Site-Pro 25-SK28X — 28-Power Professional Automatic Level
The Site-Pro 25-SK28X is a field-proven automatic level engineered for contractors, surveyors, and construction crews who demand repeatable accuracy day after day. Delivering 28X magnification through a fully coated optical system, this instrument lets you sight distant rods, benchmarks, and grade stakes with confidence — even in challenging lighting conditions. Whether you're grading a large commercial pad, verifying concrete flatness, or running elevation loops on a civil project, the SK28X is built to keep up with a demanding production schedule.
Instrument Overview & Jobsite Applications
Automatic levels are the backbone of any grading or elevation control workflow. The Site-Pro SK28X uses a magnetic dampening compensator to self-level within its working range, eliminating manual fine-adjustment delays after each setup. The rugged housing resists dust and moisture, and the precisely machined leveling base holds calibration through the bumps and vibrations of a typical construction environment. This level is equally at home on an aluminum tripod in a muddy excavation or on a surveying tribrach for precision control work.
Key Specifications
- Magnification: 28X
- Objective Lens Diameter: 36 mm
- Field of View: 1°20' (approximately 140 ft at 1,000 ft)
- Minimum Focus Distance: 1.0 m (3.3 ft)
- Compensator Type: Magnetic dampening, self-leveling
- Compensator Working Range: ±15'
- Accuracy (Standard Deviation per km double-run): ±1.5 mm
- Stadia Ratio: 100:1
- Horizontal Circle: 360° graduated circle
- Instrument Weight: Approximately 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs)
- Tripod Thread: 5/8" x 11 (standard)
Key Features
- Fully Coated Optics: Multi-coated lenses maximize light transmission for bright, sharp images in low-contrast conditions
- Magnetic Compensator: Self-levels quickly within the working range — no manual pendulum adjustment needed between setups
- 360° Horizontal Circle: Graduated circle supports layout angles and reference bearings without a separate instrument
- Large Focusing Knob: Glove-friendly knob design speeds focusing in cold-weather or fast-paced production environments
- Rugged Housing: Impact-resistant body with sealed optics compartment reduces downtime from dust and light moisture exposure
- Standard 5/8" x 11 Thread: Mounts directly to any standard surveying tripod or tribrach adapter — no proprietary hardware required
- Bubble Sensitivity: Plate level vial with sufficient sensitivity for fast, accurate setup on uneven terrain
Job Applications
Site Grading & Earthwork: Run grade shots across large cut-and-fill operations. The 28X magnification lets you read a rod from 200+ ft with clarity, reducing the number of instrument setups needed per day and keeping earthwork production moving.
Concrete Flatness & Pour Verification: Check slab elevation before and after pours to confirm design tolerances are met. The SK28X's accuracy spec keeps you within tight floor flatness and floor levelness requirements on industrial and commercial slabs.
Foundation & Footing Layout: Establish benchmark elevations and transfer them to batter boards or form panels. Consistent readings mean footings land at the correct depth without costly over-excavation.
Drainage & Utility Slope Control: Verify pipe invert elevations and maintain positive drainage grades across storm, sanitary, and site utility runs. A reliable level shot prevents costly rework after backfill.
Compatible Accessories
- Aluminum Surveying Tripod — Standard 5/8" x 11 Mount
- Fiberglass Grade Rod — 13 ft Telescoping
- Aluminum Grade Rod — 16 ft Direct Elevation
- Tribrach Adapter for Optical Levels
- Carrying Case — Foam-Lined Hard Shell
- Lens Cleaning Kit for Optical Instruments
Related Guides
- How to Set Up and Calibrate an Automatic Level on the Jobsite
- Reading a Grade Rod: A Contractor's Quick Reference
- Automatic Level vs. Laser Level: Choosing the Right Tool for Your Project
- Maintaining Your Optical Level for Long-Term Accuracy
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between an automatic level and a digital level?
- An automatic level uses a gravity-referenced pendulum compensator and requires a human observer to read the rod through the eyepiece. A digital level uses an electronic sensor to read a bar-coded rod automatically and record measurements electronically. The Site-Pro SK28X is an optical automatic level — straightforward, no batteries required for the instrument itself, and highly reliable for everyday grading and elevation work.
- Does the Site-Pro 25-SK28X come with a tripod?
- The SK28X is typically sold as a standalone instrument. A compatible aluminum or fiberglass tripod with a standard 5/8" x 11 thread can be added separately. Check our accessories section above for options that pair directly with this level.
- What accuracy can I expect from the SK28X in the field?
- The SK28X carries a standard deviation of ±1.5 mm per kilometer of double-run leveling under controlled conditions. In practical construction use — properly set up on a stable tripod with a quality rod — this instrument delivers more than sufficient accuracy for grading, concrete, foundation, and utility work.
- Can this level be used for layout angles as well as elevation shots?
- Yes. The SK28X includes a 360° horizontal graduated circle, which allows you to reference and turn horizontal angles for basic layout tasks. For high-precision angular layout, a total station is recommended, but for general site layout and bearing reference the horizontal circle adds useful versatility to this instrument.
