Stability and durability are of paramount importance when choosing a survey Tripod to ensure consistent and accurate readings. Also, qualities such as weight, portability, and height must be taken into consideration. Keep reading and see our recommendations in each category to learn about the top 6 considerations when choosing a surveyor tripod.
1.Durability:
When it comes to land surveying, the one thing you can count on is that the conditions are unpredictable. Whether you’re working on rough terrain or resisting severe weather, the job needs to be done; you need equipment that’s durable enough to handle whatever conditions you might encounter in the field. It is extremely important to choose the right material for durability.
Typically, the survey tripods come in three primary materials: wood, Aluminum, and fiberglass. Wood is an affordable option and offers decent stability, plus temperature changes do not affect it. Aluminum is lightweight and affordable, making it an excellent choice for jobs requiring changing settings. Fiberglass is strong, durable and the elements are resistant.
Selecting the right material for durability is of utmost importance.
The survey tripods typically come in three primary materials: wood, aluminum, and fiberglass. Wood is an affordable option and provides decent stability, plus changes in temperature do not affect it.
Recommended products in this category:
SECO Tri-Max Tripod: The only certified accuracy survey-grade tripod, the Tri-Max easily meets the ISO 12858-2-H standard for instrument tripod stability, and is highly recommended for total robotic stations and 3D laser scanners. It extends up to 71 inches, holds up to 65 pounds, and comes with the 1-year warranty provided by SECO.
Dutch Hill T-REX Composite Tripod: Built with extra-wide aluminum head and composite legs made from fiberglass, this tripod is extremely durable. It extends up to 72 inches, comes with stainless-steel replaceable points, and features composite BBT molded hinges and feet.
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2. Stability:
While durability may be the most important factor in considering tripods for land surveys, stability is also critical. Land surveyors come across all sorts of terrain and it’s not always flat or level. That makes stability another important factor in a tripod to consider. Stability is particularly important to prevent the legs from spreading apart when working indoors on concrete or other hard surfaces.
Recommended products in this category:
Sokkia Wide-Frame Wood Tripod, Twist Lock: This wooden tripod is made of durable North American maple with only metal (i.e. no plastic) hardware. It extends up to 72 inches, has self-adjusting characteristics, and includes long-lasting nylon bushings for smooth operation.
Tripod Stabilizer: This tripod stabilizer is made of heavy-duty aluminum and is designed to improve stability when working on concrete and other hard surfaces. It features three rubber O-rings that fit over the tripod’s feet to prevent the legs from spreading.
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3. Weight:
Most land survey jobs require multiple setups and site modifications. As such, considering the weight of any survey tools you use is important because it will carry them all day. Aluminum is one of the best materials used for lightweight surveying tripods. Aluminum is not affected by humidity as a bonus although it may expand slightly and contract with changes in temperature. Nevertheless, aluminum tripods are ideal for most site setups which last an hour or less.
Recommended products in this category:
Dutch Hill Square Leg Aluminum Tripod: This tripod is made from aluminum for lightweight durability and also features square tubing for improved rigidity. It comes with a quick-clamp feature and a poly-web shoulder strap, making it ideal for levels, lasers, overall stations, and other tools for land surveying.
SECO Aluminum Mini Instrument Tripod: This miniature aluminum tripod is an excellent choice for quick jobs or work that occurs in cramped conditions. It measures 19 “to 25” but is capable of accommodating standard 5/8×11 threads. For stability, it also has full-size kick-in cleats.
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4. Portability:
Land surveyors in the field often lack the luxury of spending the whole day in one place. Portability is key and there are several things to think about when it comes to portability in Land Survey tripods. Above all, the tripod needs to be made of lightweight yet durable materials. Aluminum is generally the best material for lightweight tripods although some composite tripods also fit the bill. Also, you should consider the size of the tripod and how compact it folds down.
Recommended products in this category:
SECO HD Aluminum Tripod: This aluminum tripod weighs in just under 10 pounds and features heavy-duty construction, extending up to 67 inches. This tripod comes with square outer dowels for lock security and a 5/8×11 threaded adapter for use with a variety of surveying tools, in addition to being made from lightweight aluminum.
SECO Aluminum Mini Instrument Tripod: This mini aluminum tripod is the way to go if you’re looking for a compact and lightweight tripod that still accommodates standard 5/8×11 threaded equipment. It folds down to 19 inches and weighs less than 7 pounds while remaining robust and dependable.
5. Height:
While most land survey jobs can be completed with a standard tripod, there will be times when you just need to have a little longer. When choosing a height-based tripod, you’ll need to find the right combination of features. Telescopic legs are great for added height, but you still want to make sure that the tripod is not too heavy. Dual clamps on each leg help to ensure stability while also allowing you to adjust the tripod as required. When using an extended-length survey tripod, you may need to consider additional safety features too.
Recommended products in this category:
SECO Tri-Max TALL Tripod, Dual Clamp: When the job requires an extra-large tripod this model is a great option. This tripod is the only survey tripod certified for accuracy and extends up to 91 inches and collapses down to 54 inches. It features a large stability footbed and includes a retention loop for use with safety straps.
Dutch Hill ELT3000 Extended Length Tripod: This tripod has the same characteristics as the popular 2000 series but extends up to a whopping 93 inches. Durably built with stainless and aluminum components this tripod only weighs 16 pounds but has a maximum workload of up to 50 pounds.
SECO Heavy-Duty, Extra-Tall Elevator Tripod: SECO Heavy-Duty, Extra-Tall Elevator Tripod –This SECO tripod is a great option for a heavy-duty tripod which extends up to the max. It extends up to 12.4 feet and features an adjustable center column and highly durable fiberglass legs. It also comes with dual clamps and twists locks.
6. Cost:
The most important thing to consider when shopping for land survey tripods are things like durability and portability, but the cost is also an important factor. You have to walk the line between selecting a survey tripod that can withstand some rough conditions and buying a top-of-the-line model. Aluminum tripods are a great choice when it comes to price because they are inexpensive, lightweight, and long-lasting. They are particularly advantageous for applications at that level.
SECO Contractor’s Aluminum Tripod: This tripod is made of high-quality durability aluminum but only costs $50. It is the perfect tripod for fast jobs and frequent changes of the site as it only weighs 7 pounds but extends up to 65 inches. It also features a flat / triangle head and a quick clamp.
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