The machine has a frame (1) and blades (2) pivoted to it and a measuring device (10) measuring penetration into ground. The device has a no-contact sensor (12) and its distance above the ground depends on the depth to which the blades penetrate (T) measured at at least one blade. The sensor may be ultrasound or infra red and may be mounted in a holder (13) shaped like a parallelogram. The holder is attached to the frame of the machine and is coupled to the blades by a rod (19). One arm (6) of the holder is formed by the blade retaining arm.