Finally built a laser grading rig using my box blade.

[RDrancher]

Possibly my answer was not interpreted correctly? I think what he built is incredibly cool. The guy that looks like an idiot using a box blade is me.

Sorry Mark. I read that the wrong way, my bad.

 

[jenkinsph]

I'm guessing you are running open center valves and, if so, with power beyond?

I am using one side of my third remote for the pump/high pressure line and the return goes to the sump close to the bottom of the case.

Yes I have open center hydraulics on all of my tractors.

 

[jenkinsph]

I am hoping that this compact grading rig will work well for commercial foundation jobs in my locale. I will have the only grading set up in my area that I know of.

What do you guys think about grading for stores and such?

 

[Rustyiron]

I am hoping that this compact grading right will work well for commercial foundation jobs in my locale. I will have the only grading set up in my area that I know of.

What do you guys think about grading for stores and such?

…..and (larger) commercial slab prep. Gravel is a whole lot cheaper than 'crete.
You're in a good position for all this work where precision pays/save's.:thumbsup:

 

[jenkinsph]

…..and (larger) commercial slab prep. Gravel is a whole lot cheaper than 'crete.
You're in a good position for all this work where precision pays/save's.:thumbsup:

Exactly what I was thinking, large slabs where fine grading to +/- 1/4 " or better. Really have to see how close I can get a small area like this.

 

[npalen]

You can offset the receivers to allow for a steep grade if needed. You could trim a bank to get a uniform slope.

Would there be an issue with the receivers being at an angle with the laser beam when on a bank? Just curious.
Very interesting thread!

 

[jenkinsph]

Would there be an issue with the receivers being at an angle with the laser beam when on a bank? Just curious.
Very interesting thread!

Not a problem, just recognize the operating window would be reduced a little. Right now when plumb the receivers have an operating window of 8.5 inches but on a steep slope this rotation might reduce the window to about 7 inches.

I should mention that I also have sonic trackers that can be added in place of the laser receivers that will read a string line and follow the grade of the string. Have not tried that out yet but that will be useful for paving and sub base work.

 

[jenkinsph]

I put several hours on my rig again today. This is a pic of my control box. The switch on the top right switches between manual and auto. The bottom right is for operating the blade while in manual mode. The middle button is the on/off button. Behind the 2 knobs on the bottom are the adjustments.

One adjustment is to adjust the 'dead zone' on the receiver. The other adjustment changes the reaction time of the valve.

I usually start a job with a wider 'dead zone' on the receiver and slower reaction time. As I get closer to a finished grade, I will reduce the 'dead zone' and increase the reaction time.
View attachment 546081

The Topcon controller has many functions available through the led display. When first turned on you have a choice of different operating modes. Being new to all of this I have started out in standard mode no need for GPS mode and other choices. I have not purchased the TM-1 motorized masts but with these added you would be able to automatically survey a field on 50 ft. spacing and have it calculate the best fit of slope and finished grade.

Lots of built in capabilities that I have not explored or used yet but will look into once I am using it more. One is having three set points, where you can have a choice that is high where you start shaving down the high mounds roughing in and then work to your final set point on grade.

I mentioned the cooler in the last response to you because I remembered the issues you had when starting out. How did all of that work out?

 

[RDrancher]

I am hoping that this compact grading rig will work well for commercial foundation jobs in my locale. I will have the only grading set up in my area that I know of.

What do you guys think about grading for stores and such?

I'd contact both the small and larger commercial concrete companies in your area and let them know about your setup. And don't forget the equestrian market. Grading arenas for drainage is also a big deal. Might get busier than you want to be!

 

[npalen]

Not a problem, just recognize the operating window would be reduced a little. Right now when plumb the receivers have an operating window of 8.5 inches but on a steep slope this rotation might reduce the window to about 7 inches.

I should mention that I also have sonic trackers that can be added in place of the laser receivers that will read a string line and follow the grade of the string. Have not tried that out yet but that will be useful for paving and sub base work.

About the time I'm starting to understand some of this modern technology, you hit me with "laser receivers that will read a string line".

 

[Complete Turf Care]

I mentioned the cooler in the last response to you because I remembered the issues you had when starting out. How did all of that work out?

It all worked out fine. If you remember, I had to fabricate a fitting to dump my return oil back into the fill hole. It's not the best set up, but it works and I have not had any issues with heat.

 

[BrokenTrack]

Nice job on your build. I think it is phenomenal that you were able to fabricate your own laser grading system. I typically go in a different direction in that I go for low tech easy fabrications, but that does not meanit is better, in fact it just shows that i take the easy way out. Again, nice job...

...
The only thing I can add to all this is in regards to the hydraulic cooler discussion. I had issues with my bulldozer's hydraulic reverser heating up, and decided to add a TruCool Transmission Cooler. I bought one online (the largest size) for $80 and ran hydraulic lines to it, and it dramatically kept the transmission temperature cooler. That would be a lot cheaper than purchasing a $500 hydraulic cooler and net the same result.

 

[npalen]

I'm wondering why the open center system on these hydraulic systems generate excessive heat. Is it that the valves are constantly reacting causing a lot of flow over the relief valve?

 

[Complete Turf Care]

I'm wondering why the open center system on these hydraulic systems generate excessive heat. Is it that the valves are constantly reacting causing a lot of flow over the relief valve?

I never had an issue with heat, but I was concerned that I would have. You can read more about my issue in this thread.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/hydraulics/297573-laser-grading-hydraulic-valve-issue.html

 

[jenkinsph]

I'm wondering why the open center system on these hydraulic systems generate excessive heat. Is it that the valves are constantly reacting causing a lot of flow over the relief valve?

First let me say that presently I don't know if there will be a heat problem. In case it is needed I want to have a plan in place. Hogging dirt can work a machine very hard and that can lead to a need for extra cooling. So far my hydraulic oil temperature has reached 155F. That is very reasonable and no problem. T
That is measured with a Fluke 52 series thermometer I have that is very accurate.

 

[Harley laser]

Started on this build last September and had to work on it in my spare time. Still have a few things left to do but was able to try it out today. I basically added caster wheels to the box blade. Usin g Topcon equipment and a Danfoss PVG 32 proportional valve. All joints were made with close tolerance bushing stock and have grease fittings.

I tried it out for about 6 hours today and it seemed to work pretty well.

Here are some pictures.

Could I get some more specific info on the hydraulic hook up. Will this Danfoss valve work with either open center or closed center systems due to the manifold the valves are mounted to. Did you get it from a local dealer or on line. And can you supply specific part numbers. Thanks

 

[jenkinsph]

Could I get some more specific info on the hydraulic hook up. Will this Danfoss valve work with either open center or closed center systems due to the manifold the valves are mounted to. Did you get it from a local dealer or on line. And can you supply specific part numbers. Thanks

Sorry for the delay.
Let me know if you still need help with your hook up.

I have recently retired from all work but jobs I enjoy doing. Since I like tractor stuff I plan to continue as long as possible. I had a massive heart attack in 2019 and have spent the last year recovering. Not looking for sympathy but ready to spend some time on the tractors now.
To others over the next few weeks I will rework and discuss some of the issues in using the grading rig.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Sorry for the delay.
Let me know if you still need help with your hook up.

I have recently retired from all work but jobs I enjoy doing. Since I like tractor stuff I plan to continue as long as possible. I had a massive heart attack in 2019 and have spent the last year recovering. Not looking for sympathy but ready to spend some time on the tractors now.
To others over the next few weeks I will rework and discuss some of the issues in using the grading rig.

jenkinsph, hope your recovery continues.

 

[jenkinsph]

Thanks Kyle

 

[kensjd6300]

i would like to know the parts you used for the controls topcon i have johnson laser with slope settings
built a back hoe and didnt realize i bought normally open valves which made it good for a jack hammer
that was an expensive lesson
so want to get the correct controls think the dvg 32 valve is avalible in several spool configurations
want to use 2 cylinders like you did