The iDig grade control system is an advanced excavating 2D machine control system that is designed to work with any excavator on any excavation site. Ideal for utility, foundation, and all types of civil contractors, iDig is a low-cost option if you want to reap the benefits of machine control technology for your construction company but without the high price tag.
Want to learn more about iDig and our other 2D and 3D machine control systems? Speak with one of our experts at GPS Alaska.
Key Features of the iDig Grade Control System
The iDig is an innovative, easy-to-install, and affordable machine control system. It was designed with contractors’ needs in mind, prioritizing the features that make your and your crew’s jobs as simple and seamless as possible.
Here are a few key features that set the iDig system apart.
Easy Cable-Free Installation
The iDig system communicates by radio, which means no cable system is needed. It charges by solar panels and doesn’t require any changes to your machine’s hydraulic system. Installation time often takes less than an hour and won’t need to be repeated once done (your iDig will remember your excavators’ dimensions). When any software updates are released, you only need to place the three sensors, control box, and LED on the cab.
Versatile Multi-Machine System
It works with every excavator model, and it is easy to move the system from one machine to another or to install one system on several excavators. iDig saves unlimited excavator bucket profiles, so transferring it to a new machine is as simple as moving the equipment and selecting the correct excavator.
Intuitive Touch-Screen Interface
iDig requires no licensing or certifications to install and use. The interface is user-friendly, making it simple to train your crew on how to use it. You can control excavator grade with the touch of a finger and easily interpret the visuals on the screen.
Efficient Cab Grade Control
Like most machine control systems, you’ll never need to manually check grade again. In fact, there’s no need to leave your cab during the excavation process at all. You can check grade and make any adjustments straights from the cab seat – allowing you to work exponentially faster and more safely.
Durable Equipment and Tech
The iDig was designed to withstand even the most rugged terrains and extreme weather conditions. For our Alaskan customers, you can trust your 2D machine control system to withstand your tough worksite as it is incredibly heavy duty and water and dirt proof.
The Benefits of Upgrading Your Fleet With iDig
Machine control is the key to unlocking your crew’s productivity, multiplying your profits, and increasing accuracy. Just imagine how much faster your crew could work if they had a system that did all the heavy lifting for them without them ever needing to step foot out of their cab. Here are just a few of the benefits you can unlock with iDig:
- Improved Crew Safety: Your crew’s safety should always be one of our top priorities. Construction injuries are very common, putting your crew members in danger and costing you lost productivity and potential compensation costs. Any time you have unnecessary crew members on the job site, the more likely it is they will get injured. With iDig, your excavator operator won’t need to leave their cab or depend on someone else to manually check grade.
- Reduced Fuel Costs: The cost of fuel adds up over time. When your machine is idle or a job takes longer than necessary, you’re wasting valuable fuel. With iDig, your excavator will run more efficiently and cut down fuel costs.
- Increased Equipment Longevity: Your heavy equipment is a huge investment – you need to do everything you can to keep your machinery running strong for as long as possible. Any repairs or failures can cost you lost time and result in a short lifespan for your equipment. With iDig, there will be less unnecessary idle time for your machine. Plus, you’ll get the job as efficiently as possible, which means you won’t put unnecessary strain on your machine for the same job.
- Reduced Rework: Construction rework can consume a large number of your profits and can cost as much as 30% or more of your contract amount. iDig will enable your crew to work more accurately. This system is designed to get the excavating depth, slope, or distance within 3/8″ accuracy. With this level of precision, you’re more likely to do the job right the first time around.
- Amplified Bidding Capacity: The faster and better you get at excavating, the more competitive you’ll be at bidding on new projects. Increasing efficiency for your operation also means you’ll finish projects in record time, opening the way for you to take on even more projects. With this trajectory, you’ll have the ability to scale your business and continue to invest in technology that pushes you into the next phase of growth.
- Enhanced Crew Performance: Many contractors are struggling to find experienced crew members to effectively operate heavy machinery. With the shortage of skilled workers, you might struggle to meet project deadlines, experience profit loss, and run into more errors caused by your crew. iDig helps bridge the gap between your fresh, inexperienced crew and your most skilled operators. Your crew will be easier to train and more quickly adapt to the task at hand.
Is iDig 2D Machine Control Right for Your Needs?
iDig can be used for a wide variety of applications, including excavating, laying foundations, creating slopes or embankments, digging trenches, and more. If you have basic excavating needs and don’t work on a large job site, iDig might be the best, most affordable option for your needs. The simplicity of the iDig system means it will take minimal training to get your crew up to speed.
Additionally, 3D machine control systems require a 3D digital terrain model of your worksite. While this model is very useful for large, complex jobs, it is not always necessary for basic excavating jobs. In fact, the extra step of having to make our pay for a model to be made for each project could be overkill if you only need an excavator to lay a single foundation or dig a simple trench. However, if you could benefit from positioning technology for a large worksite, 3D machine control systems may be a better investment.
The decision comes down to what your specific needs are and which solution would offer the best ROI for your business. At such a low price point, iDig is a great entry point into machine control systems – allowing you to see an ROI right away and upgrade to more advanced systems down the road if the need arises.
If you’re not sure which product is the best for your operation, we’ve got your back. GPS Alaska’s inventory includes top-of-the-line 2D machine control systems, including iDig, 3D machine control systems from Topcon, advanced surveying technology, weighing and monitoring systems, and more. Our team is happy to walk you through the options and help you find the right system for your need.
Interested in purchasing iDig for all your excavating needs? Call GPS Alaska to learn how.