Well now, that was all >13 years ago.
What since ?
Electronics has continued its downward price spiral, inflation on HARD equipment has probably absorbed all of those savings.
I already have a Harley rake and a 40 HP all wheel drive tractor with 4 pairs of aux hydraulic couplers.
For manual operation I usually just fiddle with the hydraulic top link.
Not looking to spend a LOT of money and then have to find a ton of work to recoup the cost with.
Presumably a (fairly long range, say 100 - 200 ft ?) dual tilt laser and receiver would give me audible cues that I could use to raise/lower manually ? - - much as I do with mere eyeballs now ?