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Overview
The David White LT6-900 Meridian Transit-Level INCHES Package 44-8834-1C delivers professional-grade surveying capabilities at an exceptional value for contractors, builders, and construction professionals. This comprehensive leveling system combines David White's renowned optical precision with everything you need to establish accurate grade, measure elevation changes, and lay out angles on residential and light commercial jobsites. Built on a legacy of reliability that has made David White instruments trusted tools for over a century, the LT6-900 features a 20x telescope magnification, dual-axis graduated circles for precise angle measurements, and rugged construction that stands up to demanding field conditions. The complete package eliminates the need for separate purchases—you'll receive a professional transit-level, a 13-foot aluminum measuring rod with clear inches/eighths graduations, and a sturdy aluminum tripod, providing everything required to start leveling and measuring the moment it arrives. Whether you're setting foundation forms, establishing drainage slopes, installing fencing, or laying out building sites, this transit-level package delivers the accuracy and durability that professionals demand without the premium price tag of comparable surveying equipment.
Key Specifications
- Magnification Power: 20x telescope with coated optics for bright, clear sighting in various lighting conditions
- Accuracy: ±1/4 inch per 100 feet leveling accuracy ensures precision for residential and light commercial applications
- Horizontal Circle: 360-degree graduated circle with 1-degree increments and vernier scale for fine angle readings
- Vertical Arc: 0-90 degree quadrant scale on both sides for measuring vertical angles and slope calculations
- Leveling Base: Four-screw leveling system with circular bubble vial for quick, stable setup
- Telescope Length: 8.5 inches with internal focusing mechanism for sharp target acquisition
- Rod Included: 13-foot (156 inches) two-section aluminum leveling rod with high-visibility inches/eighths markings
- Tripod: Heavy-duty aluminum tripod with adjustable legs and platform head for secure positioning on uneven terrain
- Weight: Transit-level unit approximately 5 lbs; complete package with tripod approximately 18 lbs
- Instrument Height: Adjustable from approximately 42 to 66 inches with included tripod
What's in the Kit
- David White LT6-900 Meridian Transit-Level with protective carrying case
- 13-foot aluminum measuring rod (two sections) with inches and eighths graduations
- Professional-grade aluminum tripod with adjustable legs and locking mechanisms
- Lens cap and sunshade for telescope protection
- Adjustment tools and hex keys for field calibration
- Operator's manual with setup instructions and measurement procedures
- Protective dust cover for instrument storage
Job Applications
- Foundation and Concrete Work: Establish level benchmarks and verify grade for footings, slabs, and foundation walls, ensuring proper elevation before concrete placement. The LT6-900's precision prevents costly foundation issues caused by improper leveling, saving time and materials on residential and light commercial building projects.
- Site Grading and Drainage: Measure existing elevations, calculate cuts and fills, and verify proper drainage slopes for parking lots, yards, and building pads. The vertical arc functionality allows you to determine slope percentages accurately, preventing water pooling and erosion problems that lead to landscape failures and foundation damage.
- Fencing and Post Alignment: Set fence posts at consistent heights and establish straight-line positioning over long distances where string lines become impractical. The horizontal angle measurements ensure gates, corners, and property lines meet precisely at specified angles, creating professional-looking installations that satisfy property surveys.
- Deck and Patio Construction: Verify level surfaces for ledger board installation, establish proper pitch for drainage on outdoor living spaces, and ensure support posts are set at correct heights. The transit-level's accuracy prevents the slight elevation errors that become magnified over the length of decking, eliminating springy floors and water accumulation.
- Utility Installation: Grade trenches for proper water and sewer line slope, verify depth consistency for underground electrical and gas lines, and establish invert elevations for drainage systems. The instrument's portability and quick setup make it ideal for linear projects where multiple measurements along extended runs are required.
- Building Layout and Squaring: Set building corners at exact right angles using the horizontal circle, transfer elevation points from benchmarks to construction areas, and verify wall plumb during framing. The dual-axis angle measurement capability replaces multiple tools, streamlining the layout process and reducing the chance of compounding errors across large structures.
Compatible Accessories
- David White 13-foot fiberglass measuring rods with metric graduations for projects requiring dual measurement systems
- Laser detector/receiver attachments that mount to leveling rods for extended range in bright conditions
- Heavy-duty wooden tripods for maximum stability in windy conditions or when working on soft ground
- Optical plummet accessories for precise centering over survey points and property markers
- Replacement telescope eyepieces and sunshades for instruments subject to heavy use or accidental damage
- Rod targets and turning points for improved visibility when measuring over distances exceeding 200 feet
- Weather-resistant carrying cases and storage solutions for transporting complete setups between jobsites
Related Guides
- How to Set Up and Level a Transit for Accurate Measurements
- Reading Leveling Rods: Understanding Inches, Tenths, and Metric Graduations
- Calculating Grade and Slope Percentages for Drainage and Site Work
- Transit-Level Maintenance and Calibration for Long-Term Accuracy
FAQ
- What's the difference between a transit-level and an automatic level?
- A transit-level like the LT6-900 measures both horizontal and vertical angles in addition to leveling, while an automatic level only establishes level lines. Transit-levels provide greater versatility for layout work, property surveys, and any application requiring angle measurements. The LT6-900 uses a four-screw leveling base and requires manual leveling using the bubble vial, whereas automatic levels self-level within a range once roughly positioned. For contractors who need angle measurement capability along with leveling functions, a transit-level offers better value than purchasing separate instruments.
- How accurate is the LT6-900 for residential construction work?
- The LT6-900 delivers accuracy of ±1/4 inch per 100 feet, which exceeds requirements for virtually all residential and light commercial construction applications. This precision is more than adequate for foundation work, grading, deck construction, and fencing projects. For reference, building codes typically allow foundation tolerances of ±1/2 inch, and the LT6-900 easily meets this standard. For highway work, large commercial projects, or professional land surveying requiring higher precision, you would need to consider more expensive surveying-grade instruments.
- Can I use this transit-level in bright sunlight or low-light conditions?
- Yes, the LT6-900 features coated optics that improve light transmission and reduce glare, making it usable in bright sunlight, and the 20x magnification gathers sufficient light for operation during overcast conditions or early morning/late afternoon work. The included sunshade reduces lens flare when sighting toward bright skies. However, like all optical instruments without illuminated reticles, the LT6-900 is not suitable for work in darkness or very dim conditions where rod graduations become illegible.
- Is this package suitable for someone new to using surveying equipment?
- Absolutely. The LT6-900 package is ideal for contractors and builders transitioning from basic line levels and water levels to professional surveying instruments. The included manual provides clear setup instructions, and the four-screw leveling system, while requiring more initial setup than automatic levels, teaches fundamental leveling skills that apply to all surveying work. The complete package means you won't need to source compatible components separately. Most users become proficient with basic leveling operations within a few hours of practice, and the instrument's durability tolerates the learning curve that comes with field use.
