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Topcon — Rotary Laser
The Rotary Laser
That Runs Every
Job Site
The Topcon RL-H5A is the #1 selling rotary laser in contractor equipment — trusted by grading crews, concrete finishers, and builders worldwide. This guide helps you pick the right kit, choose the right receiver, and order the correct rod the first time.
Why This Laser
What Makes the RL-H5A Different
The RL-H5A self-levels in under 4 seconds, holds ±10 arc-second accuracy across 2,600 feet, and carries Topcon's 5-year warranty — the longest in the industry at this price point. It's IP66 waterproof, runs 100 hours on alkaline batteries, and works with three different receiver systems depending on your crew's needs.
This isn't an entry-level laser. It's what professional grading crews and concrete finishers specify when they want it to just work — every day, in every condition.
Kit Builder
Build Your Kit
Pick your receiver, batteries, and rod. The right kit for your crew loads automatically.
Choose Your Receiver
Choose Your Batteries
Do You Need a Rod & Tripod?
Your Kit
Education
Understand Your Kit
Three pieces. Every one matters. Here's what each does.
The Laser
Spins a horizontal laser plane 360° around the site. Self-levels in seconds — no manual bubble adjustment. Holds grade within ±10 arc seconds.
- Self-levels in under 4 seconds
- IP66 — works in rain and dust
- 2,600 ft working diameter
- ±10 arc second accuracy
- 5-year Topcon warranty
The Receiver
You can't see the laser beam in daylight — the receiver detects it and tells you whether you're above, below, or exactly on grade.
Rod & Tripod
The grade rod holds the receiver while you move across the site. The tripod holds the laser at a stable elevation. Available in two measurement systems.
LS-80L vs LS-80X vs LS-100D
| Feature | LS-80L | LS-80XPopular | LS-100DRecommended |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | Basic LED | Digital readout | Large LCD |
| Audio | Standard beep | Louder beep | Loud + adjustable |
| Rod clamp | Standard | Standard | Deluxe clamp |
| Machine use | No | No | Yes |
| Best for | Budget-conscious | Most crews | Daily use / machines |
| Price delta | Included in base | +~$20 | +~$110 |
Most contractors order the wrong rod.
Here's how to get it right before you order.
Used for grading, earthwork, site prep, and concrete. If your plans show decimals — “Set at 100.3’” or “Grade to 99.75’” — you need a tenths rod.
Used for building construction, framing, and finish work. If your plans show feet and inches — “3’-6”” or “8’-0”” — you need an inches rod.
From our order data: Of customers who order a rod, 2× more choose inches — but grading and concrete contractors should almost always choose tenths. When in doubt, go back to the kit builder above.
Full Lineup
Every RL-H5A Configuration
Every kit we carry, every combination. Filter by what you need.
FAQ
Common questions
QHow long do the batteries last?
The alkaline battery configuration (included in all kits) delivers approximately 100 hours of continuous run time — enough for 2–3 full weeks of daily use on a typical site. The rechargeable battery kit (BT-74Q) provides equivalent runtime and eliminates the need to purchase AA batteries entirely; most crews report getting 2+ years before needing to replace the pack.
QDoes it work in rain?
Yes. The RL-H5A is rated IP66 — fully protected against powerful water jets from any direction. Rain, light spray, and job-site washdown are all fine. This is one of the highest water-resistance ratings available on a rotary laser at this price point.
QWhat's the working range?
2,600 feet in diameter (1,300 ft radius) with a compatible receiver. That covers the vast majority of grading and construction job sites — from small residential lots to large commercial pads. The laser beam itself is Class IIIa, visible and safe for standard site use.
QWhat's the difference between the RL-H5A and RL-H5B?
The RL-H5A establishes a single horizontal plane — ideal for grading, drainage, concrete, and general layout. The RL-H5B adds dual-slope capability, meaning it can tilt the laser plane in two directions simultaneously. If you need to set drainage grades on a parking lot or pad with a cross-slope, the H5B is what you want. For most crews doing standard grading or flatwork, the H5A is the right choice.
QCan I use the RL-H5A for machine control?
Yes — with the LS-B20 multi-use receiver. The LS-B20 mounts directly to a blade, bucket arm, or screed and communicates the grade elevation to your operator. Select the LS-B20 in the kit builder above to see the machine control configuration.
QWhat rod do I need for concrete flatwork?
Tenths — always for flatwork. Concrete specs are written in feet and decimal feet (e.g., "finish to 100.35'"), so you need a rod marked in tenths (0.1 ft increments) to match. If you order an inches rod for concrete work you will not be able to read your plans directly off the rod.
Ready to order
Build your kit above, then buy.
Use the kit builder to configure your receiver, batteries, and rod. Your exact product loads instantly — no guessing.
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Gradelog is the field-execution platform built for grading and earthwork crews. Log grade shots, track cut/fill, document phases with photos, and generate as-built reports — from the cab to the office.
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- AI field assistant — troubleshoot on the jobsite
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