As for how to get along without one, a simple hand level will do the job for simple work, we have a grade rod holder and set it in the ground, stick the rod in it, and then use a hand level anywhere you needed to check grade, quick simple and cheap, still use it sometimes just to check grade to save having to get everything out and set up all the laser stuff. If you have a helper, a transit is much cheaper and still accurate, for years we used a transit set up and just moved the grade rod holder and grade rod and it was still a one man show, but for a couple hundred bucks verses several thousand for someone who doesn't need to use it lot, works great and transits don't have any issues like lasers do with things going wrong and needing repairs. There are a lot of ways to get around needing a laser, but this depends on what type of work you do and how much you need to use it and how accurate you need to be. Most moving dirt don't really need the accuracy as much as the speed and convience lasers give, not to mention coupled with machine controls, makes life so much easier, to sit on a dozer, scraper or excavator and not have to deal with a helper who's never where you need them and to have to get off and do the checking and measuring yourself.