Excavators are doing more lifting than ever. Across general civils and utilities work, they are regularly used to handle pipes, trench boxes, and materials, not just for digging. That brings added responsibility around working within safe limits, particularly on smaller machines where risk can often be underestimated.
Much of that risk sits in everyday tasks. These are not major crane lifts, but routine jobs where conditions change quickly — ground stability, reach and load position all have an impact. Even experienced operators can’t always judge those limits accurately without a clear reference.
RCI Lite sits in that space.
Part of the Xwatch safety range, it provides a straightforward way to introduce awareness of rated capacity and overload protection for hydraulic excavators. The system gives operators real-time visibility of lifting capacity and, with optional motion control, can prevent unsafe operation before limits are exceeded.
Standard systems include an external alarm, with options such as a supervisor key switch, an external warning light, an internal alarm, and telematics, depending on site requirements.
When lifting isn’t required, RCI Lite can also be used as a basic digging system, helping to accurately excavate level trenches and basements. Aside from periodic inspection, it is maintenance-free, which makes it a practical option for both contractors and hire fleets.
For hire companies, it strikes a sensible balance. There is a growing expectation that machines meet modern safety standards, but not every job justifies a full, high-spec system. RCI Lite offers a level of protection that reflects how machines are actually being used day to day.
“RCI Lite has always had a clear role within our range,” says Jemma Dycer-Hopkins, Sales and Operations Manager at Xwatch Safety Solutions part of Hexagon. “Not every machine needs a full specification system, but every machine involved in lifting carries risk. What we’re seeing across the industry is a shift towards making sure even routine operations are supported properly. RCI Lite gives operators that visibility without overcomplicating the job. It’s straightforward, reliable and does exactly what it needs to do.”
Where more control is needed, there is a clear step up within the Xwatch range. For applications where working near overhead restrictions is a concern, the XW2 introduces proportionally controlled height limiting, helping operators stay within set parameters without interrupting the flow of work.
For more demanding environments, such as tight sites or lifting operations where movement needs to be controlled in multiple directions, the XW5 adds both height and slew limiting. This allows contractors to manage risk more precisely, particularly where space is restricted or multiple hazards are present.
This staged approach means machines can be equipped based on the job they are doing, rather than defaulting to a one-size-fits-all solution.
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