Rotary Laser levels

[spitter]

The problem starts when you want to take it outside. Of the 2 cst is a better laser look at the protection around the spinning head .That's the most important difference between the to .Been a union carpenter layout man 4 37 years and have used every thing from $ 10,000 spectra physics to $200 quadricas .Lasers are a very fragile instrument.Look for the head protection even a small bumb knocks them out of wack.When you buy one take a long bungy with dog collar relases on the ends and hook it on as a safety. Keep safety in box at all times.:thumbsup: Outside work needs a strong receiver or you never read the light.Week recievers might pickup beam but it wont lock in exact point .Might be able to have it beep saying its on and you can move receiver up and down 1 ".:thumbdown: In that case shoot the laser not spinning but on auto level hold reflective metal our white flat piece of something to help you pick up beam.:dance1:Not a day goes buy that I hear [hey spit I can't see the beam].Alot of the work you menchend can be done with a good point laser .Pls 4 and 5 are the sh-- .:cool2:Green beam is 30% more visable to the eye.But it's gona cost you .

 

[topbuilder]

I did a lot of research on this last year, the main thing I wanted was to shoot grade on my property. what I found out was not many rotating laser levels will do that.
I even went thru the trouble of calling several manufactures. Most of the higher end ones will work, but it was hard to justify the money for the little I needed it.

Bosch does not make a rotary laser level that will not shoot grade (which was a disappointment).

I took my time and found a used high end unit on Ebay that came from an estate sale for 250 bucks and couldn't be happier.

Good luck, do a lot of research, there are so many units out there.

By grade, you mean slope?

 

[orezok]

I have an Spectra Precision 800 that I have had for years. It's supposed to be accurate to 1/16" in 100'. I check it about once a year and it has never needed recalibration. It's also supposed to be good for 1,300', but I have never used it for more than about 100' or so. It's self leveling. but you can turn the self level off for slope. I don't know how many degrees off level it will go to as I have only used that function a time or 2.

Last year the drive belt which drives the rotate laser broke. It's old enough that no parts are available. I put a rubber band on it as a "belt" and it still works good. I suppose that rubber band will only last a couple of months, but it's only 4 screws to remove the guard and replace.

 

[katoomed00]

The NWi Northwest Instrument NRL802, it is auto leveling and will relevel itself if bumped up to I believe a 5 degree, good for 1000ft diameter, horizontal and vertical leveling, comes with a remote control and a receiver in a nice water proof Pelican style case. It is very accurate and so far has done every thing I wanted. Looking at laser levels can become overwhelming, especially when you're not sure of what you really want. Just be patient, there were many times I though that I found the right one only to realize it was missing something I wanted it to do. The cheap ones on Ebay and Amazon may be all you need, make sure you read the reviews too.

 

[katoomed00]

Yes Topbuilder, you can turn the auto level off and place your receiver where you need to be and just toggle a button on the laser to angle it down to meet the receiver

 

[Code54]

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?

 

[prichard]

Thinking about this one CST/berger RL25HVCK Horizontal/Vertical, Interior/Exterior Rotary Laser Complete Kit CST/berger RL25HVCK Horizontal/Vertical, Interior/Exterior Rotary Laser Complete Kit - - Amazon.com

Do any rotary levels or receivers have a distance measure feature? Seems it may be possible?

 

[spitter]

Your getting into a totally different league of laser. Much stronger beam much stronger receiver .If you are looking to do grade work machine mounted google spectra gl710 .That's what we use .You can never get a home cheapo laser to do that kind of work.Way to week.:drink:

 

[katoomed00]

I have looked into the same question you posted and you might get away with a standard receiver, but compared to the ones that are designed to do what you are talking about (magnetic and heavy duty) I don't think they would hold up to the abuse and also you would need to figure out a way to mount them.

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?

 

[prichard]

There were a couple previous threads on here where users put receivers on backhoe mast and box blades. I cant find at the moment so I'm not sure what class of equipment they had.

 

[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.