Motor Graders

Motor graders have a number of important uses. In the United States, most motor graders are used primarily for road maintenance. The wide blade on the motor graders makes them especially useful for creating the wide, flat surface out of the road before the asphalt is laid down. Motor graders can be used to clean or clear an area of debris and brush. A motor grader can also be used to perfect the rough grade made by larger, clumsier machines such as bulldozers. In some more rural localities, motor graders can even be utilized for snow removal purposes, saving the municipality money by doubling the function of one machine instead of having to purchase two. With a wide range of uses and a wide variety of sizes and functions, the features a potential buyer needs to look for on a motor grader will depend on what it is going to be primarily used for. When making any large equipment purchase, including shopping for a new or used motor grader, it is important to compare the differences in frame type, blade size and movement, weight, power, speed, agility, cost and resale value.

When purchasing a new or used motor grader, it is important to look at different brands such as John Deere and Champion and to compare the features offered by the different companies. Comparing the frame type, blade, horse power, weight, speed, all-wheel drive ability, comfort and longevity of the machine may prove useful in determining which motor grader is right for you. The difference between the brands, including John Deere and Champion, might influence the decision that you make.

Most motor graders come with one of two frame types. The frame is either rigid or articulate. Most new models feature an articulate frame, but some models have not changed their frame design since the early eighties and nineties when rigid frames were the norm. Many used motor graders from that time period will be equipped with a rigid frame. Articulate frames provide for a wider range of motion, and allow the motor graders to be more versatile machines.

The use of motor graders is changing due to the paving of more rural roads. Because of the changes to the infrastructure system in many rural areas, motor graders have had to become more versatile to keep up with the changing times. Very few rigid frame models are still available in North America. Of the models available with an articulate body frame, there are two possible configurations.

The articulation joint can either be placed in front of the cab or behind the cab. Proponents of the behind the cab placement of the articulation joint claim it allows for a clearer view and better visibility to the moldboard. Like many other models, Champion motor graders are designed with the articulation joint behind the cab. However, unlike other models, Champion places the transmission ahead of the articulation joint, which adds additional weight to blade and, when combined with additional horsepower, increases the production power. John Deere motor graders come with the articulation joint placed in front of the cab. Despite the fact that many of the competitors are taking the alternate route, John Deere dealers say placing the articulation joint in the front of the cab allows the operator to know where the front half of the vehicle is in relation to the back half. Models with the articulation joint behind the cab have to provide a monitor to show where that relationship.

Most motor graders come with the capacity to handle a blade width of between 2.50 to 7.30 meters. Depending on the type of work that needs to be done, different blade sizes may be necessary. When looking at different models of new or used motor graders, comparing lift and blade rotation is always a good idea. The measurement of motor grader blade lift will determine how high the machine is capable of lifting the blade off of the ground. The type of work the motor grader will be used for and the environment in which it is used will determine how high the blade will need to be lifted. Similarly, it is important to look at the rotation of the blade. For some work, including snow removal and road maintenance, it will be necessary to angle the motor grader blade to the side. For the greatest productivity, the operator should be able to make these adjustments quickly and easily from inside of the cab.

To determine how much horsepower is actually needed in a motor grader, you simply have to determine what type of job you will be doing on a regular basis. Smaller motor graders usually have horsepower in the range of 80 to 150 horses. The smaller motor graders and their smaller horsepower will be more than adequate for most jobs; including driveways, some road maintenance, landscaping and small parking lot projects. In addition, since the machine is smaller not only in power, but also in size, it will be easier to maneuver and operate in tight spaces. For larger jobs, including large amounts of road maintenance and parking lots larger than one acre in size, a motor grader with more horsepower and size is more functional. Although the machines will not be nearly as easy to operate in small spaces, the power will pay off on the larger jobs. Champion motor graders come in a range of sizes and with a range of power. On average Champion motor graders can be equipped with horsepower of between 80 and 235 horses. Many John Deere motor graders come with larger engines, and horsepower of between 140 to 245 horses.

The weight of the machine in most instances will correspond to how much horsepower it has. Larger machines need more horsepower to tow around their increased weight and size. As previously stated, the type of job being done will determine how much horsepower and in turn what size vehicle is needed. The Champion series motor graders come in an average weight of between 4,273 kilograms to 19,388 kilograms. The overall weight of the vehicle is not nearly as important as the weight placement. Most motor graders have 70 percent of the vehicles weight over the rear axle and 30 percent over the front axle. This is an important factor in determining power and control of the vehicle. Champion claims that they have optimized the weight placement over the drive wheels and blade base, optimizing the pull down pressure. Larger John Deere motor graders have a standard weight of up to 19,160 kilograms.

Some motor graders are faster than others, and depending on what type of job you are looking to do speed might be an issue for you. Many of the Champion motor graders come with a range of eight forward and four reverse speeds, which is why they are know as having 8400 transmissions. The eight speeds are evenly stepped to allow for easy shifting. The 8400 transmission on the Champion models allows the machine to reach a maximum speed of 44.8 kilometers an hour. Many of the Champion models also come equipped with “creep mode.” Creep mode is specifically engineered for jobs where fine grading is a necessity. The operator of the machine can switch into “creep mode” when it is necessary for the vehicle to travel at low speeds, and the motor grader will only achieve a top speed of 3.8 kilometers an hour.

John Deere models have a similar low speed precision mode on some of their machines. John Deere motor graders are similar in their overall speed. Models with horsepower in the 140 to 205 range get an average speed of between 3.5 and 41.5 kilometers an hour. These models similarly have eight forward speeds, but unlike the Champion models, many of the John Deere’s also come with eight reverse speeds as well. These John Deere models can travel at identical speeds whether traveling forward or in reverse.

Although many of the motor graders on the market today come with an all wheel drive system, some are manufactured with only a front wheel drive or four-wheel drive capacity. The conditions in which the machine will be used will determine whether or not you need an all wheel drive motor grader. If the machine is going to be regularly used in unpaved environments, then an all wheel drive model may be the way to go. However, if the machine will be primarily used on paved roads without snowy conditions, all wheel drive may not be necessary. Champion motor graders boost that they have the only true all wheel drive system for compact motor graders. This is due to the fact that some other manufacturers have unproved all wheel drive capabilities or machines that provide power to all of the wheels, but not full power. All wheel drive maximizes the graders ability to move through soft soil and increases the graders pushing power.

When looking at the purchase of a new or used motor grader, it is important to think of the comfort of the operator. Many innovations are being applied to the cab of the motor graders to ensure the comfort of the operator. John Deere motor graders come equipped with an improved heating ventilation and air conditioning system that ensures the operator is able to maintain a comfortable temperature while inside the vehicle, while also maintaining a clear windshield to ensure visibility. Some John Deere motor graders have also seen the addition of a new switch module. The module, which comes completely sealed and with backlit push buttons, has been installed in a convenient location, which John Deere manufacturers are hoping will reduce operator fatigue. Manufacturers of Champion motor graders are similarly concerned about comfort. Champion has made their machines with all of the controls centrally located for operator convenience. Like the John Deere machines, many of the Champion models are equipped with an advanced climate control system and additionally the cabs have been redesigned to increase the visibility. Newer Champion models include a 360-degree visibility system, which allows the operator to see everything that is happening outside of the cab.

With the proper care and maintenance a good motor grader can last for ten to fifteen years or more. Proper training and maintenance of the vehicle is essential to maximize the efficiency and longevity of the machine. To ensure the optimum performance of the vehicle it is recommended that the operator perform a pre-inspection every day or every time the vehicle is used. The operator should walk around the motor grader, checking the tire pressure, the fluids, and the condition of the blade. Because the blade on the motor grader takes the brunt of the abuse, it should be checked before it is used.

Regular maintenance of the vehicle is crucial, as it would be to any piece of machinery. To ensure the constant productivity of their motor graders, John Deere has established an extended coverage warranty. The details of the warranty differ from one machine to the next, but a factor warranty, like the one offered by John Deere is an easy way to protect yourself in the event of a vehicle breakdown. John Deere also offers a planned maintenance agreement. Maintenance of your motor grader is performed where and when you need it, ensuring that problems are found in their early stages, and preventing you from dealing with the hassle of waste disposal. When purchasing a new or used motor grader it is important to consider everything it will be used for as well as all of the factors that will influence how long the vehicle will last. Regular vehicle maintenance and care will significantly prolong the life of the vehicle, ensuring that you get your money’s worth.