Trimble Multi-Purpose Construction Lasers forSteep-Slope Grading and High-Accuracy Applications Spectra Precision Laser GL742 and GL762 from Trimble

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 17, 2004 -- Trimble (NASDAQ:TRMB) announced two new grade laser transmitter products--the GL742 and GL762. The products extend the capabilities of the Spectra Precision® Laser GL700 series from Trimble for grade control and general construction applications.

The announcement was made at the World of Concrete 2004 show, the industry's largest annual commercial construction show.

The Spectra Precision Laser GL742 is positioned as Trimble's premier grade laser transmitter for multi-purpose machine control and general construction applications. Offering 2-way remote, plus a Y axis grade range of 0 to 110%, the GL742 is designed to provide the advantage of highly accurate steep-slope grading, such as sea or retaining walls, dam embankments, environmental or waste dump sites, parking garages and other extreme slope settings.

The Spectra Precision Laser GL762 from Trimble has also been introduced to add a high accuracy model to the GL700 Series. The GL762 is engineered for sites that need high accuracy and precision over longer distance ranges. Typical applications include airport paving, longer-range roads and large concrete construction sites. The product also is expected to be of interest to specialty contractors working on golf courses, racetracks, playing fields, parking lots, gas stations, landscaping, animal husbandry and large public works projects.

The GL742 and GL762 share a few advanced features

• Long-range wireless radio remote control for both units is designed to allow the operator to remotely change grade up to a 230 meter (755 feet) radius range from within the cab, change grade without a ladder, and to automatically align any side of any grade axis up to +/- 40 degrees. Functioning via wireless remote control also eliminates the need for a second worker to manually change the settings.
• Both models feature automatic axis alignment that is designed to provide alignment of either side of any grade axis to the desired remote point. The operating range is from up to 150 meters (500 feet) from the transmitter.
• The grade match mode is designed to automatically match and display the grade. To achieve this, the receiver should be set at the same height as the transmitter. Then, after pressing the button on the wireless remote, the transmitter is designed to automatically match and display the grade, without having to return to the laser transmitter.
• PlaneLok has been developed for applications requiring maximum stability and accuracy. The feature is engineered to eliminate beam drift by locking the laser beam to a fixed elevation. Once locked, the remote control and the laser beam are expected to maintain the exact elevation all day regardless of environmental changes.
• The GL742 and GL762 also feature an advanced optical design intended to extend accuracy to almost one mile. Both models incorporate automatic temperature and grade compensation.

Trimble's new GL742 and GL762 grade lasers are available now through Trimble's Geomatics and Engineering dealer network.

About Trimble's Geomatics and Engineering Business

Trimble, a world leader in GPS, construction lasers, robotic total stations and machine control solutions, is creating a broad range of innovative solutions that will change the way construction work is done. The Geomatics and Engineering Business of Trimble is focusing on the development of technology and solutions in the core areas of surveying, construction and infrastructure. From concept to completion, Trimble's integrated systems streamline jobs and improve productivity.

About Trimble

Trimble is a leading innovator of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. In addition to providing advanced GPS components, Trimble augments GPS with other positioning technologies as well as wireless communications and software to create complete customer solutions. Trimble's worldwide presence and unique capabilities position the Company for growth in emerging applications including surveying, automobile navigation, machine guidance, asset tracking, wireless platforms, and telecommunications infrastructure. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., Trimble has more than 2,000 employees in more than 20 countries worldwide.

Media Contact: Jeff Winke of High Velocity Communications: 262-544-6600
Media Contact: LeaAnn McNabb of Trimble: 408-481-7808