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Schonstedt GA-52Cx Magnetic Locator

Rugged, Reliable Detection of Buried Ferrous Utilities

Details

The Schonstedt GA-52Cx is the industry standard for detecting buried iron and steel objects with uncompromising precision. Trusted for decades in utility locating, construction, and municipal maintenance applications, the GA-52Cx uses magnetic gradient detection to quickly and accurately locate ferrous targets—without the complexity or fragility of more sensitive electronics. Built for tough field environments and engineered for accuracy, the GA-52Cx features a simple, analog interface and rugged housing designed to perform under harsh site conditions.

Key Features

  • Deep Ferrous Target Detection
    Detects objects up to 16 feet deep depending on size, orientation, and soil conditions—ideal for locating manhole covers, valve boxes, iron pipes, and boundary markers.

  • Simplicity Meets Durability
    The analog interface uses five incremental sensitivity settings and an audio-only output. The absence of digital components means minimal risk of failure in wet, dusty, or high-vibration environments.

  • Proven Magnetic Gradient Technology
    Detects differences in magnetic field strength between two precisely spaced sensors. This differential measurement allows for fast pinpointing with intuitive audio cues.

  • Reliable in Any Weather
    Sealed, waterproof construction protects internal components from moisture and dirt. The GA-52Cx performs in rain, snow, and extreme temperatures.
  • Field-Tested Ergonomics
    The lightweight, balanced design reduces operator fatigue. A robust ABS housing and aluminum sensor tubes ensure years of field use without performance degradation.

Technical Specifications

Feature Specification
Detection Ferrous metals only
Max Detection Depth Up to 16 feet (varies by target size/orientation)
Audio Output Speaker-based pitch tone
Sensitivity Settings 5 levels via side-mounted selector switch
Operating Temperature -13°F to +140°F (-25°C to +60°C)
Water Resistance IP65-rated housing
Battery Life 40 hours with two 9V batteries
Length 42.3 inches
Weight 2.5 lbs (1.14 kg)

Applications

  • Locating valve boxes, curb stops, and buried iron pipes

  • Finding survey markers and rebar in concrete

  • Mapping utility lines during pre-excavation scans

  • Recovery of buried ferrous tools or structures

  • Utility maintenance, archaeology, and military UXO detection

How It Works

The GA-52Cx leverages Earth's natural magnetic field to detect anomalies caused by ferrous objects underground. Its two sensors are precisely spaced to read the ambient magnetic field in unison. When a magnetic gradient is detected—caused by a buried iron object—the locator emits a rising or falling pitch tone, alerting the operator.

Operators perform grid or X-pattern sweeps to zero in on the strongest signal point. The pitch intensifies as you approach the target, with greater sensitivity revealing smaller or deeper items. Unlike electromagnetic locators, this tool ignores aluminum, brass, and copper, reducing false positives and increasing efficiency on metallic-only jobs.

Why Choose the GA-52Cx

Field techs consistently rely on the GA-52Cx for its balance of simplicity, performance, and durability. With no screens to crack, no software to update, and no learning curve, it’s the go-to locator when uptime and dependability matter most.

If you're managing buried iron infrastructure—or simply need a locator that just works—this is the tool to trust.

Order the Schonstedt GA-52Cx Today

Green Equipment Company proudly supplies the GA-52Cx to municipalities, contractors, and field service teams who demand reliable performance in all conditions.

Contact our team at 1 (800) 391-7612 or request a quote today to get pricing and availability.

Need to outfit a full crew or add accessories? We can help with volume orders and complete locator kits.

Documents

Call for Pricing 1 (800) 391-7612
Schedule a Free On-Site DemoRequest a Quote Today

Austin Proper South including Valley of Texas

Salesman – Luis Hernandez
Cell: 210-410-7589
Fax: 210-568-6451

Dallas East Metroplex – Northeast Texas

Salesman – Jimmy Fougerousse
Cell: 817-247-5039
Fax: 469-362-9112

Houston and South Gulf Region Texas

Salesman – David Plummer
Cell: 713-542-9944
Fax: 713-568-2471

Fort Worth West Metroplex – West Texas

Salesman – Brandon Baker
Cell: 817-307-0808
Fax: 817-284-1107

Oklahoma and Arkansas

Salesman – Jason Crowe
Cell: 918-691-4360
Fax: 918-516-0563

New Mexico, El Paso, and Texas Panhandle

Salesman – John Neely
Cell: 505-999-0753

Louisiana and Southern Mississippi

Salesman – Donald Love
Cell: 225-281-8286
Fax: 225-612-6740

Florida less Panhandle
East of Tallahassee

Salesman – Dan Kemper
Cell: 352-428-7582
Fax: 352-799-9779

Alabama, Florida Panhandle
(including Tallahassee),
and Northern Mississippi

Salesman – Jason Wiley
Cell: 205-565-9265
Fax: 205-278-8742

Florida South

Salesman - Damion Kemper
Cell: 352-428-8363