In the utility construction industry, precise location of underground utilities is crucial for efficient and safe operations. Advanced electronic utility locators are designed to enhance accuracy and ease of use with features like integrated GPS, Bluetooth connectivity and high-precision antennae. Some of these tools provide real-time mapping and data capture, enabling contractors to avoid costly errors and improve job site safety. Check out some product options below.
RIDGID SeekTech R-24LE
The RIDGID SeekTech SR-24LE is a precision utility locating receiver with integrated GPS and Bluetooth Low Energy technology for easy integration with smartphones, tablets and high-precision GPS instruments for real-time location coordination via the RIDGIDtrax App. Its omnidirectional antennae capture the complete signal field, making it easy to acquire the signal and trace its path. The receiver maps the utility’s position and direction on its display for an intuitive locating experience. Audio and visual warnings notify the operator if the shape of the signal field is being distorted so action can be taken to avoid mismarking the utility’s position. Equipped with the 18-volt battery adapter, it is ready to be powered with a RIDGID 18-volt battery (not included) for long-lasting power in the field. It also has a foldable mast for easy transport and storage.
800-474-3443; www.ridgid.com
Subsite Electronics UtiliGuard 2 RTK
The UtiliGuard 2 RTK receiver from Subsite Electronics was designed as a simple, easy-to-operate utility locating tool for operators locating, mapping and capturing underground utilities. It utilizes survey-grade technology and features dual-band antennae to provide operators with reliable positioning data with centimeter-grade accuracy. Its precision helps when locating abandoned and untracked utilities that are difficult to pinpoint. By quickly verifying the utilities installed, operators efficiently tailor bids to match a job site needs, as well as gain insight into the underground infrastructure to avoid cross bores during future projects. The receiver provides locate crews with integrated data capture, GPS positioning and an intuitive user interface to improve work quality and maximize locate awareness. By downloading the MyUtiliGuard application, operators simplify and streamline how they capture, map and share data.
800-846-2713; www.subsite.com
Vivax-Metrotech vLoc3-Pro
The vLoc3-Pro utility locator from Vivax-Metrotech includes omnidirectional antennae that detect distortion on the utility and show distortion level on the color display. Along with classic locate screens, it offers locate screens of Vector Locate for non-walk over locating, Transverse Graph showing peak and null simultaneously, Plan View showing the orientation of the cable at any angle, and a graphical Sonde screen with guidance arrows leading to the sonde location. The user-configurable locator has eight passive modes, SD mode (showing the direction of outgoing current) and a range of configurable frequencies from 16 Hz to 200 kHz. Audio and mechanical vibration alerts can be configured by the user to provide warnings for shallow depth, overload, overhead cables and excessive swinging.
800-446-3392; www.vxmt.com
