What Xwatch Safety Solutions does

Xwatch Safety Solutions Ltd designs and manufactures hardware and software safety control systems for heavy plant and excavators — including height limiters, slew restrictors, rated capacity indicators (RCI), and associated proportional hydraulic valves and sensors. The technical stack combines angular motion sensors, gyroscope-compensated solid-state sampling (up to 250 Hz), proportional hydraulic "feather-touch" soft-stop control, and the XW-Insite telematics platform (5-metre GPS, geofencing, fuel/CO2 monitoring, IP69K casing). The product portfolio spans the entry-level SS Series (SS1 self-install height limiter, SS2 rollover, SS3 pile monitor) and the professional XW Series (XW1-XW5, with XW5 covering the full working envelope), plus vertical-specialised variants for rail (XW5-R with Network Rail PA05/07159 acceptance and RIS1530 Issue 7 compliance), lorry-mounted cranes (XM4-LMC), MEWPs, telehandlers, forklifts, and a 3D avoidance module integrated with Leica MC1 and Topcon MCX machine-control software. The company also co-developed an industry-first Stop-Before-Strike system with RodRadar, embedding ground-penetrating radar in the excavator bucket to automatically halt hydraulics on utility detection.

The business model is primarily hardware sales of safety kits (one-time perpetual license with multi-year warranty, professional or self-installation) layered with an XW-Insite subscription for telematics, plus revenue from installation services through approved partner engineers, and Buy Now Pay Later finance arrangements (3-5 year terms) through third-party providers. Go-to-market combines direct enterprise sales (head of global sales Dan Leaney, sales/operations manager Jemma Dycer Hopkins targeting plant hire and contractors such as Flannery Plant Hire and Moortown Group) with a global channel partner network of approved dealers, distributors, and service partners across the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, Chile, Italy, and multiple European markets. OEM-level specification access has been secured via McHale Komatsu (sole UK/Ireland Komatsu distributor) following approval in June 2026.

Xwatch is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hexagon AB, acquired in April 2024 and integrated into Hexagon's safety and construction technology portfolio alongside Leica Geosystems and IDS GeoRadar. Headquartered in Wimborne, England, the company operates with a small direct employee base while leveraging parent-company reach for international expansion.

Name

Xwatch Safety Solutions

Legal name

Xwatch Safety Solutions Ltd

Website

https://xwatch.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Xwatch Safety Solutions Ltd, a Hexagon AB subsidiary, designs and manufactures hardware and software safety control systems (height, slew, and rated capacity limiters) for heavy plant and excavators in construction, mining, rail, MEWP, and industrial markets, selling globally through approved partners and direct enterprise accounts.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Construction Machinery Safety Systems

NAICS

Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)

SIC

Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Construction, Mining & Materials Handling Machinery & Equip (3530)

akta.pro primary industry

Crane & Hoist Safety & Monitoring Systems (Limiters, Anti-collision, Load Monitoring) (IMAHAJAL)

Keywords

• Machine control safety
• Height slew limitation
• Rated capacity indication
• Excavator safety systems
• Heavy plant protection

Headquarters

HQ city

Cwmbran

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Safety Hardware Systems: Sale of safety control systems including SS Series (SS1, SS2, SS3), XW Series (XW1-XW5), and specialized variants (XM4-LMC for lorry cranes, XW-Rail for rail applications, XW-MEWP for mobile elevating work platforms). Systems include hardware components such as controllers, sensors, displays, cabling, and hydraulic valves.
2. Telematics Services (XW-INSITE): Subscription-based telematics platform providing fleet monitoring, GPS tracking, fuel management, and real-time safety data. Hardware sold with optional ongoing subscription for platform access and data services.
3. Installation and Support Services: Professional installation services through company engineers and approved partner network. Technical support, training, and after-sales service provided through global partner ecosystem.
4. Finance Options: Buy Now Pay Later financing through third-party providers, enabling customers to spread costs over 3-5 year payment plans.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Xwatch Safety Solutions designs, manufactures, and supplies machine control hardware and software systems that improve safety on construction, mining, rail, and industrial sites. Its product lines include the SS Series (entry-level self-install height, rollover, and pile monitors) and the XW Series (professional-grade height, slew, rated capacity indication, and 3D avoidance systems) for excavators, cranes, telehandlers, MEWPs, and other heavy plant, complemented by the XW-Insite telematics platform for fleet monitoring.

Product overview

Xwatch Safety Solutions is part of Hexagon and offers a comprehensive portfolio of safety control systems for construction machinery under two main product lines: the SS (Simple Safe) Series for entry-level applications and the XW Series for advanced safety management. The SS Series includes SS1 (self-install height limiter), SS2 (overturn warning/protection), and SS3 (pile monitor). The XW Series progresses from XW1 (height limitation) through XW2 (height + RCI), XW3 (slew control), XW4 (height + slew), to XW5 (comprehensive height, slew, and RCI). Specialized variants include XW5-R for road rail excavators, XW5 Series 3D Avoidance with Leica MC1 integration, XWTele/XWFork for telehandlers and forklifts, XM4-LMC for lorry mounted cranes, XW MEWP and XW Rail MEWP for mobile elevating work platforms, XW TMI for total movement indication, and RCI Lite as an economical RCI option. The XW-Insite telematics platform provides fleet-wide data monitoring and integrates with Xwatch safety systems. The company also offers finance options through Buy Now Pay Later schemes.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• SS1 Series Simple Safe One is a self-install angular motion limiter providing basic height restriction for hydraulic plant including excavators, truck-mounted cranes, flails, mowers, and loading shovels. Uses a gyro-compensated solid-state sensor sampling 250 times per second with optional telematics and data logging, and a one-year warranty.
• SS2 Series Simple Safe Two provides warning and protection against overturning for mobile plant including small twin rollers, commercial mowers, small excavators, walk-behind dumpers, golf buggies, quad carts, and cabbed dumpers. Uses a compact controller with a three-axis platform angle sensor; roll angle adjustable from 1 to 32 degrees with audible alarm and engine cut capability in a rollover event.
• SS3 Series Simple Safe Three is a pile monitor with colour LCD display and dual-axis MEMS angle sensor mounted on a mast or attachment. Suitable for piling equipment, fencing machines, screw piling equipment, and excavator attachments, and includes a five-year warranty.
• XW1 Series Height limitation system for articulated hydraulic plant including backhoe loaders, truck-mounted cranes, mobile cranes, and tractor-mounted hedge cutters. Uses proportional soft-stop hydraulic valves with feather-touch ramped hydraulic slow-down, with an optional chassis sensor for terrain slope correction.
• XW2 Series Height, radius, and load monitoring system for hydraulic excavators. Combines rated capacity indicator (RCI) with proportional soft-stop height limitation, allowing operators to work at maximum lifting capacity within safe working load. Optional dig depth monitor when RCI is not required.
• XW3 Series Dedicated slew control system restricting a machine to set left and right slew parameters. Angular slew is referenced from the machine centre point providing V-shaped left and right control, with slew speed ramping down on approach and soft-stop at the limit. Optional reeling drum and beacon available.
• XW4 Series Height and slew monitoring system for excavators and backhoe loaders. Monitors heavy machinery height and slew movement with feather-touch proportional hydraulic control, available in MK2 variant with enhanced specifications and Spanish language support.
• XW5 Series Total safe working envelope system providing height, slew, and rated capacity indication (RCI) control. The most comprehensive Xwatch system covering operator and machine safety, with proportional soft-stop hydraulic valves, track lock, height limit active indication, platform sensor, auto duty switching, and proximity switch detection for up to four lifting duties.
• XW5-R Configured for road rail excavators with height, slew, and RCI limitation using proportional soft-stop hydraulic valves. Built on certified SIL2 componentry, fully compliant with RIS1530 issue 7 with sophisticated lift planning software, and includes rail-specific options such as rail gear position monitoring, axle lock monitoring, travel inhibit output, and rail cant and track gradient monitoring.
• XWTele & XWFork Series Height indication and control systems designed for telehandlers (XWTele) and industrial/rough terrain fork lift trucks (XWFork). Features height limitation with optional access key switch, beacon, platform sensor, data logger, and extension sensor (standard 3.0m, optional 5.0m and 10.0m), with settings retained at start-up.
• XM4-LMC Height and slew limitation system specifically designed for lorry-mounted cranes. Monitors all potential high points using XW series sensors with a custom-built high-pressure manifold and solenoid valves, with single/dual parallel wall or angular slew limitation and front-end equipment monitoring.
• XW MEWP Height and slew limitation system for powered access equipment (MEWPs) including self-propelled booms, vehicle-mounted booms, spider/tracked booms, and vertical scissors lifts. Motion cuts provide accurate performance with optional dual displays and remote visibility via subscription.
• XW Rail MEWP Height and slew limitation for on-track MEWPs (mobile elevating work platforms). Configured for articulated hydraulic plant with proportional soft-stop hydraulic valves, with optional reeling drum for telescopic arm extension monitoring, offset boom sensor, platform sensor for pitch and roll angles, and data logger.
• XW TMI Total Movement Indicator for skid steers, excavators, truck-mounted cranes, and barge-mounted cranes. An economical solution for general civil lifting activities with overload protection and optional motion control, available with colour LCD display or traffic light indicator, both providing internal/external alarms and a cab roof beacon.
• RCI Lite

Quantifiable outcome

• 500% increase in SS1 sales year-over-year
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

AI capability2 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• McHale KomatsucoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 3 June 2026McHale Komatsu announced as approved supplier for Xwatch Safety Solutions at Hillhead 2026. Based in Redditch, Worcestershire, McHale Komatsu is the sole distributor for Komatsu Construction and Utility equipment and Metso crushers in UK and Ireland. A Komatsu PC130-11 fitted with XW5 system will be displayed as demonstration machine.
• Topcon (MC-X)coreTechnology or Integration · 2 March 2026Xwatch announced Topcon MC-X integration at ConExpo 2026, connecting machine control and on-machine safety. Integration enables combined Leica and Topcon compatibility for Xwatch systems.
• RodRadarflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 February 2026Xwatch and RodRadar have introduced the industry's first Stop-Before-Strike system that embeds ground-penetrating radar in the excavator bucket and automatically halts hydraulic movement when underground utilities are detected. This moves beyond operator warnings to automatic prevention of utility strikes. The solution will be demonstrated at ConExpo-Con/Agg 2026 in Las Vegas. Industry context: more than 400,000 underground utility strikes occur annually in the U.S., costing approximately $30 billion per year.
• MC SYSTEM SpAcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2026Based in Santiago, Chile, MC SYSTEM SpA supports customers across Chile with machine control, GNSS, laser and surveying systems. Selected XW4 MK2 as the main Xwatch system for Chilean mining market with early sales confirmed and order placed for eight additional units. Strong knowledge of Leica technology enables support for Leica MC1 integration.
• WR57 srlcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2026WR57 srl is the official distributor of Hitachi brand for Emilia Romagna and San Marino, Italy. Founded in Rimini in 2011, the company has grown from Hitachi earthmoving dealer into wider machinery sales, rental and service business. Xwatch engineers completed two XW4 installations on Hitachi ZX95 and ZX130 excavators for WR57's rental fleet.
• IDS GeoRadarcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2026IDS GeoRadar operates within Hexagon's broader safety and construction technology portfolio alongside Xwatch. The RodRadar ground-penetrating radar technology integrates with Xwatch safety systems.
• CASE Construction EquipmentminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2026HRN Tractors is the CASE Construction Equipment dealer for Scotland. Xwatch SS1 installed on CASE CX85E excavator demonstrating dealer-level integration.
• Komatsu UK LtdcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2026Komatsu UK Ltd works with McHale Komatsu (approved Xwatch supplier) to display XW5-fitted machines. Flannery Plant Hire fitted Xwatch XW5 to Komatsu PW98MR rubber duck. Komatsu PC490 demonstrated with XW4 in Chile market. Komatsu PC130-11 demonstrated at Hillhead 2026.
• Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV (HCME)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2026Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV equipment fitted with Xwatch systems through WR57 srl distributor. XW4 installed on ZX95 and ZX130 excavators. XW5 with Leica integration demonstrated on ZX350-7 for Potter Plant Hire.
• JCBcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2026Xwatch XW4 fitted to JCB 145XR excavator for Moortown Group. JCB is a major construction equipment manufacturer with extensive dealer network.
• Hexagon ABcoreOthers · 1 April 2024Hexagon acquired Xwatch in April 2024. Xwatch operates as part of Hexagon's broader safety and construction technology portfolio alongside Leica Geosystems, IDS GeoRadar, and other divisions. Hexagon is a global leader in measurement technologies operating in metrology, reality capture, and positioning technology domains.
• Next Gen Plant LtdcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2024Next Gen Plant Ltd is an authorized dealer and service partner for Xwatch, headquartered in Newcastle, North East England. The partnership began in 2024, with hundreds of systems installed across the region. Next Gen provides GPS, tiltrotators, and safety systems including height and slew limiters and AI camera technology. They have installed systems on machines for Potter Plant Hire and Blackwood Plant Hire Limited.
• Safety Shield GlobalminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2024Safety Shield Global is one of the authorized dealer and service partners alongside Xwatch and Engcon UK Ltd. Next Gen Plant represents Safety Shield Global products in their partner portfolio.
• Engcon UK LtdminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2024Engcon UK Ltd is included in Next Gen Plant Ltd's partner portfolio as an authorized dealer alongside Xwatch. Engcon provides tiltrotator technology.
• Leica GeosystemscoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2024Xwatch systems integrate with Leica Geosystems technology including Leica MC1 machine control software. The XW5 3D Avoidance system enables creation of 3D avoidance zones within Leica MC1. MC SYSTEM SpA in Chile leverages Leica expertise alongside Xwatch distribution. Part of Hexagon's broader portfolio.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Broad incumbents

• Trimble Inc. Largest machine control and construction technology incumbent; offers integrated solutions covering site positioning, safety alerts and telematics that overlap with Xwatch's height, slew and RCI capabilities.
• Topcon Positioning: Major machine control incumbent whose MC-X platform Xwatch integrates with; competes for the same height/slew/RCI and 3D avoidance use cases and has the scale to bundle similar functionality into its core offering.
• Radiodetection: Established global provider of cable and pipe locators used to prevent utility strikes; comparable at the workflow/use-case level (preventing underground utility damage) where Xwatch's Stop-Before-Strike system competes.
• Hexagon AB: Swedish parent company of Xwatch and a global leader in measurement and safety technology; defines the strategic, capital and channel context in which Xwatch operates and competes across multiple Geosystems divisions.
• Leica Geosystems: Hexagon-owned machine control platform (MC1) that Xwatch integrates with; also a broad incumbent in surveying and construction measurement whose own roadmap could absorb Xwatch's safety functionality over time.

Emerging players

• Eilon Engineering: Specialist in load cells, weighing systems and load monitoring for cranes and lifting equipment; competes in the RCI / load monitoring use case that Xwatch's XW2/XW5 systems address.

Direct peers

• CraneStar: Provider of crane safety monitoring, load moment indicators and anti-two-block systems for heavy lifting equipment; directly comparable in the rated capacity indication and motion-limiting niche that XW5/XW5-R address.
• MOBA Automation: Independent European manufacturer of safety, control and automation systems for construction and crane equipment, overlapping directly with Xwatch's height, slew and RCI products for excavators, dumpers and mobile cranes.
• Safety Shield Global: Direct competitor offering operator safety and collision avoidance systems for heavy plant and excavators; an authorized Next Gen Plant partner alongside Xwatch, competing head-to-head in the same OEM/aftermarket channels.

Others

• IDS GeoRadar (Hexagon): Hexagon sister company producing ground-penetrating radar for utility detection; key technology enabler for the Stop-Before-Strike system and the broader subsurface detection ecosystem Xwatch is integrating into.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/xwatchsafety
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/about

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Xwatch Safety Solutions