Looking for a reliable used total station under $5,000? You’re not alone. Many surveyors, engineers, and construction professionals are turning to second-hand equipment to save money without sacrificing accuracy or features.
In this guide, we highlight the top 5 used total stations in 2025 that offer excellent performance and value — all priced below $5,000 (when bought used and in good condition).
1. Leica TS06 Plus 5” or 3” Total Station
- Angle Accuracy: 5″ or 3″
- Distance: 3,500m (prism), 500m (reflectorless)
- Memory: USB + internal
- Software: Leica FlexField
Why it’s great: Rugged, reliable, and still supported by Leica. Excellent for both topographic and construction layout tasks.
Used Price Range: $3,000 – $4,500
2. Topcon GTS-255 or GTS-105N Series
- Angle Accuracy: 5″
- Distance: 2,000m (prism)
- Reflectorless: Up to 250m
- Battery Life: 9–10 hours
Why it’s great: A workhorse for site layout and control surveys. Durable and simple to use, with a long-lasting battery.
Used Price Range: $2,500 – $3,800
3. Sokkia CX-105 Total Station
- Angle Accuracy: 5″
- Reflectorless: 500m
- Range (with prism): 4,000m
- Protection: IP66 waterproof
Why it’s great: Easy to use and very durable. Reflectorless mode is great for measuring inaccessible points.
Used Price Range: $3,800 – $4,800
4. Trimble M3 2” Total Station
- Angle Accuracy: 2″
- Reflectorless: Up to 400m
- Data Transfer: SD card + USB
- Weight: Lightweight and easy to carry
Why it’s great: Trimble’s trusted engineering in a portable unit. Great for tight budgets and small crews.
Used Price Range: $3,500 – $5,000
5. Nikon Nivo 5.M+ Total Station
- Angle Accuracy: 5″
- Reflectorless: Up to 500m
- Range (prism): 5,000m
- Display: Dual face LCD
Why it’s great: Compact, feature-rich, and user-friendly. Ideal for topo surveys and site layout.
Used Price Range: $3,200 – $4,600
🔍 Product Comparison Table
| Model | Angle Accuracy | Reflectorless Range | Max Prism Range | Key Feature | Used Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leica TS06 Plus | 3″ / 5″ | 500 m | 3,500 m | USB data + FlexField | $3,000 – $4,500 |
| Topcon GTS-255 | 5″ | 250 m | 2,000 m | Basic layout + long battery | $2,500 – $3,800 |
| Sokkia CX-105 | 5″ | 500 m | 4,000 m | Waterproof IP66 + easy UI | $3,800 – $4,800 |
| Trimble M3 2” | 2″ | 400 m | Not specified | Lightweight + SD card | $3,500 – $5,000 |
| Nikon Nivo 5.M+ | 5″ | 500 m | 5,000 m | Dual display + compact | $3,200 – $4,600 |
📦 Where to Buy Trusted Used Total Stations
When buying used, make sure the equipment is:
- Fully tested and calibrated
- Includes battery, charger, and accessories
- Has working data transfer (USB or SD card)
- Still supported by the manufacturer or dealer
💡 Need help? We supply verified, tested used total stations with warranty, setup assistance, and affordable pricing.
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🎯 Final Thoughts
You don’t need to spend $10,000+ to get accurate, reliable surveying equipment. Each of the models above has been field-proven and offers the right balance of precision, durability, and value — especially when bought used in good condition.
Pick the model that fits your workflow, confirm it’s complete, and buy from a trusted source. You’ll be ready to tackle projects without breaking your budget.
Next article: “How to Connect a GNSS Receiver to Your Android Device (Using NTRIP or Bluetooth)” — coming soon!