Overview
The SitePro ALQRHD Elevator Tripod delivers professional-grade elevation control for surveyors, builders, and laser operators working across uneven terrain. This medium-duty aluminum tripod features a precision gear-and-rack center column system that extends from 48 to 116 inches, providing 68 inches of vertical travel—far exceeding the limited adjustment range of standard fixed-leg tripods. When you're setting up a total station on a hillside, positioning a laser level across foundation steps, or establishing grade on a multi-level site, the ALQRHD eliminates the frustration of leg-length mismatches and unstable setups.
Unlike conventional tripods that require awkward leg adjustments and compromise stability when working on slopes, the elevator mechanism allows you to plant all three legs firmly on solid ground, then crank the instrument to precise working height using the smooth gear-driven column. The result is faster setups, better repeatability, and rock-solid instrument support even when terrain conditions are less than ideal. Constructed from lightweight yet durable aluminum, this tripod balances portability with the rigidity demanded by optical instruments, robotic total stations, rotating lasers, and machine control receivers.
At $295, the ALQRHD represents exceptional value for contractors and survey crews who regularly encounter elevation changes that would otherwise require multiple tripod repositions, shims, or compromised instrument placement. The quick-release center column locks securely at any height within the travel range, while the elevator mechanism's metal gearing ensures long-term reliability under jobsite conditions.
Key Specifications
- Height Range: 48 to 116 inches (4 feet to 9 feet 8 inches)
- Vertical Travel: 68 inches of elevator adjustment
- Construction: Aluminum frame with corrosion-resistant hardware
- Duty Class: Medium-duty for optical and electronic instruments
- Center Column: Gear-and-rack elevator system with quick-release locking
- Head Mounting: Standard 5/8-11 threaded mount (compatible with most survey instruments and laser levels)
- Leg Design: Wide-stance footprint for enhanced stability on variable surfaces
- Weight: Lightweight aluminum construction for single-person transport
- Finish: Powder-coated aluminum for outdoor durability
- Product Code: ALQRHD
What's in the Kit
- SitePro ALQRHD Aluminum Elevator Tripod with gear-and-rack center column
- Quick-release column locking mechanism
- Removable point feet (installed)
- Carrying strap for field transport
- Manufacturer documentation and specifications
Job Applications
- Sloped Site Surveying: When establishing control points or shooting grades across hillsides, the elevator tripod lets you position all three legs on stable ground regardless of slope angle, then raise the instrument to proper sighting height. This eliminates the instability that occurs when one or two legs are extended far beyond the others on conventional tripods.
- Foundation and Deck Layout: Setting elevation benchmarks between existing grade and raised foundation platforms becomes simple—plant the tripod at lower grade and elevate the laser or optical level to deck height without repositioning. The 68-inch travel range accommodates most residential and light commercial elevation changes in a single setup.
- Excavation Grade Control: When monitoring cut depths in trenching or site prep work, the elevator mechanism allows quick height adjustments as excavation progresses, keeping your laser transmitter or total station at optimal working height without breaking down and relocating the entire setup.
- Multi-Story Construction: Transferring elevation between floor levels during concrete pours or steel erection is streamlined when your instrument tripod can adjust vertically on demand. Position near floor openings or elevator shafts and dial in the exact height needed for cross-level verification.
- Machine Control Setups: GPS base stations and laser transmitters for dozer and grader automation often require elevated positions for optimal signal coverage. The ALQRHD provides stable mounting at heights that clear dirt piles, stored materials, and equipment traffic while maintaining the rigidity required for millimeter-precision machine guidance.
- Bridge and Overpass Work: When working at roadway level while referencing instruments to bridge deck elevation, or vice versa, the extended height range brings instruments into useful working position without resorting to scaffolding or unstable makeshift platforms.
Compatible Accessories
- SitePro Tribrach Systems (standard 5/8-11 thread)
- Rotating Laser Levels with tripod mounts
- Optical Levels and Auto Levels
- Total Stations and Robotic Total Stations
- GPS/GNSS Receivers and Base Stations
- Machine Control Laser Transmitters
- Laser Detector Accessories for grade checking
- Tripod-Mounted Prism Poles
- Aftermarket Surveyor Tribrachs
Related Guides
- Choosing the Right Survey Tripod for Construction Layout
- Elevator Tripod Setup Techniques for Sloped Sites
- Laser Level Tripod Height Requirements by Application
- Maximizing Tripod Stability for Precision Measurements
FAQ
- What's the advantage of an elevator tripod over a standard fixed-leg tripod?
- Elevator tripods allow you to set all three legs on stable, level footing, then adjust instrument height using the center column mechanism. On slopes or when working across elevation changes, this provides far superior stability compared to extending one or two legs much farther than the third, which creates an unstable triangular base and increases vibration and settlement issues.
- How much weight can the ALQRHD support?
- As a medium-duty tripod, the ALQRHD safely supports standard survey instruments including total stations, optical levels, auto levels, and rotating laser levels. The gear-and-rack elevator mechanism is engineered for typical instrument loads in the 5-15 pound range. For heavier equipment or extremely demanding precision applications, consider heavy-duty tripod models.
- Can the center column be locked at any height within the range?
- Yes, the quick-release locking mechanism secures the elevator column at any position throughout the 48 to 116-inch height range. The gear-and-rack system prevents slippage and maintains consistent height even with instrument vibration or minor bumps, unlike friction-only column locks that can creep under load.
- Is the tripod compatible with both survey instruments and construction lasers?
- Absolutely. The ALQRHD features a standard 5/8-11 threaded head mount, which is the industry standard for both surveying equipment (total stations, levels, GPS receivers) and construction lasers (rotary levels, line lasers with tripod mounts). Any instrument or tribrach with this thread pattern will attach directly to the tripod head.
