Mast
2x MD10 360° Laser Receiver
 

Single Auto Mast Setup

Automatically adjusts the height of the laser reciever with an electric mast. 

1x EM4 Automatic Electric Mast
1x MD10 360° Laser Receiver
1x SS14 Single Slope Sensor

Dual Auto Mast Setup

Dual automatic masts for maximum fine grading speed 

2x EM4 Automatic Electric Mast
2x MD10 360° Laser Receiver

PowerSnap

The benefits...

• Fast & easy removal of components for overnight security.The benefits of PowerSnap…
• Rapid interchange of control panels and sensor technology - giving your extra freedom and flexibility on site.
• Easy and quick removal of components for overnight security.
• Low-cost, low-profile cradle permanently installed in-cab - have multiple machines fitted with cradles and interchange your machine control system from machine to machine as your project requires it.
• Discrete installations with fewer caballing requirements.
• One cradle for all panels - allowing seamless interchanges*
• Cradle stores machine specific settings such as hydraulic tuning.
• Contact and cable free connection to control/display panels – no need to connect cables manually, it is all complete in a Snap!
• Safety shut down feature which protects system & data.
• Achieve full 2D and 3D control by simply swapping a control panel – it’s that simple!

 

*PowerSnap is enabled on the following systems:

 

• Leica PowerGrade 2D - Dozer or Grader
• Leica Power Grade 3D - Dozeror Grader

 

Rapid upgrades...

PowerSnap enabled systems allow sensor technology and control panels to be swapped between machines. Now you can buy a performance system such as the Leica PowerGrade 2D and upgrade to the advanced PowerGrade 3D (GNSS) system with ease and at a minimum cost.

 

If you would like more information on the Leica PowerDigger 2D system, please contact us at 1-877-534-2262.

 

Bulldozer & Motorgrader Product Information

Leica PowerGrade 3D Peer Reviews

	"The Leica TPS/GPS system Scanlaser provided was critical for us to achieve our operational requirements. We weren’t surprised by its functionality because we had confidence that it would work, however we were impressed by how it affected the wider project. It became easy to transfer skills around the site, and it gave us better flexibility. We have also found that the accuracy of the physical, completed groundworks has been improved. The data in the dozer is the same as that designed on the pc therefore there are no interpretations, so essentially there is less opportunity for error in the data transfer process. This has obviously significantly cut engineering time and costs, but also impacted the accuracy of work." - Rodney Moore, Project Manager - JME Civils
	"We probably have a quarter-million dollars (Can.) invested with Leica Geosystems. The machine control equipment pays for itself on an annual basis. And that equipment gives us the ability to construct projects to tolerances that other contractors cannot." - Art Maat, President, Wilco Contractors Northwest Inc.
	"We're looking at 20% to 25% time savings with GPS. If you've got stakes, and half of them are knocked over, you may spend 30 to 40 minutes of unproductive time. Plus GPS saves rework: The job is done right the first time." - Alan Cawthon, Alan Cawthon Inc. dba Peake Grading
	"Our whole grading process is much more efficient with the Leica system. The Leica 3D system shows the opeartor a detailed plan of the job. It shows him the exact horizontal and vertical location of the blade." - Bernie Schmidtlein, Schmidtlein Excavating
	"Our Leica 3D GPS system saves 25% of the time needed on the job. Everything is done from the cab and the operator never has to leave his seat. The result is no stakes, no waiting around, and no lost time." - Craig Trombly, Project Manager, Lawrence-Lynch Corp.
	"What used to take 16 hours to complete is now done in 8 hours and the operator is not worn out at the end of the day." - Donnie Roebuck, President, Roebuck Construction Services
	"Having the GPS machine-automation-control system controlling the bulldozer gives us the precision grading results we want. We constantly get +/-0.84 to 1.2 inches grading precision results." - Brad Hill, President, COMUS Construction.
	"In one particular job a few years ago on Highway 407 (north of Toronto) the equipment basically paid for itself in four to five months." - Brad Hill, President, COMUS Construction.
	"The efficient and cost-effective machine performance the company is enjoying since adopting the new 3D GPS equipment continues to convince me that profitability often can be accomplished by working smarter, not harder." - James R. Ientile, President, JRi
	"On every fine grading job, the most difficult thing we have to do is maintain elevation. The Leica Geosystems system simply removes elevation from the equation. What used to take 16 hours to complete is now done in 8 hours and the operator is not worn out at the end of the day." - Donnie Roebuck, President, Roebuck Construction Services