MOTOR GRADER OPERATING TIPS PART 2

To keep your machine as stable as possible when maintaining a road surface, your motor grader’s mainframe should be straight. Keep the drawbar and circle centered under the frame. For the widest possible pass width on the travel surface, keep the moldboard angle as square to the frame as possible. If material starts to flow around the leading end of the moldboard, or if the rolling action dies, increase the blade angle. 

We know you want to stay productive, but make sure you keep your speed low enough to prevent machine bounce. Keep a distance between the windrow you are working with and the inside of the front tire. To prevent sidewall damage from sharp rocks, keep the front tire clear of and never run over windrows. 

Make sure the moldboard is discharging materials safely outside of the rear tandem tires. If necessary, slightly shift the drawbar to the discharge side. 

Estimated watch time: 2 minutes

Move the back frame toward the heel of the moldboard 15 to 18 degrees. Shift the circle, drawbar and moldboard toward the piles with the moldboard at a 30- to 40-degree blade angle. Keep the front wheels on a smooth surface, and cut out a windrow the machine can handle. Then spread it over the road surface. You may need to work material in both directions. 

Estimated watch time: 1 minute

When finishing a pass, move the grader to the discharge side and lift the blade. Notice that the windrow remains straight prior to executing the turnaround. Turn all controls to the opposite side and start your articulated turnaround. Reposition the blade for the next pass.  

Estimated watch time: 1 minute

The three-point turn gives you the most efficient and tightest turn radius. Utilizing auto articulation and/or wheel lean also enables a tighter turn radius. For a bird’s eye view of motor grader turn techniques, watch this video: 

Estimated watch time: 2 minutes