Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 4, Global construction equipment manufacturer Develon and Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, have announced that the Leica MC1 3D machine control solution is now available as an aftermarket kit for all Develon 9 Series crawler excavators. This allows customers to upgrade any 9 Series machine with 3D control capabilities, integrating Leica’s system with Develon’s existing 2D sensors and calibration technology.

The development follows continued collaboration between Develon and Leica Geosystems.

The integration enables operators to use Leica’s 3D functions alongside Develon’s 2D technologies, maintaining features such as Virtual Wall for defining operation boundaries, a weighing system to monitor loads in real time, and Lift Assist for stability. The Series 9 controller manages data exchange between the installed systems, enabling a smooth transition to 3D operation without major disruption on site.

Develon Europe product manager Stephane Dieu said: “By expanding the availability of the Leica MC1 3D machine control solution to all 9 Series crawler excavators, Develon is reinforcing its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.”

Leica Geosystems machine control division president Neil Williams added: “This partnership seamlessly integrates the advanced capabilities of Develon’s 2D systems with Leica Geosystems’ 3D technology. With an efficient installation and calibration process, this collaboration empowers customers to work smarter and achieve results faster.”

The Leica MC1 kit allows operators to benefit from enhanced automation and precision, providing a comprehensive solution for tasks such as grading, excavation, and load management. Operators can continue using previously installed features while leveraging advanced 3D functionality for improved accuracy and efficiency.

The control architecture within the Series 9 excavators ensures immediate communication between Develon’s onboard sensors and Leica’s automation platform, supporting faster and more reliable operations. This integration builds on ongoing collaboration between Develon and Leica Geosystems, aimed at improving compatibility between construction equipment and digital technologies.

The aftermarket solution is designed to be user-friendly and quickly deployable, allowing companies to modernize their existing fleets without requiring complete machine replacement. By offering this upgrade, Develon and Leica Geosystems aim to provide construction operators with greater flexibility, improved productivity, and access to advanced 3D automation tools.

This development highlights the growing trend of digital transformation in construction equipment, combining machine intelligence with automation to optimize field operations. Customers can now achieve higher precision, safer operation, and more efficient project workflows while retaining the functionality of previously installed Develon features.

In summary, the Leica MC1 3D aftermarket kit for Develon 9 Series excavators strengthens the partnership between the two companies, enabling enhanced automation, improved operational efficiency, and seamless integration of 3D technology into existing 2D-equipped machines, supporting modern construction demands.