MOTOR GRADER OPERATING TIPS PART 1

Proper use of the moldboard tip on your motor grader can increase your machine productivity and cutting edge life, plus help prevent machine damage. The top of the moldboard can be tipped ahead of or behind the cutting edge. This helps position the cutting edge at its proper angle to obtain the desired cutting and rolling action on the material. Maintain a rolling action on the material to reduce the horsepower you need to finish the job. Tip the moldboard forward to cut hard material or perform light finishing work.  

After cutting into the material, tip the blade backward to create a rolling action in the material being graded. Tip the moldboard backward to create a lift and throw action, which is useful when spreading material. 

Estimated watch time: 2 minutes

The moldboard is at a zero-degree angle when it's positioned at a right angle to the mainframe. This position is normally used for bulldozing materials straight ahead for short distances. Most motor grader work is done at moldboard angles of 10 to 45 degrees, though you will want to use a steeper blade angle when working material uphill and a reduced blade angle when working material downhill. 

Estimated watch time: 1 minute

The tops of the front wheels are normally leaned in the direction that the material comes off the moldboard. Lean the front wheel against the side draft to keep the front wheels from sliding off the desired line, to shorten turn radius and to reduce front sliding on slopes or in turns. 

When cutting ditches, you can also lean the top of the tires toward the centerline of the road to help prevent sidewall damage. When working a side slope and using articulation, lean the top of the tires toward the top of the slope. This can also help make slight steering corrections in finishing and other applications. 

Estimated watch time: 2 minutes

The auto articulation feature automatically articulates the machine, cutting back on operator inputs. The rear frame of the machine follows the front steering wheel angle. Auto articulation operates using a three-position switch that lets you select forward and reverse mode and forward-only mode. 

To start auto articulation, turn off the parking brake and unlock the implement lockout switch. Auto articulation is active in forward gears one through four and reverse gears one through three. It is disabled with the key off, and will need to be turned back on when the motor grader is started again.

Estimated watch time: 2 minutes

The transmission modulator control, also known as the inching pedal, disengages power to the wheels. The inching pedal is designed to be used in all loading conditions. By using it, you can vary the machine speed independent of the engine speed for short durations. This becomes useful when you require high controllability and maneuverability of your grader. Inching allows the operator to vary the ground speed while keeping engine speed high for quick implement response.  

Estimated watch time: 3 minutes