I have recently been looking at robots. Has anyone ever used Geomax? If so whats your opinion compared to Leica 1200 series? I have alot of time with a Leica running carlson and like the platform however the Geomax is several thousand cheaper and looks to be a re-branded Leica made by Hexagon. Salesmen just tell you what they think you want to hear so I want to hear the good bad and ugly from another surveyor.
Truthfully, there is no difference realistically in the instrument. I have heard all kinds of stuff being spread that its made somewhere different, the internal parts are different, its got "Geomax" software, not Leica...its a bunch of who-ha. The instrument is the same, however, service and support are not.
Leica dealers can not sale or repair (with the exception of one that I know of) both the Geomax and the Leica brand instruments. That being said, there are much fewer Geomax dealers and even less repair centers. So, you are limited later down the road if the instrument takes a fall or something goes wrong.
To me, as a Survey Manager, keeping my equipment up and running would be the most important aspect. Price would be right behind. Having a good repair center easily takes the place of the extra $1k, 2k it will cost more (if that is what it is).
Again, no "real" difference in the instrument. Huge difference in the service and support behind it. If the dealer in your area can't get competitive with the Leica branded instruments, call me. I will.