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17/09/2025

Leica Geosystems launches industry-first training programme for machine control installers, with Flannery Plant Hire digital team members being the first to take part.

Peter Haddock joined Flannery staff and trainer Matthew Blevins at the Leica Geosystems School to find out more.

Matt: "The new training programme starts with Level 1, which we call ‘Onboarding’, which is focused on engineers and technicians, both those with existing experience and others who are completely new to our product range and even the sector.

“Level 1 is a three day course with both classroom and practical sessions in our sandpit and gives participants a deep understanding of our products and solutions.

“Once completed, it gives participants a much broader idea of how our surveying and machine control equipment integrates. So when they’re out in the field, they have the confidence to help customers get the most out of the equipment, which is our main aim.

“It’s also the start of their journey with us, which can lead to Level 2 training, which focuses on the installation, maintenance and technical remote support.

“This includes the practical elements of installation, like wiring and calibrating a new system, in addition to the calibration of attachments like buckets. It also supports advanced troubleshooting and the sharing of best practice methods of work.

To find out more about the training, you can visit the dedicated website below

https://leica-geosystems.com/en-gb/services-and-support/training

And if you are going to PlantWorx Construction Exhibition 2025 next week, from 23rd - 25th September at Newark Showground you can visit the team and their new dealer Aska Excavator Attachments on stand A-58.

16/09/2025

Massive floating piling rigs for Skanska USA bridge project are perfectly positioned with Leica Geosystems 3D Machine Control, helping to nearly double productivity.

This is Episode 1 of 3 in our ‘hard hitting’ mini series.

On a recent trip to North Carolina to see the $450m new 3.2 mile Alligator River bridge project with Skanska USA, Peter Haddock met with expert Preston in the middle of the river. This is Episode 1 of 3 in our ‘hard hitting’ mini series

Preston explained how the team are using three ’Super Rigs’ to drive straight and angled piles into the river for a vital new bridge, replacing an existing structure that serves as the main hurricane evacuation route.

Preston: “This Super Rig consists of three barges put together to hold a crane, piling rig Caterpillar engines that provide power, fuel and equipment we need to operate out on the river.

“And this is the first project we have used the new Leica Geosystems machine control positioning system for, and the time it saves to get us into the right position is huge.”

The rig’s stability is key to handling piles up to 65 tonnes / 143,000 pounds and lengths of up to 38 metres / 125 feet.

“When anchors aren’t out, we drop spuds into the wells to lock the barge. Once the anchors are deployed, operators watch the Leica tablet while two crew members run the winches, narrowing it down to the exact position.”

Lifting and placing each pile is a carefully choreographed sequence:

“The crane can boom all the way down and pick a pile flat, no problem. Once vertical, it’s placed into the A-frame gates, and the Leica system takes over. Two screens show toe and head, we move until both dots are in the green. That’s how we hit spec every time.”

Quality control is key.

“North Carolina Department of Transportation monitors blow counts as each pile goes down. When criteria are met, we stop, change cushion blocks if needed, and move to the next location. All movements are guided by the Leica system.”

Despite working in open water, the setup feels remarkably steady:

“It feels like you’re on dry land,” Preston said. “Massive cranes, massive piles, all controlled by a small screen and careful surveying, all managed by our survey team on land.”

Want to know how the survey team has successfully embraced the Leica Geosystems technology, almost doubling productivity?

Look out for Episode 2 in the series coming soon…..

16/09/2025

My First Impressions of the NEW Volvo Construction Equipment L90 in Finland

I teased it yesterday, and here it is my first impressions and drive of this new wheel loader.

This new fully electric wheel loader was first announced in May 2024 at Volvo Days. Now, over a year later, I had the opportunity to drive it and see how it handles as I load it up and unload it into a large gravel pile.

Personally I really enjoyed operating this machine and could definitely see myself operating one on site as it's very comfortable and operator-focused within the cab. As I will mention, whilst operating the machine

Make sure to watch till the end to see how I truly get on while operating this machine

SMT GB

16/09/2025

Talking drones with Matrix Consulting Engineers and how they use it them to their advantage when surveying.

After buying many drones from Drone Pilot Academy here are two of them which they use on a very regular basis

Makes sure to check out the full video out on all channels now

15/09/2025

In action, the L180 next-generation Volvo Construction Equipment wheel loader with expert walkaround.

To find out what customers can expect from the new range, which includes five models from the L150 to L260, Peter Haddock caught up with expert Michael Bergström in Finland, where the team was helping to build a new electric car rally track.

Michael explained the thinking behind the upgrade:

“We’re matching the tools on the machine, like the bucket, to specific applications. This L180 can fill a truck in three passes, and our new operator support systems include an auto-fill bucket and height-restriction function to improve efficiency and safety.”

Safety and operator control are central to the redesign.

“If you’re working inside a building or near overhead cables, you can restrict the arm height to avoid collisions. We’ve also integrated radar sensors and 360-degree Smart View cameras into the new Co-Pilot display for full situational awareness. If the system detects an obstacle, the machine can auto-brake.”

Inside the cab, Volvo has focused on customisation and comfort:

“The first thing you notice is the new, large display, which allows operators to create their own profiles and presets, and even fine-tune joystick response for different tasks. It also comes with a very comfy seat, which is set to be popular with operators, especially on long shifts. ”

Performance gains come from mechanical upgrades.

“We’ve fine tuned our popular OptiShift solution so you can move directly from one lock-up gear to another and adjust how it behaves. This makes it more efficient, especially in short-cycle loading.”

Even routine maintenance and visibility have been considered:

“We’ve added a front service step and handrails for safe windscreen cleaning, plus a 360-degree high-intensity lighting package to complement the Smart View system.”

With added options like a grill guard, taillight shields, and a towing hitch, the L180 is designed to adapt to tough environments while keeping operators safe and productive.

Volvo Construction Equipment - Europe, Middle East and Africa

12/09/2025

“Being engineers and big nerds, an introduction to Drones changed our business.”

When Liam Hoyland of Matrix Consulting Engineers got a knock on his office door from neighbour James Ixer of the Drone Pilot Academy with a fleet of drones, it was all change for the team.

Speaking to Liam on a specialist rail project site, he explained more about the positive impact Drones have had on the business:

Liam: “We did civil and structural engineering initially, and then James came knocking, we booked in a training session and took to drone use like ducks to water.

“We now have seven qualified pilots who have all gone through training at the Drone Pilot Academy. And it’s enabled us to do our own surveying, getting involved earlier on projects, which is invaluable both for clients and contractors.”

The team now operates a growing fleet, including LiDAR-equipped drones for detailed ground scans and photogrammetry drones for structures such as bridges and retaining walls.

Liam: “With LiDAR, we can scan entire areas and produce topographical drawings and 3D models for drainage and culvert design. Photogrammetry, meanwhile, is perfect for hard structures. It gives us the flexibility to capture the right kind of data for every project.”

“In our first year, we carried out 40 drone surveys. That’s 40 projects we got in at an earlier stage than we would have done before. This year it’s grown even further.”

The Content With Media team has also qualified as drone pilots with the Drone Pilot Academy, and like Liam, we continue to be supported by the team, as he explains.

Liam: “They keep us up to date on kit, regulations and training. They’re always available on the phone or email. You really feel like they want to take care of you as a customer.”

Seeing the team in action really shows how impactful drones can be, especially when put in the hands of engineers and surveyors who can combine this data with other surveying tools.

And it’s pretty cool to think it all began for them with a knock on the door!

Win Big, enjoy the Big Screen and take part in a Big celebration of 100 years of Caterpillar with Finning UK and Ireland...
12/09/2025

Win Big, enjoy the Big Screen and take part in a Big celebration of 100 years of Caterpillar with Finning UK and Ireland at PlantWorx Construction Exhibition 2025

There is a lot happening on the stand, including the opportunity to enter a draw to win a 301.6 Mini Excavator or DE110E2 generator.

The highlight of its celebrations will be the Cat 444 Centennial Backhoe Loader, painted Centennial Grey to reflect the original Caterpillar branding, which is one of only 10 limited edition models produced globally.

Also on display will be:
- A Cat 285 compact track loader
- A rebuilt Cat D6 Dozer
- A Cat M315 Wheeled Excavator with Tilt Rotator
- A Cat Generator and Cat C3.6 industrial diesel engine

So join the team on stand DA30 from September 23th to 25th at Newark Showground

11/09/2025

Shifting Dirt using Tech in Texas with contractor Stephenson Dirt Contracting, LLC

On a recent site visit, Peter Haddock met with John Kent Stephenson, part of the family run business, who explained how they deliver earthworks projects using Leica Geosystems 3D machine control.

He also explained how, after an accident that broke his back, the technology is supporting him to operate equipment and train others.

John: “We actually ‘Grow Dirt’ here in Texas, as we have to add moisture to it in order to get to the levels we need onsite. And our business strapline is ‘we put dirt in its place’ and there’s always a lot of it!”

And that’s exactly what the team were doing with a fleet of Caterpillar equipment, including dozers and even a scraper, using 3D machine control on a large house building project at Fort Worth Metroplex in Dallas.

John: “We were early adopters of Leica for our surveying, and now with their machine control, it has completely changed our business, allowing us to expand.

“We now run a number of crews across the region with over 80 large earthmoving machines, with at least 60% now fitted with machine control through our Leica dealer Four Point Solutions LLC.

"Having used other systems before, the service we get from them smokes what we had in the past. If we have a problem, they just jump on it, and the next day or even hours later, we are back up and running.

“They also supported our rollout of the Leica ConX system, which allows us to send all our models using the mobile network to our machines across any job site.”

John added: "As this will be a high end development, each home has its own ditch lines. These have to be perfect, and this is where machine control really comes into its own for us.

"Recently, we have also paired drone surveying with our 3D earthworks models, which helps to visualise the project. Let our clients know if we are growing dirt or losing dirt in real-time.”

"For me, this combination of technology connects me to the project as I had a motocross accident in 2009 and broke my back, so I can't now walk around a site.

"But thanks to a Leica foreman kit in my truck and a special rig on the back of it, I can drive the site and also lift myself into the cab of our machines.

“So I can work the site as well, which is massively important for me, and I also use the technology to train our operators.”

09/09/2025

Join us at the Construction Plant-hire Association Gala Dinner on Thursday, 6th November 2025, at the stunning St George's Hall, Liverpool.

With Liverpool legend John Barnes and the fantastic comedian Bobby Davro, Peter Haddock will be your MC for what will be a spectacular event, with a three-course menu prepared by a team of 5* Michelin experienced chefs.

Tables are already on sale at the CPA website at this link
https://cpa.uk.net/cpa-gala-dinner-2025/

With sponsorship packages also on offer by contacting Lisa Collins on 07968 840390 or email: [email protected]

08/09/2025

Owner operator Richard Baker and the amazing 6+ year Leica Geosystems 3D machine control journey for Baker Groundworks

Back in 2019, Richard was the first operator Peter Haddock spoke to who fully embraced Leica Geosystems 3D machine control. At the time, he was running a small Case excavator.

Fast forward to today, and Richard is operating a 30 tonne, custom spec Liebherr Construction 926 equipped with Leica Geosystems semi-automatic 3D machine control and an Engcon UK Ltd tiltrotator.

It’s an amazing story from a humble guy who has supported many others to take the technology plunge.

His business and reputation have both grown, and he now employs his son Zack. Talking about his journey and new setup at a major housebuilding site in Longbridge set for 600 new homes, he said:

“The combination of this Liebherr Great Britain machine, the 3D machine control and its CoPilot functionality with the engcon tiltrotator is something else. And our advanced MittX lighting package helps us complete more work, especially in the winter.

“We now get through the work quickly, efficiently and safely, and because of that, people just seem to want us to keep churning work out for them.”

“On this site, we are digging drains that are eight metres deep. You can’t see the bottom. But I just hit the semi-autonomous button, and it digs it for me. The tablet in the cab is literally my eyes.

“And we have worked out we can now shape roads 100% faster, as you just hit the button and it finds the camber.

Richard has also become a trusted expert for Leica Geosystems and Engcon:

“Customers often get sent our way if they’re unsure about committing to purchasing a setup like mine.

"So I am more than happy to show them how it all works, and where possible, we even let them jump in the cab and try it themselves. It’s quite an eye opener for those that have never used it.”

Peter added: “It has been an absolute privilege to follow Richard’s journey. He’s a great guy and really inspiring, and to see the impact his technology journey has had on his business is just brilliant.”

05/09/2025

Something fun for Friday and certainly different to what I usually post

Usually I'm inside machinery but todays a little different as thanks to Volvo Construction Equipment I was able to go in an electric rally car round the KymiRing in Finland after operating a wheel loader the day before (quick snippet of that in this video)

In the passenger seat for a change and learning how NOT to drive my new car whilst getting flung around a fully carbon bucket seat, (definitely an experience in itself)

So take a look as I try my own carpool Karaoke with one of the professional drivers

FIA World Rallycross Championship

Earthmovers Magazine October issue is in the shops now featuring 10 pages from the Content With Media team. They include...
05/09/2025

Earthmovers Magazine October issue is in the shops now featuring 10 pages from the Content With Media team.

They include a leadership article on Caterpillar 'Looking to the Future' with VP Corné Timmermans - video here:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1421247029000365

Our big journey to Texas, USA, with Stephenson Dirt Contracting, LLC on a house building project using Leica Geosystems 3D machine control on Cat Scrappers and Dozers supported by its surveying equipment.

Look out for the video next week....

We then hop to Lyon in France for the first look at the CASE Construction Equipment new compact demolition machine, the 13.8 tonne CX135E XRD

Video with expert Alain de la Barre de Nanteuil here:
https://www.facebook.com/contentwithmedia/videos/768565152587943

And Lucas Haddock talks to young operator Ryan, who has traded tractors for an ADT with John Coles Contractors Ltd on an MJL Group house building project.

See the video with Lucas talking to Ryan here:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16tzmPjnud/

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