Subsurface Instruments ML-3 Magnetic Locators

Easily locate objects underground with the ML-3 magnetic locator.

Subsurface Instruments’ premier magnetic locator line is the ML-3 series. Magnetic locators are ideal for seeking iron, steel, ferrous, or magnetic objects buried underground or lost underwater. These devices can be used as property pin finders, survey magnetic locators, UXO detectors, or as additions to a magnet fishing kit.

The ML-3 series comes in two varieties: the ML-3S is 40 inches long and lightweight at 1.8lbs. This makes it a popular survey magnetic locator due to it’s low-weight and maneuverability. The ML-3L is 55 inches long and still only 2.8lbs. This is a popular model on unexploded ordinance surveys where the extra distance is a must.

Municipal and Government Customers

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ML-3 Magnetic Locator Applications

• Property pins
• Nails
• Well Casings
• Water Shut-off Valves
• Septic Tank Valves
• Manhole covers
• UXO / magnetic mines
• Firearms
• Anything magnetic

Go Deeper with a Magnetic Locator

Subsurface Instruments’ ML-3 series can detect buried objects up to 10 feet underground. The size and shape of the buried object determines the maximum depth of detection. With the ML-3 series, a buried handgun can be detected at 1 to 2 feet, a 175mm UXO projectile at 4 to 5 feet, and a water shut-off valve at 6 to 10 feet.

The ML-3 Magnetic Locator is easy to use

The ML-3 series offers simple one-handed operation with an easy-to-learn keypad featuring only four buttons – no menus or cumbersome instructions to follow.

Cut the device on and press the “Zero” button to calibrate the locator to the local magnetic environment. Then adjust the sensitivity using the “Gain” buttons. Sweep the magnetic locator in a wide arc in front of you while keeping the tip close to the ground surface.

The tone from the speaker will change pitch when a change in magnetic field is detected. For best results, use the lowest sensitivity setting appropriate for the job.

Don't Worry about trashy search environments!

The ML-3 magnetic locator only reads magnetic items. No more wasted time digging up aluminum cans, pull-tabs, copper wire, or other non-magnetic targets. The ML-3 can also be used near a chain-link fence or other large metal objects by using the method illustrated below.

Using a Magnetic Locator next to a fence.

Field calibrate the ML-3 Magnetic Locator

The ML-3 Series is built TOUGH!

If you are looking to find iron or steel objects underwater or buried underground in harsh conditions, this is the magnetic locator for the job. Built with aircraft grade aluminum and 100% waterproof, the ML-3 magnetic locator be used in underwater environments up to 250 feet deep and can take the weight of a 10,000lb vehicle:

The difference between a ML-3 magnetic locator and a traditional metal detector

Magnetic locators work by detecting a variance in the Earth’s magnetic field created by buried magnetic objects. A metal detector works by reading an induced electromagnetic field. This means that a magnetic locator can only read iron, steel, ferrous, or magnetic targets while a metal detector can generally locate any metallic object. That distinction provides two advantages: a magnetic locator will ignore common trash signals such as aluminum cans, copper wire, and pull-tabs and a magnetic locator will also find buried objects deeper than traditional metal detectors.

Included with the ML-3 Magnetic Locator:

• Subsurface Instruments’ Magnetic Locator
• Instruction Manual
• Set of 9-volt batteries
• Soft-pack custom carrying case.

Subsurface Instruments ML-3 Magnetic Locator Manual

Subsurface Instruments ML-3 Magnetic Locator Data Sheet

Subsurface Instruments' ML-3 Magnetic Locator Technical Specifications