ZQUIP, part of Moog Construction, and Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, have unveiled a prototype 8t excavator described as ‘geospatially intelligent’ and powered by a swappable, zero-emissions battery system.
After successfully testing the concept at a proving ground in France, ZQUIP and Leica Geosystems will now demonstrate the modified CAT 308 excavator at Moog Construction’s stand at bauma 2025.
The vehicle is equipped with Leica’s machine control solution, which offers real-time data and ‘precise’ design execution. Operators can optimise handling any payload with these solutions as they will know, for example, at any point exactly where the excavator’s bucket is.
The collaboration aims to support the construction industry’s transition towards more sustainable practices without compromising performance.
“Combining Leica Geosystems’ 3D machine control technology with ZQUIP’s swappable power module now gives vehicle owners an intelligent machine that smartly manages resources for any given job, reducing the vehicle’s carbon footprint per ton of dirt moved,” said Chris LaFleur, MD of ZQUIP.
Any construction machine outfitted with the ZQUIP modular power system can exchange power modules with any other make or model of ZQUIP machine, ensuring flexibility across various types of equipment.
“Collaborating with ZQUIP enables us to advance the capabilities of construction equipment: by integrating cutting-edge electric technology with precise machine control, we enhance construction efficiency while reducing emissions and waste,” added Neil Williams, president of the machine control division at Leica Geosystems. “This combination delivers the cost savings and operational improvements our customers and industry stakeholders rely on, while also enabling them to minimise their environmental impact.”
