Don, I like to use a box blade and a drag. The drag can be a simple "I"
beam a few feet wider than the box blade. As you drive around in circles
and figure 8's, set the box blade to just cut off the tops of any mounds.
Attach the "I" beam to the back of the box blade with 2 pieces of chain so
the it rides with two edges down. This will smooth out any gouges made by
the box blade. As you notice a high or low spot, drive across the high
spot towards the low. This should scrap some dirt from the mound and drop
it into the low spot. May have to play with the height of the box blade at
this point.
This should get you pretty flat. For level, the cheapest thing would be
a water level. Two, one foot pieces of clear tubing attached to the ends of
a garden hose. Inconvenient, but accurate
Or you could do what the Egyptians did, dig a shallow ditch around and
across your lot. Then fill it with water.



"Don" wrote in message
...
I am wanting to have built or to build a pole barn garage about 30x30.
I have been working the ground with a power tiller and a tractor. It
is alot more level than it was but still has some low spots. Is there
a good way to ensure this is level?

Is there anything out there not too expensive that I could make or buy
that would help me get this as level as possible? (Short of buying a
200 buck transit). WOuld a laser level on a pole work?

Also, would it be good to put down gravel before poles or anything go
up? (Not sure if I can afford concrete or not yet. Looks like the
gravel first would provide some protection for the poles when they go
up if it rained on the bare dirt which would cause mud splashing up on
them.

Any help is greatly appreciated!