Laser measuring instruments can make many jobs in the lifting industry much easier by allowing fast and accurate determination of distance – “so you can measure to anything you can see,” according to leading manufacturer Leica Geosystems. When planning or carrying out a lifting job, for example, available clearance and heights of structures, aisle widths, hook height, etc. can all be measured accurately.
In addition to measuring distances in all directions, laser measurers can calculate area and volume, including circles, trapezoidal shapes and cylinders and partial distances can be computed.
Leica Geosystems has launched its fourth generation of the Disto range of laser measuring tools, having introduced its first system eight years ago. Disto uses a laser beam that produces a small visible laser dot when it is pointed at any surface, from which the distance between the unit and the dot is automatically calculated and displayed.
Three models are available: Disto Lite, Disto Classic, and Disto Pro. Distances between 0.3m and 100m can be determined to an accuracy of ±3mm. The Disto Pro is also available, as a ‘Pro a’ version, with even more accuracy – to ±1.5mm – making it the most precise hand-held laser meter in the world, the manufacturer claims.
Improved features of the range include clearer keypads, more measuring units to choose from, and a new positioning bracket and alignment aid. Pro models are 35% lighter and 30% smaller than the second generation models, the manufacturer claims. The Pro range also has text-driven menus, alphanumeric keypad and additional mathematical functions. There are also multifunctional end covers for measuring from different points and for vertical or horizontal mounting on a stand. Up to 800 measurements can be stored and labelled and then downloaded to a PC. The hand-held units are shock-proof and dust and water resistant so they can be used inside or out.
