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IDIGBEST reviews?

KSSS

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excavation
You are likely correct. I was referencing the tilt axis and not the rotational axis. My mistake.
 

KSSS

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Well I looked it up, I thought I had read that Leica had this capability and it turns out that they do.

Integrated tilt rotator support
iCON iXE2 provides integrated tilt rotator support, giving the operator clear guidance information about the actual tilt and rotation position relative to his project. iCON iXE2 with tilt rotator support increases your productivity and lets you maximise the use and benefits of your machine control solution.
 

HighFlyerAK

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Alaska
Thank you gent‘s for the most interesting inputs!! More than one sharing their researching knowledge is what makes this forum so valuable.

I just got off the phone with a local dealer for TRIMBLE. Which taught me a few more interesting bits of information not easily being deciphered on company websites.

The sensors on the boom/stick/bucket can work without the laser, and the laser is mostly being used to recalibrate after moving the machine via tracks. As long as one doesn‘t move reposition the excavator, the laser is not needed.

The laser receivers will see the laser when it is to the left and to the front only (given they are mounted on the left side)

If I were to remove the tilt-rotator for some pure excavation work were the tilt-rotor is not needed or desired, I would need to change the stick dimensions in the control software, which won‘t take more than a few seconds.

Aside of the rotation sensor provided by ROTOTILT, a additional position sensor is being added by TRIMBLE.

With the 2D system, one can go and dig right away, with or without laser support. It does instantly show you grade/level once a base line is established with the laser (or even without it)

With the 3D system, a creation of a site plan is required. (I am not sure right now if that is entirely correct)

The system can prevent over-digging as long as it is set to hydraulic assist, AND the operator is pressing a switch while moving the boom/stick/bucket. It will either raise or lower the boom to achieve the set grade.

The operator still has to operate the controls to dig (obviously), the system will support the boom, not the stick/bucket. But I was also told that ideally one would excavate close to the desired level before pressing the button for the assist function.

The costs for the 3D system are astronomically high, beyond 50k…!

Initially, the dealer didn‘t think that TRIMBLE so far has been installed on a Wacker ET90 with a tilt-rotator. So… this might be a deal breaker early in the decision process.

I like the works of it and I am curious to find out what LEICA has to offer or differ. ANY inputs absolutely and greatly appreciated!

And, I will also look into TOPCON, just to cover all bases.

Finally, iDigBest is out of the race early. Largely because of lack of clear and concise communication, lack of dealer support, and an uncertainty, or a gut-feeling that it might not be what I want to get involved with. Sorry Phil!

Any inputs - GO FOR IT, please!
 

KSSS

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i would be assured that in Europe someone has put a Trimble on a WN machine, but I doubt it matters. Trimble was worried, as I was, that my Takeuchi 257 with the side to side boom might be an issue. Turns out it is no issue at all. Works through out the range of motion when moving side to side. When you put the Trimble or Leica system on, and whether you put it on a WN ET 90 or a CAT 308. A swing booom is a swing boom, the system is not going to care.
 

HighFlyerAK

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I had the same thoughts and was thinking about getting in touch with Wacker direct in Austria to see whether they have done so, which they must have. I agree.
I just spent a few hours on the Leica system and, I kind a don‘t like it. Too many buttons, small screen, very task intense to use all the buttons and small, very „simple“ line graphics. Not sure about it (so far)
I do, however, have decided to consider the iDig-System as a cost-appealing alternative. Easy of install (no wires to boom) and portability to move to other machines, i.e. my skidsteer or my dozer. And then of course the price would be a big plus on being a lot less (I am guessing, haven‘t gotten prices so far)
TOPCON.. not sure yet. Kind a the same thoughts about the interface, but I might have only seen units from a few years ago.
Seems as all big players have been constantly changing designs and features in the past years quite a bit.
 

KSSS

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Leica has two different options on displays. The regular display is functional I think, but the better display is the one used for 3D which also works for 2D. It costs more, but is a much better display, it is bigger and easier to navigate. Had I gone with Leica, I had the better display bid in. The display on the Trimble seems decent. It all of course is subjective, my investigation in all of this told me, is it comes down to what you get comfortable with using.

Wireless would be nice, Trimble tried it, and changed back to wired. It would be nice to not have all the wiring, if the system can be relied upon. Certainly is a lot to consider.
 

HighFlyerAK

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I absolutely concur and have come the same conclusion, as far as the display goes. MC1 would be the way to go, with the 2D system, and the option to upgrade without changes to the 3D (if ever).
I also very much like the switching between machines, especially since I have the dozer and skid steer. Would be great.
I am trying to find the disadvantages though.
iDig has pretty quick confirmed full support for my Rototilt, which is very important. Wireless and switch between machines is definitely a plus as well. Being European myself, I am not too afraid of choosing a system from overseas, as long as support us somewhat present, which, it is as far as I checked.
LEICA it seems, is a big, if not the biggest player.
I dislike the tight partnership of TRIMBLE and CAT, makes me feel I am not really, fully considered worthy..?
At this very moment, while still waiting for LEICA to get back to me, and only having received a flyer from iDig, I am leaning strongly to either one of the two, maybe 65% LEICA, 35% iDig - not knowing a price for LEICA of course.
Right around USD$12,000 for the iDig is what I have found out so far.
Really curious about LEICA pricing, and the quote from a local dealer, install included, for TRIMBLE is still being worked on.
What price were you told for the LEICA system when you researched it?
I remember you were given higher numbers at first, and then they came down..
 

KSSS

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The Leica system at the end of the day was around 15K. Yes Cat works with Trimble as do others, CASE uses Leica (I would guess due to CNH's European connection). I am curious how IDIG allows you to completely switch from excavator to dozer? Do you pull all the sensors off one to put on the other? Leica and Trimble allow you to pull the monitor between the two but not the entire system. I am curious how practical it is to have to reset all the sensors and getting it right every time you change machines.
 

HighFlyerAK

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Well!
It seems that something is a bit off here. I just received my first line-by-line quote from a local dealer, parts and install.
It is $36,933.51USD!
Woah! There is no way I can consider anything else but iDig-System, which is for sale between 10 and 12k, easy to slap it on myself.
I missed the LEICA sales guy for the PNW today, hopefully I get a chance to talk with him tomorrow.
My machine sits at the dealer in Spirit Lake, ID, at MachinerNW. They have been great.
If LEICA is over the moon as well, I will have a very easy decision on my hands.
 

KSSS

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That is for Trimble? Regardless, that is insane.
 

HighFlyerAK

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Yes, and Yes!
But I will attempt to get a quote from someone in ID, where the machine will be for the next two months, and see if that is any different. Must be!
 

KSSS

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Yes, contact Scitech in Meridian, Idaho. Ask to speak to Mitch, tell him you and I spoke, perhaps that will help, if he hangs up right away then that was a bad idea.
 

HighFlyerAK

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Yes, contact Scitech in Meridian, Idaho. Ask to speak to Mitch, tell him you and I spoke, perhaps that will help, if he hangs up right away then that was a bad idea.
Thank you! I will do that, and not ask questions if it doesn‘t work out.
I found SITECH, a CAT dealer, which is what I would assume you are referring to.
I actually don‘t know your (first) name, or any other reference for him to ‚remember‘ you?
 
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NepeanGC

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That is insane - indicate only 2D trimble in Canada is approx $25k canuck bucks installed. Or about $3 Freedom dollars
 

KSSS

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My first name is Shane from Idaho Falls.
 

HighFlyerAK

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Well - In the meantime, some not so good news.

I just received an email from Fred, who is the sales rep for iDig in North America.
Very unfortunate for me. This will reduce my options from whom I can choose.

This is what Fred wrote to me!

Hi Andreas,

The iDig 3D system is currently being introduced in Europe only. I want them to have at least six months of sales history in Europe before I bring it to North America.

The current iDig system will continue to be available for many years to come. It is not upgradeable to the new 3D system. The new platform for iDig 2D/3D will be Bluetooth whereas the current system is RF, so they will not be compatible. The current iDig cannot compensate for a swing boom, only the rotation of the chassis itself. That being said, it is still the most cost effective 2D system on the market today.

Let me know if you have any additional questions.

Cheers,
Fred

I have to say, I was really excited about the 3D option for iDig, which included on satellite receiver mounted on the machine body itself.
But, perhaps I should get in touch with the peeps in Europe and see what they have to say…?
 

KSSS

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Well that would change things up. Both Leica with the upgraded console and Trimble are both ready to accept 3D if you wanted to upgrade in the future. I have never looked into Idig, but if they can't currently handle a swing boom, then that would likely explain the lower cost. I am not sure how they can offer much without the capability to handle a swing boom. Buying from them now would mean having to rebuy the system in the future, assuming that the 3D actually makes it to NA.
 

HighFlyerAK

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Agreed for sure. I reached out to Fred again and asked him about the possibility to get my hands on the 3D system with side swing boom support.
Aside of not having support in North Amerika, he is going to get in touch with the European folks and see what they say.
Not having side swing support puts a huge damper, if not roadblock on iDig.
Still waiting for LEICA to get back to me about details, hopefully with better news
The sales woman told me that she can certainly look the quote over and see whether all of the items listed are necessary to use it laser/2D.
She did also write that she did expect a price closer to 15k.
I shall see I suppose, what she can shave off the 37k.
 

KSSS

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Yea the number should be around 15. I think someone "carried the one" one too many times in that 37K quote.
 
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