Construction technology is ever evolving, and Trimble is once again leading the way with its new DemoDigger —a fully deployable, compact hydraulic excavator fitted with the most advanced Trimble technology.
Featuring Trimble Earthworks 3D with Augmented Reality (AR) and Payload Management, along with the Trimble Siteworks Machine Guidance Module, the Trimble DemoDigger provides a platform for hands-on training and live demonstrations, allowing customers and operators to experience the technology without disrupting daily operations.
Attendees at the National Diesel Dirt & Turf Expo in Sydney from May 16-18 will get the first look at this fully mobile training unit, designed to making Trimble technology more accessible than ever for SITECH Solutions customers.
The new DemoDigger, a 1.8-tonne compact hydraulic excavator (HEX), is more than just a showcase of Trimble’s latest technology—it’s a fully operational training tool that can be deployed directly to customer worksites.
The machine is mounted on a trailer, allowing SITECH customers to benefit from live training, reducing downtime and increasing accessibility for operators to experience Trimble technology first-hand.
Trimble’s Regional Sales Manager – Oceania, Jason Cronk, said the company wanted to make demos and training as convenient as possible for its customers.
“Instead of pulling their workers off-site for training, we can take this machine to them, whether it’s during lunch breaks, after hours, or in a location that suits their needs,” he said.
In addition to its role as a hands-on training platform for customers, the excavator will be used for field days, trade shows, as well as internal training for SITECH dealers.
SITECH Solutions Sales Manager Grant Hibburd said the advantages to having this machine available were numerous.
“Use it to train a new operator without pulling up a machine doing paid work, try out systems, products, and features without committing to buy, and upskill existing employees without sending them to site,” he said.
Trimble Earthworks 3D
The training excavator is equipped with Trimble Earthworks 3D, an advanced grade control software system that enhances efficiency, accuracy, and automation for operators.
Augmented Reality (AR) integration overlays 3D design models onto live camera footage, allowing operators to visualise their work in real-time.
Trimble Sales Application Engineer Grant Morgan, who was responsible for the machine’s set up and install, said the AR camera helps operators align their machine movements with the digital design instantly, reducing errors and improving efficiency on-site.
Another key feature is Payload Management, which records material movements, ensuring optimal load tracking and preventing underloading or overloading of trucks. This feature helps improve cycle times, reduce material waste, and enhance overall project profitability.
“Trimble Earthworks 3D is built to make every operator, regardless of skill level, more productive,” Morgan said. “With automated guidance and real-time data, it reduces rework and ensures operators get the job done right the first time.”
Machine Guidance Module
Trimble’s DemoDigger is also installed with the latest Siteworks Machine Guidance Module (SMG) technology. Originally introduced for excavators, SMG is now available for compact track loaders (CTLs), providing a flexible, portable, and cost-effective solution for small to mid-sized contractors.
The system has already seen rapid adoption overseas and is now available in Australia exclusively through SITECH dealerships.
“The demand for Siteworks Machine Guidance on compact track loaders has been strong in the US, and we’re excited to bring this much anticipated innovation to the Australian market,” Morgan said.
“The system allows users to take the same GNSS receiver and Siteworks software used for surveying and layout and mount it directly onto their machines for real-time 3D guidance.”
The benefits of Trimble’s SMG include:
Versatility and cost efficiency – Contractors can use existing GNSS field equipment like the Trimble R780 and SPS986 smart antennas for machine guidance, eliminating the need for separate systems.
Portability and flexibility – The system can be easily transferred between different machines and job sites, ensuring maximum utilisation.
Seamless Integration – The same Siteworks workflows apply whether using the system for survey work, grade checking, or machine control, reducing training time for new operators.
With Siteworks Machine Guidance now available for compact track loaders, Australian contractors can take advantage of this one-system solution for surveying, grading, and excavation.
A scalable solution
One of the standout aspects of technology installed on the Trimble DemoDigger is its scalability. Systems can be configured from a 2D setup to a fully automated 3D system, catering to different contractor needs.
“All of the technology featured on the machine is fully scalable—it can be adapted for compact excavators, mid-sized diggers, all the way up to large-scale earthmoving machinery,” Cronk said.
Hibburd reinforced the importance of hands-on experience for customers.
“If you have been thinking about machine control and are unsure of the best solution for your needs, the DemoDigger allows you to try all the available Trimble excavator configurations on your project with your operators,” he said.
Convenient training, anytime, anywhere
By bringing the latest Trimble technology directly to job sites, SITECH Solutions is removing barriers to adoption for its customers. Instead of losing valuable work hours, operators can be trained on-site, at times that suit their schedules.
“Our goal is to make it as convenient as possible for contractors to train their teams,” Cronk said.
“With this fully mobile solution, we can offer training sessions during lunch breaks, after hours, or even on weekends—whatever works best for the business.”
This flexibility ensures that operators can upskill without affecting project timelines, allowing businesses to stay productive while integrating new technology.
The future of machine control in action
The Trimble DemoDigger will make its first public appearance at the DDT Expo, giving visitors to the SITECH Solutions stand the opportunity to see Trimble’s latest machine control technology in action.
“This is a great opportunity for operators, business owners, and industry professionals to experience firsthand how Trimble technology can boost efficiency, reduce project costs, and simplify operations,” Cronk said.
“We are excited to have this resource available to us, a machine that we can demonstrate live on site to target new markets and customers,” Hibburd said.
By providing live in-field training and demonstrations, the DemoDigger will allow operators and contractors to test different Trimble excavator configurations in a real-world setting before making investment decisions.
For more information about Trimble products, go to SITECHsolutions.com.au