Finally built a laser grading rig using my box blade.

[jenkinsph]

I noticed your control box in your tractor is up overhead.

Mine is mounted on my door handle on my right side. I find myself resting my right hand on the control box, and using the switches constantly.

I will switch to 'manual' to 'auto' constantly. This is mainly because when I hit a high area, my blade wants to go down and the wheels keep raising up until they can't anymore and my hydraulic system gets in a bind.

I also will switch to manual when I'm driving with an empty blade for another load. I feel that this helps keep the valves from operating more than necessary, therefor adding to it's lifespan and keeping the oil from overheating.

I have an outboard knob with a switch for auto/manual operation. It is currently just to the right of the control panel. Just have not had time yet to pick a good mounting spot for it. It has about 10 ft. of wire on it so it will fit somewhere.

My hydraulics can be set to a time limited response, so after the cylinders have had enough time to cycle it will shut off to prevent dead heading the pump. I still need to get a better handle of all the built in functions.

The black knob is over the rear view mirror inside the cab.

 

[npalen]

Can you explain a bit about how the slope is set with the laser? For instance, if you wanted level north to south and then a defined slope east to west or somewhere in between, how is the transmitter set to accomplish that?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of laser verses GPS for finish grading?

May I ask approximate cost of you laser system and hydraulic valve(s)?

Are the hydraulic used in the systems normally closed or open center?
Thanks for posting. Very interesting!

 

[jenkinsph]

That is slick! But... it wasn't quite clear to me exactly you are trying to accomplish with that setup? Are you working to just level off a large area? Or maybe giving it an exact slope? What is the area to be used for?

The fields in my locale are flood irrigated so the ground needs to be accurately graded to allow the water to cover it evenly. How much slope is determined by NRCS engineers. I work off their recommendations.

Water on the field will quickly show where corrections are needed. Any islands will result in barren land or weeds. Ponding or low spots are also problematic so you need the proper grade for an even flow to water correctly.

With machine control the hydraulics can approach 1millimeter accuracy. I will be very happy with +/- 1/2 inch for field work. NRCS specs call for +/- 1/10th of a foot, or about +/- 1.25 inches.

 

[Piston]

Steve,
I know you've been thinking about doing this project for a long time now, and it looks like the planning paid off. Great work on the prototype!

When you mentioned building a fold down tongue for it, did you mean that you would eventually use it as a tow behind for grading? Or did you mean you'd just tow it from place to place? I was confused by that, and I have this strange belief in my head that it would work better if setup as a tow behind unit, rather than 3 point hitch mounted, however I have no basis or credibility for this belief, just wondering your thoughts as well?

What do you figure it weighs now with the added steel?

Again, great work on this project, I'm sure it will be a good return on investment for you.

 

[jenkinsph]

Can you explain a bit about how the slope is set with the laser? For instance, if you wanted level north to south and then a defined slope east to west or somewhere in between, how is the transmitter set to accomplish that?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of laser verses GPS for finish grading?

May I ask approximate cost of you laser system and hydraulic valve(s)?

Are the hydraulic used in the systems normally closed or open center?
Thanks for posting. Very interesting!

The laser has an X axis and a y axis you can set either one to level or enter the slope you want to three decimal places. You do have to align the laser properly to get good results. I will mark the spot for the laser tripod and use a target to aim for to get repeatable alignment.

Laser systems work well for flat work that I do. Cheaper than GPS systems too. GPS systems work well and add a third axis the way to go for more intricate work.

My laser is a Topcon RL 200 2 slope with remote and simple receiver cost $3850 with rechargeable batteries.
The receivers are Topcon ls b110w and ls b110 the w model has a remote display the other does not. The two receivers were about $3000 combined wish the remotes being an additional cost.
The control head is used and was $1600 a new one is about $4000. Topcon system five 9164 004
The valve two spool is a Danfoss PVG 32 proportional control so that it can feather or vary the flow as needed. This valve was about $1800 but the time spent researching the valves was more costly.
Cables were costly about $2800 but no way around them that I could see.

You can have either an open or closed system.

 

[jenkinsph]

Steve,
I know you've been thinking about doing this project for a long time now, and it looks like the planning paid off. Great work on the prototype!

When you mentioned building a fold down tongue for it, did you mean that you would eventually use it as a tow behind for grading? Or did you mean you'd just tow it from place to place? I was confused by that, and I have this strange belief in my head that it would work better if setup as a tow behind unit, rather than 3 point hitch mounted, however I have no basis or credibility for this belief, just wondering your thoughts as well?

What do you figure it weighs now with the added steel?

Again, great work on this project, I'm sure it will be a good return on investment for you.

My plan is to be able to tow it with my pickup to the jobs AND tow in the fields for fine finish work. When the tongue I locked in the raised position it will have a quick hitch mounting too. The biggest pain using the Gannon is it is the only implement I have that is not quick hitch compatible.

I estimate it weighs about 1750 lbs now, really haven't added it up yet. The tires and aluminum wheels are for a corvette with 275 40 17 tires but that was the best fit. At least I don't have speed rating concerns.

Tow type vs. 3 point same as a brush mower you can back up into spots and quickly clean out a corner. The hitch or rockshaft is fully lowered and can float up and down. So the tractor does not cause much of a problem with the blade. If I need to get gnatsazz close then tow it.

 

[npalen]

The laser has an X axis and a y axis you can set either one to level or enter the slope you want to three decimal places. You do have to align the laser properly to get good results. I will mark the spot for the laser tripod and use a target to aim for to get repeatable alignment.

Laser systems work well for flat work that I do. Cheaper than GPS systems too. GPS systems work well and add a third axis the way to go for more intricate work.

My laser is a Topcon RL 200 2 slope with remote and simple receiver cost $3850 with rechargeable batteries.
The receivers are Topcon ls b110w and ls b110 the w model has a remote display the other does not. The two receivers were about $3000 combined wish the remotes being an additional cost.
The control head is used and was $1600 a new one is about $4000. Topcon system five 9164 004
The valve two spool is a Danfoss PVG 32 proportional control so that it can feather or vary the flow as needed. This valve was about $1800 but the time spent researching the valves was more costly.
Cables were costly about $2800 but no way around them that I could see.

You can have either an open or closed system.

I appreciate your taking time to provide all this information. Certainly not an inexpensive project.

I modified a Landpride box blade as others have done by adding a hydraulic rockshaft to the rear but just pivot mounted and no parallel linkage and caster. The wheels are fairly close to the back of the box blade so no caster is needed even in 3PH mode. Your independent twin lift control sure adds a lot of capability to the package.

I used similar logic in determining the pros and cons of 3PH mounted versus tongue pulled and made a pin-on tongue so it could be used either way. Your flip-up tongue is more convenient and adds more weight for downforce when folded for 3PH use.

Would love to have the laser control but probably not going to happen with my hobby budget.

 

[countrybumpkin]

I took a 3pt box blade and added wheels and a tongue that pinned in place using the 3pt mounts, worked out real nice.

 

[countrybumpkin]

I ran across this design also, if I was going to use it both ways much I’d do it this way, simply raise it and you have your 3 pt.

 

[Gordon Gould]

Very impressive Steve. Thank you for all the detailed answers to all the questions. You have made quite a commitment but if you are expecting +/- 1/2" that would seem to make it all worthwhile with the irrigation requirements you are dealing with. Thanks for sharing.

gg

 

[jenkinsph]

I ran across this design also, if I was going to use it both ways much I’d do it this way, simply raise it and you have your 3 pt. View attachment 545683View attachment 545684

I am doing mine very similar to your pictures. I will have a 2 5/16 coupler which will be used for highway use too. Tilting with a ball hitch is less strain on the pins and having a ball on my tractor drawbar is okay as I never use it.

I will have the swivel tongue jack and hydraulic cylinder for pitch front to rear. Plan on using the top link cylinder here.

Thanks for the pictures.

 

[countrybumpkin]

Yes, I used a top link to support my tongue , so i could adjust the angle, but I would use a hydraulic cylinder for doing what you are. The ball hitch should work out good, I use different stuff on my draw bar so I just built a swivel clevis. You’ve done a very nice job on your build.

 

[jenkinsph]

Very impressive Steve. Thank you for all the detailed answers to all the questions. You have made quite a commitment but if you are expecting +/- 1/2" that would seem to make it all worthwhile with the irrigation requirements you are dealing with. Thanks for sharing.

gg

Gordon,
My thinking is that tolerance is the sweet spot, good enough to get good results watering the fields. Tighter tolerance can be reached but would take more time and passes including rolling. The jobs in most cases won't cover the cost of Tighter tolerances. Diminishing returns ...

Thanks for the responses too.

 

[Gordon Gould]

Do you rough grade the area first with other equipment or is the natural area flat enough that you can start out with the laser system. How big of an area do you cover with one tripod set-up ?

gg

 

[jenkinsph]

Do you rough grade the area first with other equipment or is the natural area flat enough that you can start out with the laser system. How big of an area do you cover with one tripod set-up ?

gg

It all depends on the field some are closer to grade than others. The field that I am testing out the grader has about 1100 yards to move. I have already moved about 600 yards in the first day. Another day should do it. Right now I have about 20 acres to complete with a total of 3400 yards of dirt to move. Key here is to move the dirt the shortest distance possible.

On some jobs I call in a large dozer for bulk moving and long trenching jobs I call in a 40 ton excavator. I also have magnetic mount receivers with magnetic mount cab display for these excavators. That helps the operators dig the ditches on grade without guessing. Mount the receivers on the dipper stick and adjust the height to match the laser and away we go. Works with my backhoe too.

The laser can work about an 1800 ft. radius but usually most jobs are much shorter. I am in the mountains with lots of grade changes.

 

[Complete Turf Care]

Steve, how do you figure the amount of cubic yards to be moved?

 

[jenkinsph]

Steve, how do you figure the amount of cubic yards to be moved?

Survey the field on a 50 foot grid and you can determine the volumes of cut and fill. Some areas that are below grade have to be filled. Other areas above grade need to be cut. You need to balance the cuts and fills so that you can grade the field to the proper slope while moving the least amount of dirt.

 

[Ortimber]

Wow, very impressive! That would've come in handy so many times over the years. I'm drooling...

 

[Piston]

Steve, you are going to wonder how you ever got by without this in the past!

 

[Piston]

I ran across this design also, if I was going to use it both ways much I’d do it this way, simply raise it and you have your 3 pt. View attachment 545683View attachment 545684

This is an excellent idea, and would be a great way to make the BB1284 quick hitch compatible, by mounting the 3 point mounts on the tongue in the correct location to line up with the quick hitch. I may use this.