PLANTFORCE Rentals has become the latest firm to embrace the technology offered by Leica Geosystems and Xwatch Safety Solutions’ 3D avoidance zone system.
The company’s new Kobelco SK130 has already received the upgrade, with Plantforce digital lead, Matt Milkins, remarking that this is nothing short of ‘breakthrough technology’.
Whilst Plantforce is the latest to come on board, Lynch Plant Hire was not far behind. The company has also given the nod to the 3D system, with four units having been upgraded last month and more on order.
Flannery Plant Hire blazed the trail, pioneering the system earlier this year and completing testing in ‘real world’ applications onsite with Kier Group over a number of months.
“We at Xwatch are genuinely delighted with how swiftly and positively the industry has embraced this groundbreaking technology,” said Xwatch sales and operations director, Dan Leaney. “Our gratitude goes out to Flannery and Kier for their invaluable support and collaboration in trialling this product.
“By connecting an XW5, a height slew and RCI (rated capacity indicator) system, to the Leica MC1 machine control software, we’ve integrated a virtual wall which offers height, slew, and depth control, facilitating the recognition of cables and utilities. This enables the operator to proficiently navigate around the avoidance zones on any construction site.
“This breakthrough, from our alliance with Leica Geosystems and our own endeavours at Xwatch, has profoundly transformed the excavator safety market. Beyond safety enhancements, we’ve seen significant strides in site productivity and control. This system bridges the gap between safety and machine control for excavators.”
Chris Matthew, head of business strategy at Flannery, stated, “Having created avoidance zones and put the technology through its paces, it’s clear that it will enhance our safe operation onsite and support our operator community. This will, in-turn, allow operators to concentrate on the work they are tasked with completing.
“Because it’s integrated into the Leica MC1 tablet, which is already in the machine, we don’t have to add another screen into the operator station. And as we already train our operators on how to use the Leica Geosystems machine control, they are already familiar with the system, so this is just an add-on that is already proving to be very popular.”
Leica Geosystems, Xwatch Safety Solutions, and Flannery Plant Hire teamed up to create a solution designed to reduce the risks associated with the People Plant Interface (PPI).
Engineers can pre-map potential hazards including overhead obstructions, such as power lines or gantries; zone restrictions; underground restrictions; and highway restrictions.
Dan Leaney added, “The 3D avoidance solution is innovative and can greatly enhance safety; it still requires correct input and proper use by the machine operator to ensure its full potential is realised. It’s paramount that it’s programmed and implemented with precision. With the right input from the machine operator, safety becomes more than just a priority — it’s assured. By allowing engineers to pre-map potential hazards, we’re not only providing an advanced tool but also aiming to ease the burden on our operators.”
