Laser Grading Like A Pro! Subcompact Tractor Laser Leveling System! Least Expensive Option Available

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Nice job showing something that most people probably did not realize existed

[@aaronburford5701]

This video is a grear example of Tim's excellent communication skills and high knowledge! Tim is passionate about the grading, tractor and customer service. Great Job!

[@steventhomson2042]

Are you actually using a box blade? Oh my, miracles do happen every day!!!!! Great job!!!!

[@aaronburford5701]

Tuis grading system seems so complicated to a novice, but I can sense the excitement that Tim has for it! Didn't know all this went into leveling the ground....

[@chrisreddick36]

I have been waiting for months for you too show the pull type box blade that’s really cool. I wasn’t expecting the lazer leveling oh my that’s even cooler.

[@justinwright6611]

I kid you not after the last episode of your big project I wondered about a sub compact with a laser levelling set up! Unbelievable! Continuing to push the limits of Sub Compact Tractors!

[@jasonbarthel4155]

I can't believe this finally exits!!! I have hoped this would come out for sooooo long. I CANT WAIT to get one of these setups Tim!! Thank you!!!!

[@justanotheridiotredneck]

I've been professionally laser grading for the sports field industry for several years now. The equipment you've seen here today is extremely entry level, and that's not a jab at Tim or any supplier, it's just reality. Actual professional equipment is several 10s of thousands of dollars. I don't feel that Tim has misled on any way, but this is entry level stuff as far as laser grading is concerned IN MY OPINION.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

@Jason. Yep. You are right. That is why I am so excited about it. Price is much lower than these more professional systems, yet this can achieve some of the tasks. …not all of them, I’m sure! …and I’m not sure we have this one optimized either. We might be able to get a bit more accuracy with some more adjustment. Overall, we agree with you.

[@justanotheridiotredneck]

@@TractorTimewithTim If you want better accuracy, you have to start at the laser head. You get what you pay for. We use Leica Rugby 410 mainly. We're big fans of Lieca machine control, way better and more user friendly than top on, and with better support, and way more expensive. Also, any way you can think of to get the mast pole as rigid as possible, do it. The whipping and vibration that occurs will fatigue the material and the fasteners. Inspect this often. Tethering your laser receiver to the mast pole is another good idea so that WHEN the clamp bolts wiggle loose, your pick up doesn't come crashing down. Lastly, put some adjustable flow restrictors on the box's hydraulics...get the jerk out of it. Or if there is a gain adjustment on the machine control unit, adjust it.

[@szki272]

@@justanotheridiotredneck Was just looking to see if anyone else had mentioned a flow control to get rid of the bounce.

[@justanotheridiotredneck]

@@szki272 There should be an adjustment on the machine control interface, if not then flow control.

[@richardhowell2607]

Tim your becoming quite the inventor. That is quite the setup you have made.

[@kdeckster]

Good to see that finally come together Tim!

[@billyjack3678]

It is so nice to see the old Tim finding new ways to make the 1025 more useful again, GREAT VIDEO TIM. THANKS

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Been doing that all along, Billy.

[@madtater5948]

I would like to see you use the laser setup for leveling out crushed stone for a pole barn. looks like it would work really good anyway thanks for the video good stuff

[@PatrickKQ4HBD]

Aha, I KNEW you were hinting at something with a laser in the last video! I seriously wasn't expecting you to go this fancy though. I'm amazed.

[@pauldevries363]

It's great to see how easy that setup is if your able to afford it.

[@philsmock4943]

Wow. I would have never thought you could get a laser level system for a 1025R. I only thought they made them for the big CAT equipment. And the price is not that outrageous. Very affordable for what it is. Thanks for putting this video together and sharing.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Exactly! I had no idea we could find a system so affordable. Of course, a $2000 laser system is not cheap, but it is well within range for a small business.

[@philsmock4943]

@@TractorTimewithTim Is this a system that you purchased or leased so we'll be seeing more of it? I sure hope so.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

We bought it.

[@ghallums]

I'm more excited about this setup than anything I've seen in a while. Thanks for sharing Tim!

[@jimbernard71]

Do you ever sleep Tim!!! You are into everything tractors...LOL GREAT Videos...

[@aaronburford5701]

This is great content! Great video. Love the grading process.. great job!

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Thanks so much!

[@aaronburford5701]

​@@TractorTimewithTim I love the challenge of getting the ground on grade!

[@TractorTimewithTim]

@@aaronburford5701I do too. I also enjoy trying to do it with less expensive equipment than the ‘pros’.

[@aaronburford5701]

@@TractorTimewithTim I didn't realize that all of this strategy takes place in order to get the ground so smooth and on grade. Thanks for sharing and continue to do so!

[@stephenphilbrook6239]

I really appreciate all the work you do for the subcompact community between this and and all the other hydraulic stuff. Thanks!

[@Kcolby47]

Wow Tim, that is really cool! Innovative solution for a SCT. Hope to see it in future videos. Glad to see the corn actually worked out. So, it can be done. Blessings.

[@FelipeColby]

Good grief, is there anything they can't do for these? Amazing.

[@fyrman9092]

It will be interesting to see this adapted to the ventrac powerrake. I'm guessing if the JD powerrake you have is pull type and 2 cylinder, this laser system could work.

[@graderman140m]

Tip for you Tim if you know where your low spots are keep your box full of material and keep going back and forth you will get a much better end product hope this helps thanks for the video.

[@Chris72401]

Please do more videos on this! VERY VERY interested. Can you adjust the speed in which it raises and lowers?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Yes, you can adjust the speed…sort of. I’ll try to explain it better at some point.

[@royamberg9177]

I have a earthking 4' box scraper similar to that I bought years back. I use it mostly on the gravel yard only one I've seen like it. It's heavy. If your going to use it on dirt I think it needs grubbers that van be lowered to tear loose the hard packed soil. My experience

[@yngndrw.]

This is a great start, but I think there are some improvements. 1) If you add some adjustable flow restrictors to the cylinder, I think you can get rid of the steps in its control. 2) You're using external on-off valves, but you're forgetting that the tractor already has a far more advanced valve by default - The position control valve for the three-point hitch. If you use a regular three-point box blade and connect your laser receiver to a hobby servo motor which controls your position lever, I think you'll end up with a better result and it would be much cheaper.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

We may try #1...but I'll leave #2 for you. That sounds like a rube goldberg approach.

[@t.conner4798]

I still love that house across the street!

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Yep. Chris ... in this video ... built and owns that house.

[@johncroix7312]

I have seen big land planes leveling fields and sloping them for drainage on rice farms in Texas. I think this setup can be a money maker for you and others who do tractor work like you. The need for good drainage is a nationwide problem.

[@digdrivediy]

Oh what an awesome setup Tim! I'm a huge fan of the pull type grader box and the laser control is such a cool feature to implement with it to make it a very useful overall package! I'm excited to see more projects come up that will utilize this setup! We're building a 60X96 building at work and this would be perfect for final dressing the stone pad! Thanks for the great video of an awesome tool!

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Perhaps we could bring it up?

[@digdrivediy]

@@TractorTimewithTim That would certainly be a welcomed possibility. We are probably 2-3 weeks away from doing the ground prep work.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Perfect. Let us know.

[@chrismills4213]

The soil in your neck of the woods look so good….cool device👍

[@rodgerneeb301]

Considering the high center of gravity, and narrow tire track of my tractor, I have developed quite the pucker factor for judging grade ... but one of those would be nice incase I wear out my pucker ...

[@jeffherndon]

Thanks Tim. I have been wanting to see exactly this for years. I had figured it out but have not seen it all put together before. I really appreciate it.

[@Gooditalian]

Your right Tim,it would be better if it was tilled, because I think that box needs to be half filled with dirt to fill the low spots. Also does have enough down pressure to do the cutting.

[@mattphillips4260]

wow that corn lookeed GREAT for being planted so late with being so dry

[@curtwhite876]

Wow! Smart implements brought to you by Tractor Time With Tim.

[@ruarioshea6015]

I have used a larger version on synthetic pitch installation, I've wanted to build something this size for years for smaller tighter areas house driveways and the like be great to see you use it on a gravel area. Great videos 👍 all the best from us here 🇨🇮🇨🇮

[@jasonbarthel4155]

Wouldn't you be able to go both directions to get the slope you desire? I mean go north/south first, then set a slope on the transmitter and go east/west next? That way you could get by with the one setup..... just a thought. Would that work?

[@paybax]

Yup except the slope is from the laser so you would need to move it pretty much every pass.

[@jasonbarthel4155]

@@paybax What if your Laser had a slope calculator built into it? Sorry if that sounds dumb but I really don't know. I have a Hilti that has a slope calculator so I thought that might automate it.

[@petercampbell4220]

Mine was rather expensive, from a company in TN, but worth it. 7 ft blade, long drawbar.

[@leeiver4380]

Tim, do you have a suggestion for a setup like this for a 5075m? I have the pull behind blade, just need to figure out the hydraulics. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

[@blackhawkinternationalsecu6962]

That would be awesome for our shooting range that we are grading currently.

[@puddlejumper3534]

I would really love to try that laser system on my home built pull behind grader. I find after a while it’s hard to distinguish the ground like you were saying buy eye. Looks pretty cool I’ll keep watching for more updates

[@TallTexasGMan]

I am very interested in this setup. It is no secret that I have been trying to figure out how to take the less expensive RTK solutions for drones and adapt for a cost effective solution to use on our SCUTs and CUTs.

[@ExtremeRC4x4]

I see a lot of benefits to the pull type box blade. The price is pretty attractive too considering a regular box blade might be $1,000 and this one has two sets of hydraulics. Have you considered putting a flow restricter in line with the laser lift circuit? It seems like the adjustments are exaggerated. With a restricter the laser might be able to make smaller adjustments instead of the jumps that we can see. Just a thought…

[@orgeirjonsson3014]

You're right Tim, this would work great on dry, loose material ;)

[@ritterjon]

💥 Once again Tim, you've introduced us to a GAME CHANGER! *Keep on tractoring!* 😁👍

[@ArizVern]

RETIRED 76, AF VET. ONE OF MY PASSIONS. USING TOPCON. GOT $4K IN MANUAL SYSTEM. HAVE BLUE TOOTH FROM 360 TOPCON RECEIVER TO IN CAB DISPLAY. NEED TO PREPARE GROUND (NO GRASS, NO HARD SPOTS IN GROUND). EDIT: DRIVE SLOW USE HYDRAULIC TEETH AND POSITION CONTROL WITH HI-BACK 6' BOX BLADE. KUBOTA L4701 4X4 WITH T4 TIRES.

[@mabmachine]

It will be interesting to see the setup with the auto-magic tilt control. That said I don't think its required to operate the box blade in an effective manner. I think a simple slope indicator mounted on top of the box blade would be sufficient since in most cases the side slope would normally be a fixed value. The operator would just want to ensure the mounting spot for the laser pickup is on the fixed side of the box blade just as you have done to provide a consistent base reference.

[@lcee6592]

Very high on the awesome scale! Just like the big construction companies! Hope to see its use in different applications.

[@adammiddleton4037]

Lots of potential for that setup!

[@joetterolison1286]

Question If You are wanting the Tilt continuous for the entire length and the Laser sets the depth is the need for a 2nd Laser System really NEEDED? I would think the 2nd Laser system would change the Angle of the Scraper to the plane of the Angle that You are trying to keep constant Like for a Swale Maybe if the angle is constant all that is Variable is the elevation then You would only need One Laser System? I really like the concept Ken in Florida

[@ruarioshea6015]

I have used larger version on synthetic grass installation for pitches and you need the two receiver's for dual grade, a fall from left to right and front to back for example

[@paybax]

Yup dual mast one. Checkout Level Best. It’s needed as this only adjusts up and down at a preset grade, let’s say 1% from the laser. You could however take twice as many passes, one passes north to south and then next east to west with different slopes. Not super simple tho.

[@robmurray5784]

Great setup! Any hints on how to get from a laser receiver to a hydraulic valve. R&D catalogs have laser receivers that convert laser-position to 0-5V - but it needs an in-line laser, doesn't have 360-degrees reception, and doesn't take advantage of the pulsed beam for improved sensitivity. I'm hesitant to spend $40k for a pro-setup, when I know the receivers, valves, hydraulics, and scraper should be closer to $5k - $10k.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

I thought I just showed it in this episode!!

[@robmurray5784]

I apologize. I got confused in something... Thank you for putting this together. I've spent years working in laser labs & building prototypes & test setups. You've found a great assortment of parts, assembled it well, and communicated it well. High marks.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

@@robmurray5784 we have several more recent episodes with this combo. We show our experiences, difficulties, etc. it works well, but requires some practice.

[@robmurray5784]

I've spoken with Corey at C5mfg. I'm getting an 8' box blade, and I've asked for an additional hydraulic on the right wheel. -》each wheel will have its own up/down hydraulic. I expect this to fit well with the Canamek laser receivers & controllers, which each control a single hydraulic valve. It would still work in the original design, but each valve would affect the position of the other valve's laser-receiver, which would require more time & valve chatter to equilibrate.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

@@robmurray5784 will be interesting to hear how this works. I think it might work ok when strictly using the laser, but you’ll want the ‘center’ control for all basic box blade use…at least I would!

[@CliffsideStables]

THIS IS what makes KZbin a great learning location! Thanks Tim!!! Tim @ Cliffside Acres

[@frijoli9579]

Seems like this would be great for gravel, and loose soil.

[@charlieronk7909]

Tim I would really like to see more videos of this working. I’m building horse arenas and this would absolutely speed up the grading along with eliminating the need for a helper. I’ve been looking at level best but you have my attention? Pulling currently with a 3025E but by next week a 3046R.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

I should have some more later this spring

[@kbcson]

This is awesome Tim I deal with all the gps for a Deere dealer and we have a customer that does this with gps but this is far cooler especially that it is for the littler tractors

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Right. There are MANY better solutions. ...but this is the least expensive and most basic system we've seen. I like that it allows us 'little guys' to get into the professional grading game.

[@dehavenfamilyfarm]

Very neat setup- look forward to seeing it used more!

[@drewwagner7985]

I see soooo many applications for this. I have seen GPS guided instrumentation on large equipment but this would be great for small projects.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Yep. GPS would be better, but so much more pricey. This is available for all of us!

[@petercampbell4220]

Also like the slope hydraulic adjustment, no manual.

[@paybax]

“Not cheap” only 3 times plus cheaper than a skidsteer version. Love me some tractor implements 🙏 How about look into Ditch Assist next 🤞Exact same setup but with GPS. Thanks in advance 😉

[@MrKamccarthyinc]

Awesome piece Tim. Question. When the blade has a visible gap between the CE and the ground isn't it saying you need to bring up the ground? Ie; pulling full blade so it can deposit fill in the low spots?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Yep…well, depending on where we have the receiver set.

[@RustyCarnahan]

I would love to have something like this to help set up contour-till lines around the hills I farm here in Southeast Ohio. (The laser equipment) For as few acres as I do, I'm afraid this would be too cost-prohibitive. But it sure is cool to see in action!

[@b.ellison396]

Tim, Great content! One question though. Why would the Canamek grading system not work on a Box blade on a 3-point hitch?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Requires electric hydraulic valves

[@martineastburn3679]

Might have to adjust the Hydrollic oil pressure - it might be a jerky up/down due to Oil like a bucket? Those are Cannon Plugs - used in high vibration and High reliability functions.

[@photocontrol]

That's a pretty neat leveling set up!

[@Swfl_farmer]

Crazy seeing it on a small application like that. We use laser leveling with 4 scrapers on a lot bigger scale lol. Also, we don't like seeing it jump that aggressively. Usually you want a gradual up and down.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Yep. Not perfect. Maybe it needs some adjustment, not sure. In any case, pretty nice for the price!

[@Swfl_farmer]

@@TractorTimewithTimlooks like it got the job done!

[@ericlaker1983]

That is really nice Tim. I'm excited to see what project you come up with on this. Any sqell drainage job!! Great stuff mr

[@davesmith8936]

You have nice soil. That boxblade is just too light. Hang two 75 lb. weights on each side and I think it will cut just beautifully and you won't need to make passes with the tiller first. Cool system ad a lot of capability for such a small tractor.

[@peterwarnstrom8872]

That is super cool Tim!

[@mkc0005]

Time to build a bigger shop. I'd be happy to store some of your attachments while you're building.

[@philipxb8508]

Do you think a hydro line reducer would smooth out the up and down movement?

[@sprucegoose1016]

Mhmmmm corn lol Can't wait to get tractor service comp going 😎

[@kramsey253]

I would like to see that laser installed on Veni and the power rake.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Me too!!

[@ogaugeclockwork4407]

Nice setup!

[@GrampysTractor]

I don't know if you still have it but how would the power rake you used on the back of Johnny in the past have worked with the laser leveling system in stead of the box blade? The swale looks very nice and the corn looks tasty too.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Would not be able to control the power rake since it is 3 point controlled. Must have electric over hydraulic control. Make sense?

[@GrampysTractor]

@@TractorTimewithTim I forgot it was 3 point controlled. Maybe if the rear wheels had hydraulic control.

[@robb1165]

@@TractorTimewithTim Sounds like a new kit possibility to add solenoid control on the 3 point.

[@johanbos160]

Nice video tim and kristie and that is a great pice off equipment 👌👌

[@creatingwebsite8094]

I was interested in the bub and wanted to buy it. Please tell, can you deliver it to Uzbekistan as well?

[@ivanpineda6004]

It looks awesome 😎 The only problem for me, I'm looking for one and can't find any info on where to buy it or rent it from? I'm in the Portland Oregon Metro Area. Does anyone knows about where to get one.? Thanks in advance...m

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Canamek.com use code ttwt for 10% discount.

[@bobbyblizzard8488]

That is a cool attachment!

[@rickramsey1221]

What size blade are you using? Is it the 4ft or 5ft blade

[@TractorTimewithTim]

5'

[@bradolsen8629]

I think Johnny is sick Tim has an IV drip hooked up to Johnny

[@pdmanfarm3520]

Could you use the laser system with Vinny using the front landscaping rake?

[@ranger6x660]

They use the laser system on road graders and dozers. I’d like to see it adapted to our 3pt with hydraulic tilt and hydraulic top link setup.

[@schneiderfarmwoodworking9368]

Would this system work on the loader if you had a front blade or even just using your bucket?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Only if you have electric control of the hydraulics.

[@carlgillum1267]

Tim I would like to set this up with my tractor . Where may I buy everything that I need . Thanks

[@TractorTimewithTim]

All of the links are in the description.

[@bradolsen8629]

Tim does that adjust his cell phone automatically as you are traveling down the field??

[@bgslade1]

great idea but it seems to be very jerky up and down. I wonder if added weight on the box blade would smooth that out?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Maybe, or maybe different software adjustments. Overall, it didn’t affect the function.

[@ZILAwelds]

I think that is because the controls are electric over hydraulic …. No live hydraulics or pilot controls ….. Electric over hydraulic only knows ON or OFF …. So it goes “full speed” and abrupt … Now you could add a flow control to slow it all down …. But now you have to drive slower otherwise it has a hard time keeping up with the adjustments …..

[@tinachambers4887]

Hi friends putting in a race track lol nice set up have a day love from TEXAS

[@HaiPham-jp8kj]

Hi Tim, would you help me to creating a laser system like this for my jd 5083e and 8 feet box blade? I’m going to use this to level chicken house floors. Thank you

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Sure. the info is all here in the description of this video. Blade from C5 manufacturing. Maybe you already have the blade? Laser transmitter and receiver available from canamek. Compatible Electric SCV's available from summit hydraulics. Please contact me tim at tractor time with tim dot com (email) and we'll work out the details.

[@johnmedlin5894]

So, if I'm understanding correctly, you have to have a Sumit kit in order for it to work as described? I have two sets of factory rear remotes, so without the Sumit kit, it wouldn't work is that correct?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Must have electric control of the hydraulics. Most factory hydraulics are mechanical control…which is better for 99% of usages :-) Unfortunately, this is the one percent!

[@johnmedlin5894]

@@TractorTimewithTim Thank you

[@rogernewman6856]

Is there a link, or somewhere I can go to get contacts for all of the vendors ? or just a kit, or something all put together? Im in a time crunch!

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Links in the description. 3 vendors, sorry. CANAMEK for the laser receivers, summit for the hydraulics, and flat out for the blade. Again, links in the description.

[@bubbaj4213]

Could you connect the laser to your power rake?

[@zachary3777]

Looks like it could benefit from a flow restricting orifice to stop some of the jerk and bouncing.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

I'll try it.

[@zapatahabana]

Anybody here knows where I can buy a grading box like the One show at video with laser sistem control

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Links in description. Box blade from c5mfg.com mention ttwt for discount. Laser system: CANAMEK.com use code ttwt for a 5% discount.

[@troymckinney5911]

thats a great setup

[@mattwilliamson2593]

I have exact setup for my business.. I want to buy the automatic

[@jethroimhoff2759]

So, just out of curiosity, would the Ventrac be able to handle this setup?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Hmm…I don’t think so…no power beyond.

[@paybax]

Wicked! I have been eyeing up the Level Best one for my rig. Good to see. I want a GPS one tho.

[@justanotheridiotredneck]

Level best is good stuff. That's what we use. My only complaint with level best is the way they mount the mast pole to the box blade. Bolting it on resulted in the material around the bolts on the box blade itself to degrade due to the constant whipping of the mast and eventually the material failed completely and I had to cut it out, weld in new material, and perimeter weld the mast bracket to the box blade to spread the load out over a much larger area than just 4 through bolts. Still big fans of them though.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

How much does the Level Best solution cost?

[@justanotheridiotredneck]

@@TractorTimewithTim a single mast 96" wide box blade for a farm tractor is in the $7k neighborhood... Just the blade itself.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Without any laser equipment?

[@justanotheridiotredneck]

@@TractorTimewithTim Correct

[@MrDoyle07]

This is awesome!

[@tjlomin1466]

Where can I get the box and lazer set up?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Laser from CANAMEK.com use code TTWT for 5% off. box from c5mfg.com mention ttwt for 5% off.

[@tjlomin1466]

@@TractorTimewithTim 👍

[@bradolsen8629]

I saw the pond off to the side Tim is this your property or somebody else’s???

[@TractorTimewithTim]

That is ours.

[@CompactNation2022]

Depending on set up time on laser that would make a killing on driveways

[@paybax]

This is what I wanted to do for driveways as I do driveways for a living. However Laser doesn’t work tho. Driveways are winding, and go up and down. So if you set it at a 1% grade, it’s a 100% consistent slope the whole time. Potentially you could keep moving the laser and changing the slope to closely match the driveway so it’s just taking small cuts and not trying to cut or fill +/- 1ft. Need GPS. You would driveway the driveway first to map it. And then set your slope to 1% or greater for example, it would cut where needed to make sure the slope is sufficient to shed water.

[@paybax]

Actually around half way through the video he kind of touches on that issue

[@CompactNation2022]

Yeah I watched about 3 minutes commented

[@CompactNation2022]

@@paybax that depends on where you live I’m in Louisiana so it’s flat as a board. Up north of I-10 I can see what you are talking about

[@joshbond8676]

1st comment. Enjoy your videos. Keep them coming. 2019 3025E owner from Southern Indiana.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Welcome! Thanks for watching.