The Ultimate Guide to Grade Lasers

Establishing the correct grade or level for a project can be time consuming and difficult. A mistake can have carry on effects that may cost serious time and money down the line. Grading lasers are specialized optical laser instruments designed ensure that leveling projects are completed correctly and on time. In this article, we cover what grade lasers are, how they work, what they are used for, and common grade laser features.

Grade Lasers improve accuracy, save time, and save money

In the past, grading and leveling involved transits, grade rods, several personnel, and complex calculations. With today’s technology, the rods have been replaced by digital receivers, the calculations are done automatically, and the most modern devices are easily operable by one worker.

What are Grade Lasers and how do they work?

At their most basic, grade lasers are used to establish a visual baseline to guide leveling projects. Grade lasers operate with a spinning laser located in the upper housing of the device. A receiver located downrange and set to the required grade angle ensures that the correct declination of the laser is achieved. Once set up, any point within the range of the laser can be measured to determine how much soil, concrete, or asphalt needs to be added or removed to bring the grade to level.

Dual Grade vs Single Grade Lasers

Grade lasers are usually available in either single grade or dual grade. Single grade lasers are usually set horizontally, but some models can also be mounted to provide vertical alignments.

Dual grade lasers allow operators to change the level on both the X and Y axis. This allows for slope angles to be established. Dual grade lasers are typically used in projects where alignments are required beyond a horizonal or vertical plane.

Popular Grade Laser Applications

• Construction Site grading
• Excavation
• Foundation Work
• Paving
• Parking Lots
• Runways • Sidewalks
• Landscaping
• Contour Farming
• Drainage Work

Grade laser features

Manufacturers are constantly adding new features to their lines of grade lasers. Features such as self-leveling and automatic anti-drift-systems are now so common that they are almost standard. Other features such as temperature change correction and Bluetooth are specialized features that may only be available with certain manufacturers.

Self-Leveling: This feature is now so common that it is almost an industry standard. Most lasers can begin self-leveling as soon as they are turned on. This feature can help prevent human error when setting up and saves valuable start up time on the job

Temperature Change Correction: Air temperature can affect how the light from a laser moves through the air. With this feature, active temperature compensation provides stable results regardless of temperature changes.

Anti Drift Systems: Construction sites are busy areas and lasers that have been carefully set to grade can easily be bumped out of level. Even environmental factors such as wind or shifting soils can knock a grade laser off level. A variety of anti-drift systems have been developed by various manufacturers, but they all generally cause the laser to shut down if a bump has been detected. This helps prevent work from continuing if the laser has been moved out of level.

Grade Match Mode: This feature is available only on dual grade lasers. It allows the laser to match to an existing slope. This is perfect for areas where a slope/grade needs to be extended past its current location.

Remote Controls: Allows grade reset from a distance. This is a useful application when a single operator is on site or when the foreman needs to adjust without stopping work. This can also help prevent any disturbance that might occur during manual adjustments.

Bluetooth Connections: Bluetooth technology allows some grade lasers to be controlled via smart phones or tablets.

How to choose the best grading laser for your job

With all of the features available on today’s grade lasers selecting the correct tool for the job can be tough. Choosing the right laser requires finding the right balance of features, durability, and price. Below are common considerations that should be made when choosing a grading tool.

Accuracy: First and foremost, is accuracy. Grade lasers remove many potential human errors from grading projects and calculations, but some models have a greater degree of accuracy than others.

Range: Different lasers have different ranges. Make sure to choose one that will reach the boundaries of your work area.

Ease of Use: Many grade lasers have simplified start up screens and self-leveling mechanisms help to remove the frustration of set-up and take-down. This feature reduces your training/on-boarding time while reducing user error at the same time.

Durability: Construction sites are dirty, dusty, wet, hot, and cold. Most of our lasers have high IP ratings with models demonstrating durability ratings ranging from water resistant to waterproof and from dust resistant to dustproof. Protect your investment with the IP required by your working conditions.

Rotation Speeds: Faster speeds are better for outdoor use, especially on sunny days. Slower speeds are more applicable to indoor use.

Visible vs. Infrared: The Spectra GL722 is available in infrared. This type of infrared beam may be required in special applications where a visible beam is a safety hazard, distracting, or otherwise not permissible

Error Prevention Mechanisms: Special features such as automatic axis alignment, temperature change compensation, height of instrument alert (this stops the unit when jarred due to wind or accidental bumping.

Mounting Brackets: Many units are available with different styles of mounting brackets. Choose the brackets that make the most sense for your jobsite. Some brackets are designed for the grade lasers themselves, while others are designed for the receivers and can be mounted on walls, machinery, or grade rods.

Grade Laser questions

At Precision Outdoor Tech, we want to make sure that customers can find the grade laser that meets the needs of their projects. If we don’t’ know the answer, we will find it for you. Give us a call with your question, and we will be happy to help you out. If it is after hours, please use the contact form listed in the municipal contact section directly above and we will respond shortly.