Laser Level Package Ideas

[Crocs]

I have an 8’ drag scraper (pull type box blade) and I am wanting to get a setup for using it to laser level/slope small lots of land. Has anyone had experience with piecing a package together or know of good sources for ordering a ready to install kit? I have a topcon laser transit already. I’ll need the control box, laser receiver, and Solenoid operated hydraulic valve in order to control the blade height/depth. I have found a few sites with partial kits, but looking to see if there are other options available.

 

[hedgerow]

Years ago when we were tiling farm fields we used a laser set up on a tiling trencher. It seems like the laser setups have fell by the way side and everyone now days that I know that it is doing tiling or dirt work is using GPS. I would google up field tiling and you should find some laser information. Its been so long since I used them I have forgot the brand names of the laser company's.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I have a Topcon laser and looked into this years ago.
Topcon does not have a economical automatic control reciver.
I've also never been able to find another manufactures reciver that would work.
There is not much support or available options out there.

Most good units have went to GPS or GNSS.

 

[B737]

 

[Crocs]

Thanks for the replies thus far. I have decided to go with Canamek for the Laser automatic control box and receiver. The laser control option is more cost effective over the GNSS/GPS option since I’ll only be working ~5 acres at a time.

Once I began looking into the integration for the components I have seen a few options. I would like to get some feedback.

For the ones not in the know, the automatic control uses a 12v signal to operate an Electric over Hydraulic control valve. My initial thought was to get a monoblock EH control valve and mount it to the pull type drag scraper. In order to make the valve function I would need to tie it into the power beyond on the tractor. (Do not wish to use one of the existing rear remotes and keep it engaged to Maintain the constant supply to the laser controlled valve). The issue here is that since the valve would be mounted on the blade, I would need to complete the loop in the power beyond circuit when the blade is not connected for obvious reasons.

Another option is to use the hydraulic outputs from the 3rd function valve. Needing some feedback on this one. I am looking to install a DPDT ON-OFF-ON switch with one ON position maintaining the 3rd function joystick push buttons and the other ON position allowing a path for the control box to provide power to either solenoid on the 3rd function valve. With the DPDT installed this would prevent any “crosstalk” between the two options. The other version of this was tapping into the power wire on each solenoid directly from the control box, but I am not sure how this would affect the relays coming from the 3rd function joystick pushbutton.

I’ve added a few pictures of the 3d printed mount I made for the control box. This is Rev03 with some additional changes coming after this test fit.

 

[TheOldHokie]

Thanks for the replies thus far. I have decided to go with Canamek for the Laser automatic control box and receiver. The laser control option is more cost effective over the GNSS/GPS option since I’ll only be working ~5 acres at a time.

Once I began looking into the integration for the components I have seen a few options. I would like to get some feedback.

For the ones not in the know, the automatic control uses a 12v signal to operate an Electric over Hydraulic control valve. My initial thought was to get a monoblock EH control valve and mount it to the pull type drag scraper. In order to make the valve function I would need to tie it into the power beyond on the tractor. (Do not wish to use one of the existing rear remotes and keep it engaged to Maintain the constant supply to the laser controlled valve). The issue here is that since the valve would be mounted on the blade, I would need to complete the loop in the power beyond circuit when the blade is not connected for obvious reasons.

Another option is to use the hydraulic outputs from the 3rd function valve. Needing some feedback on this one. I am looking to install a DPDT ON-OFF-ON switch with one ON position maintaining the 3rd function joystick push buttons and the other ON position allowing a path for the control box to provide power to either solenoid on the 3rd function valve. With the DPDT installed this would prevent any “crosstalk” between the two options. The other version of this was tapping into the power wire on each solenoid directly from the control box, but I am not sure how this would affect the relays coming from the 3rd function joystick pushbutton.

I’ve added a few pictures of the 3d printed mount I made for the control box. This is Rev03 with some additional changes coming after this test fit.


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Its very easy to add a set of constant flow outlets for something like that. I used a simple 3 way selector valve for my log splitter outlets. It is installed in the PB loop to switch the flow out when the implement valve is connected and loop it back when it is not. Selector valve, two hoses, and a tee.

Dan