Finally built a laser grading rig using my box blade.

[RDrancher]

Possibly my answer was not interpreted correctly? I think what he built is incredibly cool. The guy that looks like an idiot using a box blade is me.

Sorry Mark. I read that the wrong way, my bad.

 

[jenkinsph]

I'm guessing you are running open center valves and, if so, with power beyond?

I am using one side of my third remote for the pump/high pressure line and the return goes to the sump close to the bottom of the case.

Yes I have open center hydraulics on all of my tractors.

 

[jenkinsph]

I am hoping that this compact grading rig will work well for commercial foundation jobs in my locale. I will have the only grading set up in my area that I know of.

What do you guys think about grading for stores and such?

 

[Rustyiron]

I am hoping that this compact grading right will work well for commercial foundation jobs in my locale. I will have the only grading set up in my area that I know of.

What do you guys think about grading for stores and such?

…..and (larger) commercial slab prep. Gravel is a whole lot cheaper than 'crete.
You're in a good position for all this work where precision pays/save's.:thumbsup:

 

[jenkinsph]

…..and (larger) commercial slab prep. Gravel is a whole lot cheaper than 'crete.
You're in a good position for all this work where precision pays/save's.:thumbsup:

Exactly what I was thinking, large slabs where fine grading to +/- 1/4 " or better. Really have to see how close I can get a small area like this.

 

[npalen]

You can offset the receivers to allow for a steep grade if needed. You could trim a bank to get a uniform slope.

Would there be an issue with the receivers being at an angle with the laser beam when on a bank? Just curious.
Very interesting thread!

 

[jenkinsph]

Would there be an issue with the receivers being at an angle with the laser beam when on a bank? Just curious.
Very interesting thread!

Not a problem, just recognize the operating window would be reduced a little. Right now when plumb the receivers have an operating window of 8.5 inches but on a steep slope this rotation might reduce the window to about 7 inches.

I should mention that I also have sonic trackers that can be added in place of the laser receivers that will read a string line and follow the grade of the string. Have not tried that out yet but that will be useful for paving and sub base work.

 

[jenkinsph]

I put several hours on my rig again today. This is a pic of my control box. The switch on the top right switches between manual and auto. The bottom right is for operating the blade while in manual mode. The middle button is the on/off button. Behind the 2 knobs on the bottom are the adjustments.

One adjustment is to adjust the 'dead zone' on the receiver. The other adjustment changes the reaction time of the valve.

I usually start a job with a wider 'dead zone' on the receiver and slower reaction time. As I get closer to a finished grade, I will reduce the 'dead zone' and increase the reaction time.
View attachment 546081

The Topcon controller has many functions available through the led display. When first turned on you have a choice of different operating modes. Being new to all of this I have started out in standard mode no need for GPS mode and other choices. I have not purchased the TM-1 motorized masts but with these added you would be able to automatically survey a field on 50 ft. spacing and have it calculate the best fit of slope and finished grade.

Lots of built in capabilities that I have not explored or used yet but will look into once I am using it more. One is having three set points, where you can have a choice that is high where you start shaving down the high mounds roughing in and then work to your final set point on grade.

I mentioned the cooler in the last response to you because I remembered the issues you had when starting out. How did all of that work out?

 

[RDrancher]

I am hoping that this compact grading rig will work well for commercial foundation jobs in my locale. I will have the only grading set up in my area that I know of.

What do you guys think about grading for stores and such?

I'd contact both the small and larger commercial concrete companies in your area and let them know about your setup. And don't forget the equestrian market. Grading arenas for drainage is also a big deal. Might get busier than you want to be!

 

[npalen]

Not a problem, just recognize the operating window would be reduced a little. Right now when plumb the receivers have an operating window of 8.5 inches but on a steep slope this rotation might reduce the window to about 7 inches.

I should mention that I also have sonic trackers that can be added in place of the laser receivers that will read a string line and follow the grade of the string. Have not tried that out yet but that will be useful for paving and sub base work.

About the time I'm starting to understand some of this modern technology, you hit me with "laser receivers that will read a string line".