Rotary Laser levels

[Billrog]

I've used this receiver and it works very well on my backhoe stick.
Agatec MR24 Machine Control Receiver Package 775123 - EngineerSupply
I also have another Agatec receiver that clamps on a rod or goes on the mast with magnets that has worked well for years.

 

[dadster4]

I've been using this model on a patio project, purchased from CPO Outlet.com - Factory Reconditioned Bosch GRL250HVCK-B-RT Dual-Axis Self-Leveling Rotary Laser Kit with Tripod
Everything you need in a nice case and I've been very happy with it.

 

[jenkinsph]

Do you all know of one that makes a simple receiver that goes on the tractor/mini ex etc that will work with the level that is anywhere near a reasonable price?

As far as I can tell everything about this is overly expensive. A good quality laser two slope with remote runs about $3800 for the Topcon RL200 with rechargeable battery and receiver for grade stick. Add for a tripod that raises the height over the tractor cab about $350-500. A receiver for mounting on the grader box for visual indication starts about $800. A receiver with machine control out puts to automatically control the hydraulics raise/lower is $1800 list, Topcon LSB110. A new proportional two spool hydraulic valve complete with hoses and cables runs about $2500. A control head in the cab and two precision electric masts with wiring cables may add $12,000 +. Add some dealer labor for installation and you are close to $24,000.

The first thing that went through my head was this is a rip off. So about four years ago I started researching and learning what I could about these systems. It has taken quite a bit of time to pick the right equipment to maintain accuracy without going overboard on costs. The new items for accurate grade control I have purchased are the laser, receivers (two, one for each side of the blade) and the proportional hydraulic valve. The cab control head is used and I will build a heavy tripod stand with steps to the top as a trailer. I am making up my own cables to save money and for a custom fit. Total cost without the electric masts will be about $10,000. Like most [people here, I have other priorities (paying for groceries and living costs) that have put this on the back burner.

I hope to complete this in the next two months for a large leveling job and will be posting a thread on this build.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I searched the used ads and finally just bought a Top Con RL H4C from Tiger Supplies. These things are always being upgraded. So people are aways trying to sell older models for too much money. I havn't really got as much use out of it as I thought.

I would love to automate my Harley Rake but that will probably never happen.

 

[Code54]

I am going to start watching the used market a lot closer! Don't need one that costs the same as a decent used car however, they are handy but sure are expensive.
THANKS for the info!

 

[Redneck in training]

I have CTS/Berger manual leveling. I tested its accuracy using my pond. It is better than 1" over about 150 feet. The receiver works at least 300'. If I remember it right I paid around 200 for it several years back.

 

[jenkinsph]

I searched the used ads and finally just bought a Top Con RL H4C from Tiger Supplies. These things are always being upgraded. So people are aways trying to sell older models for too much money. I havn't really got as much use out of it as I thought.

I would love to automate my Harley Rake but that will probably never happen.

From my uses a decent laser and indicate receiver works well for small projects within a 150 yard radius of the laser. This enables you to handle a decent work area which may be larger than most people would be considering. Used equipment would be about $1500 and new about 2500 plus.

Longer shots of 600 yard radius and automatic machine control certainly will raise the costs of everything involved. This is more specialized and isn't needed by everyone.

 

[Budweiser John]

Thanks - I will check it out!

Spectra Precision is a great leve. Owned one since 2002.
Alledgely accurate to +/- 3/32 in 600 feet although I've never had to reach out that far in normal day to day work.
Purchase a target especially for exterior use, although a target is also useful if doing interior work in a sun filled interior space.
After using a lazer you will wonder how the heck you got along with out it.

Not related to this thread, but a lazer distance finder is likewise a very useful tool.

B. John

 

[mapper]

As far as I can tell everything about this is overly expensive. A good quality laser two slope with remote runs about $3800 for the Topcon RL200 with rechargeable battery and receiver for grade stick. Add for a tripod that raises the height over the tractor cab about $350-500. A receiver for mounting on the grader box for visual indication starts about $800. A receiver with machine control out puts to automatically control the hydraulics raise/lower is $1800 list, Topcon LSB110. A new proportional two spool hydraulic valve complete with hoses and cables runs about $2500. A control head in the cab and two precision electric masts with wiring cables may add $12,000 +. Add some dealer labor for installation and you are close to $24,000.

The first thing that went through my head was this is a rip off. So about four years ago I started researching and learning what I could about these systems. It has taken quite a bit of time to pick the right equipment to maintain accuracy without going overboard on costs. The new items for accurate grade control I have purchased are the laser, receivers (two, one for each side of the blade) and the proportional hydraulic valve. The cab control head is used and I will build a heavy tripod stand with steps to the top as a trailer. I am making up my own cables to save money and for a custom fit. Total cost without the electric masts will be about $10,000. Like most [people here, I have other priorities (paying for groceries and living costs) that have put this on the back burner.

I hope to complete this in the next two months for a large leveling job and will be posting a thread on this build.

If you do this sort of work professionally you will find that the investment will be worth it in time and fuel saved. Probably better adjust bid or hourly rate to compensate.

 

[RDrancher]

I searched the used ads and finally just bought a Top Con RL H4C from Tiger Supplies. These things are always being upgraded. So people are aways trying to sell older models for too much money. I havn't really got as much use out of it as I thought.

I would love to automate my Harley Rake but that will probably never happen.

I've used the same package for awhile. The price has actually gone down quite a bit since I bought mine. New Topcon RL H4C Construction Laser Level DB Kit with Tripod and 16' Rod 1th | eBay

I planned to build a receiver mount for the CTL bucket and another for my box blade but still haven't gotten around to it.