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Survey Equipment Evolution
As our industry has evolved from “American” style transits, to add-on EDM’s and theodolites, to semi-total stations, to all-electronic total stations to robotics, KLEIN SURVEY SYSTEMS has continued to offer “Best Value” advice…not necessarily the best brand, best price, or even the best seller, but what, in our professional opinion, based on 35 years, is your best overall value… a combination of:
structural integrity,
serviceability,
field performance,
initial cost,
resale value,
manufacture stability among other qualities.
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What Makes a Brand Leader
Was K&E better than Gurley, Berger, Dietzgen, Lietz or Brunson? Certainly, Wild, Zeiss and Kern had their advocates for optical theodolites. In the mid-‘80’s Lietz certainly dominated some markets with their SET/SDR field-to-finish packages, with the SDR33 and the SET3BII/SET4BII reaching absolute “Best Value” status in the mid to late 1990’s. This has proven out with the strong resale value and interest in those models even today, while other brands of that era are being used as door stops.
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Nikon DTM-522
Today, in our opinion, the “Best Value” in a basic 2 or 3 second total station can be found in the Nikon DTM-522. The true evolution of a fast, accurate basic total station:
a “zero tolerance” axis combined with a lightweight yet structurally rugged chassis offers tight angular accuracy maintainable over years of use, best optics, fastest initial EDM with tight ppm’s, superior battery system, dual axis compensation, lumi-guide for stakeout and more… KLEIN SURVEY SYSTEMS has placed over 300 units into service since its introduction with zero problems, and enthusiastic customer comments.
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Best Value Today
Considering a total station? Although we have specialized in used/reconditioned instruments for over 25 years, the down-side risk is growing daily as OEM are falling all over themselves in discontinuing parts; instruments under $2500 used are 15-20 years old and most certainly are “parts-challenged”; the range from $2500-$3500 is a little better risk but getting worse rapidly; $3500 and up has decent serviceability, and a fairly good risk-reward balance. However, if you are a “start-up”, or adding a crew, consider the extra cost of a tripod, stakeout pole and prism, and balance that off with a brand new
Nikon DTM-522 at $6650, including tripod, prism, pole and shipping, plus zero per cent financing for 24 months, and, indeed you have today’s market “Best Value”, period.
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Call or email
for more information.
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