Construction Blog

Agatec makes sure you're on point every time

Surveying or land surveying is the technique, profession, and science of accurately determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional position of points and the distances and angles between them. These points are usually on the surface of the Earth, and they are often used to establish land maps and boundaries for ownership or governmental purposes. Surveying has been an essential element in the development of the human environment since the beginning of recorded history (about 6,000 years ago). It is required in the planning and execution of nearly every form of construction . Its most familiar modern uses are in the fields of transport, building and construction, communications, mapping, and the definition of legal boundaries for land ownership.Surveying equipment company Agatec was aquired by the Hexagon Group in 2007 and has been making exceptional items since 1992.

 

 

Agatec 1-16198 Flat Head Aluminum Value Series Tripod

This aluminum, flat head tripod features a quick clamp and a maximum adjustable height of 62". Equipped with a quick clap and features orange hardware design for ultimate visibility on the job site.

• The Agatec 1-16198 Flat Head Aluminum Value Series Tripod features an adjustable height from 38" to 62".
• Equipped with a quick clamp.
• Comes standard with a 5/8-11 mounting stud.
• Shoulder carrying strap makes for easy transportation.
• Extension legs are double-banded for extra stability.
• Features international orange hardware for job site visibility.

Agatec 1-16266 9' Heavy-duty Tripod with Elevating Column

A 9 foot tripod featuring extendable legs and a 33" adjustable center column featuring incremental markings. Designed with an adjustable column to quickly set levels.

• The Agatec 1-16266 9" Heavy-duty Tripod with Elevating Column comes equipped with safety chains on legs to prevent slipping on hard surfaces.
• Designed with an adjustable column to quickly set lasers levels to the desired height.
• 33" adjustable center column is equipped with a rack and pinion lift.
• Center column also features incremental markings.
• Quick clamp tripod legs extend from 50" to 73".
• Tripod features a height of 9".
• Feet are reversible for dirt or concrete/hardwood floors.

Agatec 1-16272 Premium 12' Tripod with Pointed Feet

Elevating column tripod featuring pointed feet for interior leveling projects. Ideal for large interior jobs and other extra-height applications.

• The Agatec 1-16272 Premium 12' Tripod with Pointed Feet comes equipped with adjustable center support keeps legs from slipping.
• Ideal for large interior jobs and other extra-height applications.
• 10" adjustable center column features a geared rack and pinion lift with locking knob and folding crank.
• Secure legs at any angle with the tri-brace section locks.
• Constructed of anodized heavy-duty aluminum.
• Center column also features incremental markings.
• Tripod legs extend from 4' to 11".
• Tripod features a height of 12'.
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• Equipped with a built-in circular leveling vial.

If there are any questions feel free to call 1-800-889-0661 and speak to one of our knowledgable sales specialists

Fitting a Traffic Arrow Board to Your Full-Size Pickup

Traffic Arrow Boards are an important part of construction site safety, particularly in the case of road and highway construction. Arrow boards come in a variety of styles and sizes to meet the needs of any job. From towable towers to mountable truck units, each can be very useful in the field. If you're considering a truck-mounted unit, you may have some questions about how the board will integrate with your current set up. 

Basically, there are four ways you might mount a board to your current vehicle: Tailgate Mount, Bed Rail Rack, Bed Floor Rack, and Bulk Head Rack. I've posted images of each style below for you to review.

 
  As you can see, each of these mounting options can accommodate a variety of situations. Generally a full-size pickup with a regular, enclosed bed would use either a bed rail rack or bed floor rack system to mount the arrow board properly. Utility, sewer, dump, and other heavy-duty commercial motor vehicles will generally require a tailgate style mount or a bulk head mount. Each of these mounting styles can be purchased in a manual tilt or power tilt option. The power tilt arrow board allows you to control the board's tilt from the cab of your truck. Some applications find this feature very necessary, and others that are price conscious or have a tailgate mounted unit don't find it to be a necessity at all. It generally will come down to preference. However, I would recommend a power tilt unit almost 100% of the time. Keep in mind, any time it's unsafe for an operator to get out of their vehicle to deploy a board roadside, a power tilt becomes very handy. Don't skimp on price early only to regret your decision on the road with cars flying by at 75 mph! 

Because mounting an arrow board can be confusing and would be difficult to do on your own, Trafcon Industries has created several standard kits for full-size pickups. This includes both bed mounting options. The mounting kits included with either bed option, rail or floor, are capable of fitting any full-size pickup. So whether you have a Ford F-250 or a Chevrolet Silverado 2500, you'll be set with the Trafcon units.  If you have any questions about specific models, capabilities, or installation, please leave a comment below.
 

The Importance of Safety Equipment in Construction

Many of us underestimate the importance of safety in our everyday lives because we become complacent in our daily tasks. Whether it be driving, using the lawn mower, or trimming bushes, it's easy to let safety slip your mind. In construction, however, professionals do not have this liberty because the daily tasks they participate in can be far more dangerous. Complacency in the work place could result in serious injury.  That is why it is so vital for construction professionals to operate machinery and equipment in the safest possible manner, as well as use the necessary safety equipment to protect themselves.

Safety equipment can range from hard hats and gloves, to eye protection and first aid kits. No matter the type of construction your job requires, do not overlook your safety equipment needs. The most common types of safety equipment needed on construction sites, or at home, are work gloves and and eye protection or safety glasses. Because these items are so common, many variations exist and you are sure to find the pair of either that best suits your needs. From clear safety glasses and safety sunglasses to safety over-glasses and prescription safety glasses, the options are limitless. Clear safety glasses tend to be the most common style available. These glasses generally don't provide any side or peripheral protection, thus are typically considered to be 'head-on' protection. Don't let style or fit be an excuse for not purchasing safety glasses, there are too many options for those to be legitimate reasons! 

Work gloves tend to be even more important on a wider array of jobs. Protect your hands from abrasive materials, cuts, and blisters. Keeping your hands in top condition will be crucial to the success of your project. There are work gloves designed for just about any application. From knit gloves with rubber dots for increased grip in cold weather, to rubber-coated abrasive resistant gloves for moving abrasive building materials.  Choose the style and size of glove that best suits your needs.

Eye and hand protection tend to be the most common and important protection on light to medium-duty construction sites. However, heavy construction, particularly commercial and industrial building applications often require the use of hard hats and other safety equipment like harnesses and steel-toe boots. Please share your specific experiences and comments regarding safety equipment below. We will be posting more detailed articles about OSHA regulation and safety requirements for various types of construction soon.