Machine Control Laser for levelling

[SpaceRage]

Hey folks,

I have a lot of paving work to do around my house which will require me to level the ground.

I have a Kubota B26 backhoe and a U17-3 mini excavator on order.

Has anyone every tried using one of these Machine Control Lasers?

TR361 Machine Control Laser with repeater

I normally work alone and I'm hoping that it may save me a lot of time and give a better result than other methods?

I figured I could also attach it to the excavators blade or my box blade with a pole?

Anybody who has tried one of these let me know how it went?

Cheers from down under in Australia.

 

[dodge man]

I’m a land surveyor and have helped contractors with machine control, mostly setting jobs up for them and checking things.

It looks like you will be just using it as a guide and not actually control the hydraulics on your machine but just as a guide. Usually you don’t want paving level but some type of slope so it drains. It looks like this kit comes without a laser so you’d have to buy that separately. You’d want to make sure the laser can do slopes.

You might just start out with a laser and level rod and make paint marks on tge ground for your cuts or put stakes out.

 

[npalen]

CANAMEK-Gold-CAN Laser Land Leveling Control System & Directional Solenoid Valve | CANAMEK

CANAMEK-Gold-CAN Laser Control System-Connects to Almost all Machine Types-Offers Automatic, Manual and survey modes-Connecting to all Laser Transmitters with Red Laser Beam-LED Display that can be Easily Read, even in Strong Sunlight or in the Night Time-Operation Temperature: - 20 to 60+...

www.canamek.ca

You can go a step further and automate with this control system including the valve to raise and lower the cutting edge. They also offer a "starter" package similar to what the OP shows in the first post.

 

[Clintock]

Ground doesn’t have to be exactly level to pave or have a crown in the center. The paving contractor will do all that with the paving machine. This setup seems to me a waste of money. You’re making a road bed. Not a house foundation. Main thing you want is a good base for the asphalt to lay. Granted this is my livelihood and have laid miles and miles of asphalt.

 

[Billrog]

I have a laser and indicator that sticks to the boom of my backhoe I bought for digging trenches for septic systems. For trying to level a large flat area it would drive you crazy. Like dodge man said drive in some stakes and mark ( paint ) the level on them and go from there you could use a water hose for that and not need a laser or rent one for the day.

 

[npalen]

Inexpensive Laser Grading

https://www.menards.com/main/tools/hand-tools/measuring-layout-tools/laser-levels/johnson-level-reg-360-deg-detector-with-clamp-and-magnet/40-6791/p-1444436554595-c-1549901401009.htm I've been playing around with the Johnson receiver on my box blade for a couple weeks now and I'm encouraged by...

www.tractorbynet.com

Laser Machine Grading--Inexpensive Alternative?

https://www.amazon.com/Johnson-40-6791-Mountable-360-Degree-Detector/dp/B008BFHZVI I was reading the current discussion about leveling fill with an FEL which lead to thinking, once again, about laser controlled grade leveling and sloping. The issue with automatic hydraulically controlled...

www.tractorbynet.com

A couple previous threads for the OP.

 

[tshep]

... you could use a water hose for that and not need a laser or rent one for the day.

I am an 'Instrument Man' so I have tried this, to no success.
I added 2 foot clear extensions (well sealed, w/open ends) to a 100 ft water hose. Taped to poles, filled, marked 'level here x', and could get NO repeatability. (Gave up and used tensioned string with string level - got repeatability.)
Any clues?
How did yours work?
Sounds weird, but anything special about the water? (Wetter, soap?)

 

[Fixastuff]

I use a spectra laser level you can set grade on with a remote and their magnetic machine receiver on my excavator. It works well. If you have the receiver on the stick it only reads accurate with the stick at 90deg to the ground but you get a feel for it. I made a bar for my 36" bucket that sticks up 90deg from the cutting edge, this allows me to go to full reach and dig entire length up to machine for grading larger areas. You can dig using the lights on receiver or beeps. I have also mounted a bar on the blade occasionally for leveling areas that way but alway end up hitting the bar with the bucket, lol.

 

[Fixastuff]

If you are mounting the receiver on the stick you will want a tripod with height adjustment for the laser. Sometimes it is a pain to get the laser at the perfect height to match up with an area on the machine the receiver can mount to and the depth you want to dig.

Something like this.

Johnson Level & Tool Heavy-Duty Elevating Tripod, Model# 40-6330 | Northern Tool

Lightweight, durable aluminum Elevating Tripod has extendable legs, elevating platform and quick connection designed for lasers with 5/8in.&#45...

m.northerntool.com

 

[Billrog]

teshp I only worked on a job where the owner had it set up and it worked well. One end was tied up high the other end he carried around careful not to lower to much and loose water then marked the water level at each stake . It's doesn't have to be your grade level higher would be preferable then go around and measure down to desired grade and mark it.
When your dealing with distance for 1 man operation a laser level is best mine is good for 600' which has been very convenient a few times.