Motor graders, also known as road graders or simply graders, are typically used to finish grading, leveling, and flattening surfaces on road building projects before the roads are paved. Motor graders will cost anywhere from $8,000 for an older, used model to $450,000 or more for a new model.
SIZE:
When choosing a motor grader, size is important because you must determine whether mobility or capacity is more important. Smaller graders are ideal for operating in tight spaces, but because they can’t support wider blades, you may need to make more passes to cover the ground. Large graders are capable of handling larger blades allowing them to increase productivity by covering more ground in a single pass. However, larger graders are often more difficult to maneuver and typically consume more fuel. When comparing models, keep the specific application in mind to ensure you get the right equipment for the job.
Caterpillar’srange of motor graders is the biggest in the market. This includes grader models that range from the 120, which can weigh as little as 34,886 pounds, to the 24,which weighs 161,695 pounds. Because of the large size difference, the 120 can support blades up to 12 feet wide while the 24 can support blades up to 24 feet. John Deere’s motor graders, on the other hand, are all roughly the same size weighing between 40,350 and 46,710 pounds. A good example is the Deere 772, which has a 44,570-pound operating weight.
ENGINE
The Mahindra Road Master G75 which produces less than 80 horsepower and the CAT 24 which produces up to 535 horsepower are examples of motor graders with diesel engines. A larger engine produces more steam but also consumes more fuel, so there is a trade-off. That is why it is critical to choose the appropriate machine for the job.
The majority of these engines follow the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Tier 4 final emissions requirements, which means they use exhaust aftertreatment systems to minimize emissions including NOx (nitrogen oxide) and particulate matter. However, since pollution regulations are not enforced in every region, some manufacturers continue to sell their products below Tier 4 standards.Choose a model with a Tier 4 (or international equivalent) engine if you work in a regulated industry or a country with strict standards.
VERSATILE MODELS
Many models of motor graders can accommodate attachments other than the grading blade placed between the front and rear axles. In the winter, for example, some graders are converted into snow plows by adding an extra blade to the front of the vehicle. Other used construction tools are also available to be used as attachments. Those options include adding a ripper attachment to the machine’s rear or a mid-mounted scarifies to rip through especially tough terrain or a rear compactor attachment for an even smoother finish.
AUTOMATION
Telematics devices, control solutions with sensors, automation functions, and other advanced technologies are now available from construction equipment manufacturers to make operations simpler and more effective. Cat Connect and Komatsu KOMTRAX are two examples of platforms that enable fleet managers to track machine efficiency, monitor machine health, and improve overall site performance. Specialized systems such as Cat Grade and John Deere SmartGrade automate some elements of the grading process to get the right grading result in fewer passes, saving both fuel and manpower.
New or Used Consideration:
It all comes down to features, quality, and condition when deciding whether to purchase new or used equipment. When you buy new, you will pay a higher price, but you get to choose the options to include what you need. You can ensure that the equipment meets all your requirements and has the most up-to-date technology and a complete factory warranty. Buying a used motor grader for sale will save you money in the short-term, but if you want to guarantee lower long-term costs, you should inspect theequipmentbefore purchasing it.
Read More: Fixing the Issue of Page Fault in Nonpaged Area
