Used Survey Instrument

If you really know what you want, you can try eBay. But you'd be better off trying someone like Hayes Instrument to see what they have in stock in used equipment in your price range. Anything you buy from them they will have checked out, serviced and adjusted if needed, and you will have a unit that will work out of the box.

I was searching for the same thing last year and after several months I ended up picking up a GPT 3003w for $2500. I'm very happy with the purchase.

Keep looking on ebay for a Nikon or Topcon prism less and you will find one within a few months for $2000-3000. Eventually you'll find one. I only searched for instruments in the USA that appeared to be from other surveyors.

Good luck.

I would go to one of the dealers that sell used instruments. That way you know what you're getting, and getting something with at least a 90 day warranty. Some have financing/ leasing, etc.
BTW, Deaton's had some older Robotic instruments in your budget, I believe. There is also a used dealer that advertises here, Baseline supply I think. Hayes has a "worry free" lease that may be attractive.

If you've got $5000 to spend on a total station, you can buy a new one, or at least come very close to buying it. It will, of course depend on what you need, but there are inexpensive total stations available. I strongly suggest that you call Hayes.

My Nivo is still for sale if you want a small instrument with Spectra Precision (ex TDS) Survey pro software on it.
https://surveyorconnect.com/index.php?mode=thread&id=248078 will consider offers. (also has "survey basic" software on it). One big advantage compared to older instruments is the USB connectivity it has.
As said above, all the instruments you mention should be on sale in your price bracket and are all good basic instruments. Big fan of the nikon 300 and 500 series myself, used a NPL-332 for many many projects, with pleasure.
Roger

if you have the time it seems like in the spring they offer up a university special. Which usually includes a lower model total station, level and rod, prism pole and some other small equipment. Seems like their price point is in the $7000-$8000 range. Good luck.

I've been a Nikon fan years but have a healthy respect for Topcon Built like tanks.

If Nikon, be aware of Nivo and horizontal clamp issues.
NPL 322 are very good instrument and would be my preference.
I wouldn't go past 5-7 years old. Unless, again its dirt dirt cheap.

Whatever you get, unless its dirt cheap check the manufacturers lifespan for them.
You could buy a very good $3000 instrument only to find it's can't be fixed as they don't support them anymore.
This goes to 'simple' things like software to run the device that could get wiped in particular service/ adjustment types.

Also Topcon optics is not a match for Nikon optics which in poor light and long distance is especially noticeable.
Nikon so I am told has superior prismless reading due to the way it is setup. What you focus on is what it reads to.
I have experienced that first hand though in a live demo.

As others say, unless you are confident with 'out of site' purchases I'd head to a dealer.
Let them know and see what is on offer. Knowing they have an interested party can often have a potential sale who is hanging on to his older instrument but who could be coerced into parting with it.

Find out what the service has been to it, has it been dropped, dunked in water, repaired, even when it was service.
What was it used for and where? Dusty dirty conditions bring their own problems.
With respect to all construction bods, those sites can be some of the harshest you will encounter, with dust, rain, vibration and volume of use.
And also who will service it and how good is their service.

You are obviously making a valuable purchase at a time of life when though money may be tight, you certainly don't want down time due to problems etc surfacing after the event.
Don't sweat over an extra $1000 to get a 'dream machine' as opposed to 'saving' that $1000 and ruing it for ever. In 2 or 3 years that extra money will not even feature on your mind, provided you have a good and solid, trouble free experience with an instrument that is accurate and consistently so.
Chose carefully and enjoy.
And look after it and you will have an instrument that is a pleasure to use for a long time.
all the best
Richard

I have a Nikon NPL-632 that I bought used back in April from Keystone Precision Instruments out of Allentown Pa.

I am looking to buy new, but need to sell before I do. I have had no problem with it whatsoever, but just looking at a Topcon with Long Link.

It is reflectorless and if interested I'll provide pictures, information and price.

> I have been searching for a used Topcon or Nikon, preferably a prismless instrument for use after passing the PLS exam in 2015. I can currently also use such at my current place when I am needed in the filed.
>
> In looking on Ebay and a few other sites I have questions as to some of the prices.
>
> We all know that the old Topcon 300 series, older 200 series, and a few other models along with older Nikons were the work horses of their day and many are still in use.
>
> I have came across several instruments that peaked my interest. I have seen several older standard total stations, 15 to 25 years old, for $3000 to $5000 for sale. No photos of operation or turn on, no batteries, etc. I consider that high for what may be a door stop.
>
> My budget is $5000 so robotics my be something for later. Older units are fine but, I think some of the prices I have seen for some of the 20 and 25 year older units is high as parts are hard to come by for repair especially older robotics.
>
> Some I am considering. some offer reflectorless some do not.
> Topcon:
> 1000 series
> 3000 series
> 800 robotic
> 8000 robotic
> 300 series
> 200 series
> 4B
> 6B
>
> NIkon:
> 300 series
> 500 series

I have a topcon 6000gpt reflectorless with a a collector (nomad survey pro), I will part with for a reason able price. I would be interested in Sqwuose deal because I'm looking at the Trimble version (with access on board) of the Nikon Nivo he has. Maybe we can work out a 3 way (win-win-win) situation.

I absolutely love our GPT3003W.

After ten years in the field, with biennial servicing, the only thing we need to do is do the vertical compensator adjust every now and then.

What are the horizontal clamp issues? I'm not aware of these.
My model has endless momvement, no clamps. I think you can get nivos with clamps though.

I have an older Topcon 212 (new 1997). I also have robotic package (new 2007) that I would let go near your budget. I'm in central NC & you could come by take a test drive.

> I absolutely love our GPT3003W.
>
> After ten years in the field, with biennial servicing, the only thing we need to do is do the vertical compensator adjust every now and then.

I use the 3005, like it a lot. Light gun, good battery life, good results. Works great with SurvCE.

The onboard data collection sucks, but that I knew before purchase. Never figured out the Bluetooth (somekind of serial bluetooth that I don't get) with DC, still using cable.

I would buy Topcon again.

I was told it was the endless clamps that would slip or not hold.
Early 2014 I thought I was having to scrap my 821 due to a software (bios) issue. Trimble (Nikon) said it was past its use by date.
In process of looking at options I asked about the Nivo. Was told of the clamp issue then.
I gathered it wasn't across the board, so not all suffered.
I think they may have ditched them for lever clamps.
These comments were from Nikon dealers who serviced what they sell.

Great topic, as I envision 2015 as my year to get a setup as well. I've already invested in a used Designjet 500 plotter, Carlson 2015 (Intellicad), and a laptop.

For instruments, there's great Leica support 45 minutes away, so I've been leaning towards finding a clean 1100 series. Topcons also keep coming across my radar as well, so I'm keeping those in mind too. Hayes is only a 2.5 hour drive away.

My thoughts on robotics: it's nice if you're doing a lot of location, but, for everything else, is it worth the price difference? I'm leaning towards "probably not".

Even if you opt to have the robot turn your angles, you're still going to have to walk the FS ahead and then walk the glass back to the BS then walk back to the instrument. So, if you have a helper, they can do that, AND, give you side shots or press buttons for you. I envision a job every month or so, so I'd have to do a lot of surveys to make the robotic pay. Hmmm. Anyhow...

I have decided that the one feature that is an absolute must is reflectorless. Considering the abundance of quality used reflectorless instruments, I am not even considering one that isn't. With strategic setups for location (and smart checks to make sure you're shooting the right thing), there is a lot that a reflectorless can do when when working solo. And, for people like you and me just starting out...it's probably the smarter financial move.

Happy Holidays,

Take care,
Kevin

Yes, I'm in the same boat as well and I agree that you can do a lot with a reflectorless instrument. A bundle of lath helps a lot too.

Gregg

Yes, they are great guns. I really like that they're lightweight compared to most robots that I've used.

I actually prefer the 2000 series a little better because they don't make that awful grinding noise that lasts 10-15 seconds after every shot. I did see a thread here on how to adjust that but I haven't tried it yet.

Gregg

Take a look at a new Nikon NPL322+. Our company is currently selling these with a two year warranty for 4995.00.

If a new instrument is in your price range I would take a serious look at it rather than trying to go used!