The greatest civilizations in history were noted for their infrastructure and ability to produce work. That fact remains today with the intricate utility systems we have installed all over the country. In the United States, there are more than 160,000 miles of installed electrical lines. This is in addition to several other utility lines that cover natural gas, water, fiber optic internet, and other services.
These systems are constantly reworked and reconfigured as utility technology expands and improves. If you specialize in this type of work, you’ll need the help of a utility locator that can help you out.
The tips below are helpful when you’re trying to buy a utility line locator that’ll assist you when you’re doing work.
Consider The Work That You Need
First and foremost, consider the nature of the utility detection services that you’ll need. This means understanding the type of utilities that you’re looking into, how far under the earth you’ll be searching, and the amount of land you’ll be traveling in the process.
The nature of the work will also dictate what type of technology is most important. For instance, there are utility locators that come with electromagnetic field detection, direct connection location, the location of split boxes, and others. Get to know the type of work that you need, the timeframe that you’re contending with, and other points of information that’ll assist you.
Find Equipment That Is Durable
Next, make sure that you’re able to get your hands on utility locator equipment that is reliable and durable. In this regard, you’ll be able to manage your utility location and will work in the field for hours without interruption.
The equipment needs to stay strong and useful in the face of rough terrain, inclement weather conditions, hot and cold temperatures, moisture, and constant use. Any utility locator that you purchase should be made with durable materials so that it’s not easily cracked or subject to malfunction.
When you’re shopping for a new utility line detector, you’ll need to search for the number of hours you can expect to get from the equipment.
Shop Around Based On Price
Of course, make sure that you shop around for price points when you’re searching for a utility line detector. This will let you know how much you are likely to pay while also weighing your options.
Hash out a budget for your utility line detector and figure out which companies offer the best models at the most reasonable prices. You may even be able to search for a discount or promotion to make certain that you’re saving money while still getting the equipment that you need.
This will give you the greatest bang for your buck when searching for underground utility lines and will make sure that you get a return on investment (ROI) for any sort of work that you’re pursuing.
Look For Reviews And Recommendations
The best way to find a utility locator that works for you is by checking into how this equipment has helped others. Always comb through some reviews and recommendations from others to read their impressions of the equipment. Look for videos and testimonials from professionals who have used these locators in their line of work.
Check out their pros and cons, how they have adapted to using it, the accuracy of the equipment, and the value that they got from using it. When you find a locator that comes highly recommended, it’ll be easier for you to make a purchase that you can trust and depend on.
Once you start looking into utility line locators, you’ll typically find some models that stand out. For instance, many people recommend models like the Ditch Witch 750 for its versatility and ease of use. There are a variety of other models that’ll help you hit the ground running when you’re seeking pinpoint accuracy and reliability.
Make Sure It’s User-Friendly
Above all, make certain that your utility line locator is easy to use. When you purchase a piece of equipment that is user-friendly, your learning curve decreases, and you’ll get the most value from it.
It should have a graphical user interface (GUI) that you can easily adapt to. This will let you switch through the features and get the outcome you’re seeking. Make sure that the system has all of the features that you need based on the utility lines that you’re searching for.
Focus On Accuracy
Accuracy is non-negotiable when you’re searching for a utility line locator. This will help you find the precise location of the lines with little margin for error.
Purchasing the most accurate equipment will aid in expediting your workflow and give you results that you can count on. Make sure that the equipment that you buy comes with a customer-friendly return policy in case you find that the accuracy isn’t up to par.
Choose Equipment That Comes With A Warranty
Finally, make sure that any equipment that you shop for also comes with a warranty. When your utility line locator has a warranty, you can get it fixed or replaced without a problem.
This measure of protection is important if you plan to use the utility locator daily.
Buy The Best Utility Line Locator
The points in this article are useful when you’re looking for a utility line locator that’ll assist you. If you’re interested in making a purchase, take the time to find a handful of companies that sell this equipment, and start shopping around.
Begin with the points above and rely on us for more content that’ll help you with your next project.
