[NatureByDesign]

I'm not sure if this questions belongs here or under the "Tools". I'm looking to purchase a new Transit, something easy to use and at low cost. I want a laser level with automatic leveling capabilities. My estimated budget is $600-700 for everything. any suggestions? online websites, brands i should research etc.

[Stonehenge]

That seems low for a laser level, tripod and rod, but if you don't mind used you could probably get a nice one on eBay.

[NatureByDesign]

maybe i should increase my budget and buy new. any suggested retailers?

[papercutter]

My next transit is probably going to be the Off-Road model by Stabila. If you go on their website I believe they have a link to purchase- last I checked it was around $1200.

[HRLand]

Look on ebay. I bought a new Topcon package for about $950.00. It is self-leveling and has a grade matching feature. I think you could get it for $750.00 without the grade match.

[jshilan]

I have two that I use to do site visits.

The first is for when I want to check a few elevations to see how many steps I need or how high a wall needs to be (or if I'm just being lazy). It is a David White Mark4PB that shoots 2 lines at 90 degrees and one plumb up and one plumb down (4 total). It is self leveling, you can drop it and it won't break and it fits nicely in cargo pants so you can still carry your property survey, clipboard, scale, etc.

The second is a PLS2 (Pacific Laser System). I use this if I need to get multiple elevations or if I need to shoot distances or if the elevations are over 6'. It comes with a rod and a target that beeps and is also self leveling. It shoots 180 degrees which is usually all you need.

Both of them are one man operations and don't require a tripod. So they are perfect for the type of work that you would be doing. The rotating ones are great if you're the contractor or an excavator, but I'm there to hit and run. I can tell you there's a 4'-3 1/8" grade change from the pool coping to the FFE of the house before the rotating laser is even out of its highly protected case.

I spent about $600 for everything (yes everything). I got them at Godwin Tools which is around the corner from me, but they do have a website. These are both a few years old so there should be better and less expensive models available.

[NatureByDesign]

That is really interesting Jody, i think I'm going to look into both of those devices, they maybe just what I'm looking for without the cost. are you happy with them or would you prefer a regular Laser Transit, if cost was not an issue.

[jshilan]

Yes I am very happy with both of them. Cost was not an issue, convenience was. My drawings are good working concepts that don't have topography on them but I still need to know if I need a wall or two and how the drainage will work. Depending on how detailed your drawings are going to be, will help determine what level of level you need.

These lasers are also great for setting the pitch on a patio and my personal favorite, centering the dining room table perfectly under the chandelier (this really annoys my wife).

[NatureByDesign]

Jody, i just reviewed both products and am more confused then before, maybe its the salesperson lingo im reading for i just dont understand the technolgy because it is something i have never used before. My main reason for the transit is very similar to yours, steps, walls and pitch. Part of me wants to just buy them both and be done with it and part of me wants to call every manufactor that ever produced a transit and get more information. hmm...

[jshilan]

Slow down Mark and don't go spending money. Maybe it is best to find a good tool store and see these things live. Start with something simple until you understand your needs. Or find a used version of what you are already comfortable with.

Essentially the laser levels shoot a constant level line whether it is spinning or steady. Some beep so you can take a reading and some shine a red dot on whatever is in its path. Both allow you to take a relative elevation based on a constant. This is exactly the same as a transit (actually it is really the same as a builders level) which is what you need. The lasers are easier to carry and only require one person to get the information you need.

I shot you an email, so don't go running up your credit card yet or go crazy bidding on Ebay (although there is only 19h and 11min left)

BTW - Henry what does the grade matching feature do?

[HRLand]

Once you have your high and low spots figured out the grade match lets you adjust the angle of the laser. Like a poor man's slope laser.