Mobile App Guide: Remote Machine Monitoring
Learn which used excavators have factory telematics, how to monitor your fleet via mobile apps, and retrofit options for older machines – Rich Reach.
Mobile App Guide: Remote Machine Monitoring
Remote machine monitoring via mobile apps has transformed how fleet owners, operators, and maintenance teams track equipment. Instead of walking to the machine or calling the operator, you can see real-time location, fuel consumption, operating hours, fault codes, and maintenance alerts right on your phone. This guide explains which used excavators have telematics, how to use the apps, and what to do if your machine doesn‘t have the system.
Which Used Excavators Have Remote Monitoring?
Not all used excavators come with telematics. Factory‑installed systems started appearing on most major brands around 2010–2015, with older machines requiring aftermarket retrofits. Here‘s what to look for by brand:
✅ Factory Telematics – Standard on Most Newer Used Machines
| Brand | System Name | Which Used Models Have It |
|---|---|---|
| Caterpillar | Cat Product Link / VisionLink | All Cat machines manufactured after ~2008 (Series D and newer). Product Link hardware is factory-installed. Check for the Product Link antenna on the cab roof. |
| Komatsu | Komtrax / Komtrax Plus | Standard on most Komatsu machines from ~2003 onward. Komtrax Plus is for large mining class (PC1250+, WA600+). Komtrax is free for the life of the machine on equipped units. |
| Hitachi | ConSite / Global e-Service | Standard on Zaxis-5 series and newer (approx. 2010+). Zaxis-6 and -7 have full ConSite with oil quality sensors. Older machines can be retrofitted. |
| Volvo | CareTrack / Volvo ActiveCare | Standard on most Volvo machines from ~2012. ActiveCare includes proactive monitoring by Volvo dealers. |
| Liebherr | LiDAT | Factory option on most Liebherr machines. Many used units have it installed. |
| Doosan | Doosan Telematics | Standard on all new Doosan machines (>10 metric tons) with 3-year subscription. Used machines from ~2015+ likely have hardware installed. |
| Hyundai | HiMATE | Factory telematics on most Hyundai machines from ~2014. Check with dealer for activation. |
| Sany | EVision / MySANY | Most Sany excavators from ~2015 have GPS/telematics hardware factory-installed. EVision app is free to use. |
| Liugong | Liugong iLink / Intelligent Butler | Standard on Liugong machines from approx. 2017. Over 70,000+ units connected to the system. |
| SDLG | SDLG T-Box / Service App | T-Box telematics is an option on newer SDLG machines (2018+). Check if the machine has the telematics antenna and T-Box hardware. |
No Factory Telematics? – Retrofit Options
Older machines (pre‑2010) or brands without factory telematics can still be monitored using aftermarket devices. Third‑party telematics devices like Trackunit, Geotab, Calamp, or generic GPS trackers can be installed to capture location, hours, and some CAN bus data. Most devices plug into the machine‘s diagnostics port (usually a 9‑pin Deutsch connector) or connect to the CAN bus wires. A good aftermarket telematics device typically costs $200–500 per machine plus a monthly subscription ($10–30/month).
Major Brand Mobile Apps – How to Monitor Your Machines
1. Caterpillar – Cat App
Caterpillar’s mobile app provides simplified, streamlined data directly to your phone. You can monitor machine location and health, react faster to fault codes, and maximize uptime. The app connects to Cat Product Link hardware, which transmits data from the machine’s sensors.
Where to download: Search “Cat App” on Apple App Store or Google Play.
What you can see: Machine location, fuel level, operating hours, idle time, fault codes, maintenance alerts.
Subscription: Product Link hardware is factory‑installed; VisionLink dashboard access requires a subscription (basic free, advanced paid).
2. Komatsu – Komtrax Mobile
Komtrax Mobile is Komatsu’s remote monitoring system, supplied free of charge with all new and Komatsu Premium Used equipment.
Where to download: Access via mobile browser at komtrax.komatsu.com.au or via Komtrax Mobile app (available on iOS and Android).
What you can see: Fleet summary, machine locations, hours of use, idle time, fuel consumption, cautions/error codes, no‑usage tracking. You can also get driving directions to any machine from your phone‘s location.
Note: Fuel consumption and idle time availability depend on the machine model and year.
3. Hitachi – ConSite Pocket
Hitachi’s ConSite Pocket app allows you to manage and monitor your machines anywhere. It sends real‑time alerts on machine health and recommends the best course of action.
Where to download: Search “ConSite Pocket” on Apple App Store or Google Play.
What you can see: Monthly ConSite reports (working hours, fuel consumption), machine locations on Google Maps, real‑time alerts to you and your dealer, swing efficiency ratings, and non‑operation analysis. Compatible with Global e‑Service.
Requirement: Register with Hitachi Global e‑Service and ConSite first.
4. Sany – EVision / MySANY
Sany’s EVision app is a powerful digital platform that enables businesses to track, monitor, and manage their machinery on the go. It captures run hours, machine locations, technical parameters, alarms, and pre‑emptive maintenance data.
Where to download: Search “EVision” or “MySANY” on Apple App Store or Google Play.
What you can see: Real‑time updates, service intervals, hour of operation, machine location, pre‑emptive maintenance alerts, alarm notifications.
Compatibility: Most Sany machines from 2015 onward have telematics hardware installed. The app is free to use.
5. Doosan – Doosan Telematics
Doosan Telematics is accessible via web portal or smartphone. A 3‑year subscription is standard on all new Doosan machines (excavators >10 metric tons, wheel loaders, ADTs, etc.).
Where to access: Web portal via Core TMS; mobile‑friendly interface.
What you can see: Fleet status, machine location, operating hours, fuel usage, engine idle vs. work time, engine error codes, engine/hydraulic temperature. Also supports geofencing/time fencing alerts.
Also works with satellite: If cellular signal is unavailable, the system switches to satellite communication automatically.
6. Liugong – Liugong iLink / Liugong Intelligent Butler
Liugong‘s iLink app (also called Intelligent Butler) provides real‑time machine management for LiuGong equipment.
Where to download: Search “LiuGong iLink” on Apple App Store or Google Play (free).
What you can see: Where machines are working, when they are working, how they are operated, device status analysis, fuel management, equipment health and service, equipment positioning. Remote machine management to prevent improper utilization. Requires LiuGong ID account.
7. SDLG – SDLG Service App
SDLG‘s Service App connects to the optional T-Box telematics hardware.
Where to download: Search “SDLG Service” on app stores (available on iOS and Android).
What you can see: Real‑time equipment location, fuel consumption reports, working time reports, fault code check, equipment tracking with monitoring fences. Also supports one‑click repair requests and maintenance reservations.
What to Check When Buying a Used Excavator With Telematics
If remote monitoring is important to you, ask the seller these questions before buying:
• Does the machine have the factory telematics hardware installed and functioning?
• Is the telematics subscription active, or will I need to pay a dealer to reactivate it?
• Can the telematics data be transferred to my name (owner registration) after purchase?
• For Komatsu: Is this machine “Komatsu Premium Used” with free Komtrax included?
• For Cat: Is Product Link active? Can I access VisionLink?
• If no factory telematics, is the CAN/Diagnostic port accessible for aftermarket installation?
We at Rich Reach can verify telematics status for any used machine in our inventory. Just ask.
Step‑by‑Step: How to Start Monitoring Your Used Excavator From Your Phone
Step 1: Confirm the Machine Has Telematics Hardware
Look for the telematics antenna on the cab roof (usually a small black puck), or check inside the cab for a display with a connectivity icon. On Komatsu, Komtrax information is visible on the machine monitor. On Cat, Product Link status appears in the display. For older machines, inspect the diagnostics port (usually near the fuse panel).
Step 2: Register With the Manufacturer‘s Portal
Each brand requires you to create an account on their telematics website:
• Caterpillar: VisionLink (vl.cat.com)
• Komatsu: Komtrax (komtrax.komatsu.com)
• Hitachi: Global e‑Service + ConSite
• Doosan: Core TMS
• Sany: MySANY portal
• Liugong: Liugong iLink portal
• SDLG: SDLG Service portal
You will need the machine serial number to register. Some dealers can help you set up the account.
Step 3: Download the Mobile App
Search the app store for the brand‘s monitoring app (e.g., “Cat App”, “Komtrax Mobile”, “ConSite Pocket”, “EVision”, “LiuGong iLink”). Install and log in using the same credentials you created for the web portal.
Step 4: Add Your Machines to Your Fleet Dashboard
Once logged in, the system should automatically pull data from machines assigned to your account. If a machine does not appear, contact your local dealer to transfer ownership registration.
Step 5: Set Up Alerts
Most apps allow you to configure automatic notifications for:
• Fault codes (critical and warning)
• Maintenance due (oil change, filter replacement)
• Machine movement outside geofenced area
• High idle time or poor fuel efficiency
Enable email and push notifications so you never miss an important alert.
What Data You Can See on Your Phone (Typical)
| Data Type | Example Use |
|---|---|
| Machine location (GPS) | Prevent theft, confirm machines are on site, recovery after theft. |
| Operating / idle hours | Calculate actual usage, improve operator efficiency, reduce idle waste. |
| Fuel consumption | Track fuel burn per hour, identify excessive consumption, detect fuel theft. |
| Fault codes (DTCs) | Receive alerts before breakdown, plan repairs, order parts in advance. |
| Maintenance alerts | Know when oil, filters, or coolant need replacement based on hours. |
| Engine/hydraulic temperature | Monitor overheating trends, schedule cooling system checks. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the telematics app free to use?
A: Most apps are free to download, but accessing machine data may require a subscription. Komatsu offers Komtrax free for the life of the machine (on equipped models). Cat VisionLink has a free tier. Hitachi ConSite requires registration but data transmission is included. Doosan includes a 3‑year subscription with new machines; used machines may have expired subscriptions that need renewal.
Q: Can I monitor multiple brands in one app?
A: Not directly. Each brand has its own app. However, you can use third‑party fleet management platforms (like Trackunit or MyKomm) that aggregate data from multiple brands via API integration.
Q: Will the telematics work if the machine has no dealer support in my country?
A: If the telematics hardware is functional, it will transmit data regardless of local dealer support. However, you may need an authorized dealer to activate the subscription or transfer ownership. For unpopular brands in your region, aftermarket telematics is a better option.
Q: How do I know if a used machine‘s telematics is still working?
A: Ask the seller to show you a recent screenshot from the app or web portal. Check for recent data timestamps (last 24 hours). Look for the telematics antenna on the machine. Inspect the in‑cab display for connectivity indicators (bars, satellite icon, “Komtrax connected” message).
Q: What if I buy a used machine with no telematics – can I install one myself?
A: Yes. Many aftermarket telematics devices are plug‑and‑play, connecting to the machine’s diagnostic port (9‑pin Deutsch) or CAN bus wires. Some options: Trackunit, Geotab GO, Calamp LMU, or heavy‑duty GPS trackers. These can capture location, hours, fuel data, and fault codes depending on CAN bus access.
Troubleshooting Common Telematics Issues
Problem 1: Machine not appearing in the app after registration
Cause: The machine‘s telematics subscription may have expired, or the previous owner hasn’t transferred ownership. Solution: Contact the local dealer to transfer the machine to your account. For expired subscriptions, you may need to pay a reactivation fee (typically $50–200 per year depending on brand).
Problem 2: No cellular signal at the job site – no data updates
Solution: Some systems (Komtrax Plus, Doosan Telematics) automatically switch to satellite communication when cellular is unavailable. Otherwise, consider a telematics device that stores data and uploads when back in range, or install a satellite‑based system for truly remote operations.
Problem 3: Fault codes appear but machine runs fine
Cause: Intermittent or spurious sensor readings. Always verify with a technician before ordering parts. Some fault codes are informational only (e.g., “low battery voltage” from cold weather).
Problem 4: App keeps logging me out
Solution: Update the app to the latest version. Clear cache or reinstall. Also check if your password needs resetting or if multi‑factor authentication is enabled.
Rich Reach – Your Telematics Partner
At Rich Reach, we can help you:
• Verify telematics status on any used excavator in our inventory.
• Install aftermarket telematics devices on older machines.
• Transfer telematics subscriptions and ownership with brand dealers.
• Train you and your operators on how to use the mobile apps effectively.
Contact Us
Email: sales-01@richreach.cn | amy@richreach.cn
Phone / WhatsApp:
Frida: +86 18110289118
Amy: +86 18297527921
Our Location
Approx. 150m east of Baogong Ave & Dazhong Rd intersection, Longgang Comprehensive Economic Development Zone, Yaohui District, Hefei, Anhui (about 250m east of Poly Luolan Spring), China
Rich Reach – Keep your fleet in your pocket. Ask us which used excavators come with telematics.