The first customer in Sweden to benefit from Leica Geosystems’ 3D machine control working together with CAT Grade 2D Assist on Caterpillar Next Gen Wheeled Excavators, delivering precise, efficient excavation with greater control.
Author: Reka Vasszi
On a busy infrastructure project, where precision matters and downtime is not an option, one contractor made a clear decision: if you are going to invest in technology, you might as well choose the best of both worlds.
Tomas Östlund, operator at Nor-Schakt AB, meant combining Leica Geosystems’ advanced 3D machine control with the proven reliability of Caterpillar’s Next Generation Wheeled Excavators and the CAT Grade 2D Assist's automation functions.
For Östlund, adopting new technology is not just about keeping up; it is about staying ahead.
“It’s always great to be one of the first. We’re curious about new things.”
That curiosity led them to explore how Leica MC1 3D machine control could work alongside Caterpillar machines. The result? A setup that not only performs but also makes everyday work on site noticeably easier.
“You can use these systems and run them together. It’s a good combination.”
The project itself is far from ordinary. The team is working on an accumulator tank for a heating plant, designed to improve energy efficiency for the local community. “We are developing an accumulator tank for a heating plant that will supply the community with much more hot water and more efficient heating, and that’s good for the environment,” explains Östlund.
It is meaningful work. But meaningful does not mean easy. Excavation needs to be accurate, consistent, and done right the first time. That is where the Leica MC1 system comes into play.
As Östlund continues, “With the help of CAT Grade 2D Assist, I can define the desired height, and as soon as I operate the lever, the bucket automatically follows that level.” This intuitive automation already streamlines operation, but when combined with Leica MC1 3D machine control, those capabilities are taken even further.
With MC1 3D in the cab, operators work directly from a precise digital design model, gaining real-time positioning and full site visibility. This is especially valuable in low-visibility conditions such as fog or harsh weather, where traditional visual references fall short.
The result is a seamless workflow: no constant stops, no manual grade checks, and no second-guessing. Instead, operators always know exactly where they are within the design, delivering greater accuracy, productivity, and confidence on every pass.
One of the biggest concerns when combining technology systems and machines from different providers is compatibility. Will they work together smoothly, or will it turn into a technical headache?
In this case, the answer is refreshingly straightforward.
“Installation is also easier and faster when the Cat Grade 2D Assist and Leica MC1 3D machine control systems run together,” says Carl Ekman, Field Test Engineer at Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon.
The Leica MC1 solution connects directly to the existing Caterpillar 2D system, building on what is already there rather than replacing it.
“We simply connect our 3D systems, GPS and panel to their 2D system… and get the positioning all the way down to the edge of the bucket,” explains Ekman.
No unnecessary complexity. No long delays. Just a practical upgrade that gets the machine back to work quickly.
With the availability of the Leica MC1 3D machine control solution for Caterpillar Next Generation Wheeled Excavators from March 2026, more contractors will be able to adopt this powerful combination.
For those already using it, the verdict is simple: two industry leaders, one machine, and a much easier way to get the job done right.
It is not just about technology, it is about choosing partners that deliver reliability, precision, and ease of use. Get in touch to benefit from this compatibility solution.
