The SitePRO 11-816-T is a professional-grade 16-foot telescoping aluminum grade rod graduated in tenths — the standard unit for most grading, earthwork, and site development applications. Built for daily jobsite use, it delivers the accuracy, visibility, and structural durability that survey crews and grading contractors depend on from first shot to last. Whether you are running elevations with a laser level, optical level, or transit, this rod gives you fast, confident readings without squinting or second-guessing the scale.
Overview & Jobsite Applications
Graduated in 0.1-foot tenths divisions, the 11-816-T is purpose-built for the way contractors actually work in the field. The high-contrast, photo-screened markings remain legible under bright sun or overcast skies, and the telescoping aluminum sections lock securely at full 16-foot extension. From rough grading on a commercial pad to final grade checks on a residential lot, this rod is designed to keep up with fast-paced crews who cannot afford to stop and re-measure. It is equally at home in drainage, pipeline, road base, and concrete flatwork operations where decimal-foot readings are the norm.
Key Specifications
- Model: SitePRO 11-816-T
- Extended Length: 16 feet
- Graduation: Tenths (0.1-foot divisions)
- Material: Extruded aluminum sections
- Design: Telescoping multi-section
- Markings: High-visibility photo-screened graduations
- Compatibility: Standard laser receivers, optical levels, transits, total stations
- Transport Length: Compact collapsed configuration for easy vehicle transport
Key Features
- Tenths graduations: 0.1-foot divisions match standard engineer's scales used in grading plans, earthwork specs, and most digital and optical level instruments.
- 16-foot reach: Handles deep cuts, tall fill sections, and elevated benchmarks that shorter rods cannot reach — without needing extensions.
- Telescoping aluminum construction: Sections collapse smoothly for transport and lock firmly at extension, preventing slippage mid-shot.
- High-contrast markings: Photo-screened numerals and graduation lines hold up to field abrasion and remain readable at distance under varying light conditions.
- Laser receiver compatible: Rod face width and graduation spacing work with standard clamp-on laser detector brackets used by Spectra, Leica, CST/Berger, and similar brands.
- Durable end cap: Reinforced base protects the rod tip and maintains accurate zero reference on hard or abrasive surfaces.
Job Applications
Site Grading & Earthwork: Run cut and fill calculations using decimal-foot readings that match your grading plan directly — no unit conversion, no mental math on the fly.
Pipeline & Utility Installation: Check invert elevations and trench depth with a rod that reaches deep enough to read over standard trench spoil banks and shoring systems.
Road Base & Paving: Establish subgrade and base course elevations across wide paving sections where consistent tenths readings are required between instrument setups.
Concrete Flatwork & Drainage: Verify finished slab elevations and swale grades quickly during pour setup, maintaining the decimal precision that flatwork tolerances demand.
Compatible Accessories
- SitePRO Laser Detector Bracket — Universal Clamp-On Rod Mount
- SitePRO Grade Rod Carrying Case — 16-Foot Padded Bag
- SitePRO Rod Level Vial — Circular Bullseye for Plumb Shots
- Spectra Precision HL700 Laser Receiver — Compatible with Grade Rods
- SitePRO Replacement Base Plate for Grade Rods
Related Guides
- How to Read a Tenths Grade Rod: Field Guide for Contractors
- Setting Up a Laser Level for Grade Work: Step-by-Step
- Grade Rod vs. Leveling Rod: Which Do You Need?
- Best Practices for Maintaining Survey Rods on the Jobsite
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between a tenths rod and a hundredths rod?
- A tenths rod is graduated in 0.1-foot increments, which is standard for most grading, earthwork, and site development work in the United States. A hundredths rod is graduated in 0.01-foot divisions and is used for higher-precision surveying applications. The SitePRO 11-816-T is a tenths rod, making it the right choice for contractors working from engineer's grading plans.
- Will this rod work with my laser receiver?
- Yes. The 11-816-T is compatible with standard clamp-on laser detector brackets from major brands including Spectra Precision, Leica, CST/Berger, and Topcon. The rod face width and graduation spacing accommodate typical receiver clamps used in the field.
- How short does the rod collapse for transport?
- The 11-816-T uses a telescoping multi-section design that collapses to a compact length suitable for most crew trucks and vans. Exact collapsed length should be confirmed against your vehicle's cargo dimensions, but it is engineered to be significantly shorter than its 16-foot extended length.
- Can this rod be used with an optical level or transit, or only with laser levels?
- The SitePRO 11-816-T works with optical levels, transits, total stations, and laser levels. The high-contrast tenths graduations are designed to be read through an instrument eyepiece at standard survey distances as well as by clamp-on laser receivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a tenths rod and a hundredths rod?
A tenths rod is graduated in 0.1-foot increments, which is standard for most grading, earthwork, and site development work in the United States. A hundredths rod is graduated in 0.01-foot divisions and is used for higher-precision surveying applications. The SitePRO 11-816-T is a tenths rod, making it the right choice for contractors working from engineer's grading plans.
Will this rod work with my laser receiver?
Yes. The 11-816-T is compatible with standard clamp-on laser detector brackets from major brands including Spectra Precision, Leica, CST/Berger, and Topcon. The rod face width and graduation spacing accommodate typical receiver clamps used in the field.
How short does the rod collapse for transport?
The 11-816-T uses a telescoping multi-section design that collapses to a compact length suitable for most crew trucks and vans. Exact collapsed length should be confirmed against your vehicle's cargo dimensions, but it is engineered to be significantly shorter than its 16-foot extended length.
Can this rod be used with an optical level or transit, or only with laser levels?
The SitePRO 11-816-T works with optical levels, transits, total stations, and laser levels. The high-contrast tenths graduations are designed to be read through an instrument eyepiece at standard survey distances as well as by clamp-on laser receivers.
