Excavator

What this mode is for

Excavator (also called IQ Excavator) is intended for use with the Ditch Assist DIG system — the excavator-mounted guidance kit that pairs with this app. It gives the operator on-screen depth guidance for a single-pass dig. Unlike scraper modes, the app does not send valve commands — you control the bucket manually. The screen shows you how far above or below grade your bucket tip is, with big chevrons and a side-mounted excavator-arm gauge. As you dig down, the achieved depth fills in green so you can see the trench grow.

Use Excavator when:

• You're running an excavator with the Ditch Assist DIG system, or any excavator / hoe ditcher / wheel ditcher with no valve interface.
• You want visual depth guidance only.
• You will dig the trench in one pass, not multi-pass scraper work.

Workflow at a glance:

1. Connect to the controller. (The hardware connection still feeds GPS to the app — only the valve command channel is unused.)
2. Either record a survey + apply a Slope-IQ design, load an existing survey or design, or tap Enter Grade Only to skip both and type a single percent grade (including 0% for a level pad). Choose the last option for a quick footing or pad job; the survey/design path for any trench with a real elevation profile.
3. Open the Slope-IQ design dialog (same dialog as Ditching, but in Excavator mode the dug-earth overlay is enabled and the Est. Passes badge is hidden) — skipped if you chose Enter Grade Only.
4. Tap Implement.
5. Calibrate the BM if prompted.
6. Tap Start. The screen shows depth guidance. You dig manually. The green achieved-grade line grows under your bucket as you reach grade.

In this chapter

• Before you start
• Connecting to the Ditch Assist DIG module
• Quick start
• The Set Grade bar (manual-grade sub-flow)
• Dig Level Area (single elevation or fixed depth)
• Reading the depth display
• The DIG logo on the sidebar
• If the connection drops
• The Excavator design dialog
• Importing a civil design (LandXML)
• The completion grid — marking finished areas
• Digging with depth guidance
• Picking up yesterday's work — Resume Job
• Tips & gotchas
• The "Designed for a different kit" warning
• Troubleshooting