- August 16, 2024
- By: Admin
- in: Motor Graders, Uncategorized

Motor Graders are specifically used on roads to smoothen surfaces, level soil, fine grade, and shift dirt in small amounts. This highly technical and expensive machine requires regular maintenance and upkeep. In this blog, we’ll explore how motor graders operate and ensure regular maintenance. You can also check out our range of new and used motor graders if you are interested in buying one for your project.
How do Motor Graders Operate?
Motor Graders are one of the most sophisticated construction site machines. Let us explore how it should be operated in a stepwise manner.
Step 1 – Ensure that the motor grader is equipped with lights, turn signals, flashing beacons, etc. Avoid all obstacles or hazards, from ledges, slide areas, over-hands, water mains, underground cables, or gas lines.
Step 2 – Raise the moldboard before starting the motor graders. Keep it straight up and roll the blade forward to make its edge blunt and enhance visibility. Further, note that you should keep the moldboard parallel with the front axle, centralized to the frame, and closely lowered to the ground to mitigate the risk of rolling over.
Step 3 – Ensure that the operating speed is maintained typically at 3 to 5 mph. The process of ditching or blading should be done slowly to prevent the motor grader from bouncing and gauging the surface and losing control of the grader. Do not articulate the motor grader while on a steep slope, or it can cause the grader to roll over, leading to injury, or a fatal accident.
Step 4 – Articulate the rear frame toward the toe of the moldboard. Make sure it is articulated by 2 to 5 degrees to prevent the motor grader from bouncing.
Step 5 – Lower the teeth into the ground while using the ripper. You can raise the ripper if you find that the wheels are losing traction.
Step 6 – Lean the wheels in the direction the motor grader is being turned for ease of movement. However, do not apply too much downward pressure.
Step 7 – Make sure that both ends of the blade are monitored during any lifting process. Sometimes, lifting one end may cause the other end of the blade to drop by 1/4th of the distance.
Step 8 – Stop the motor grader completely before shifting from forward gear to reverse gear, or vice versa.
How to maintain Motor graders for enhanced performance
Maintaining the motor grader is of the highest importance. Here’s a list of useful maintenance tips for motor graders.
- Perform pre-operation and start-up checks daily. Inspect the areas beneath and around the machine before starting it. Check the controls, brake adjustment, engine compartment, gearboxes, signs of wear, missing loose bolts from the blade, etc.
- Check the tire pressure and the wheels for any kind of damage.
- Check for excessive damage at points including the circle drive for leaks, blade shift for excessive play, or pivot points for debris and dirt.
- Ensure all moving parts in the machine are lubricated well.
- Before initiating any operation, apart from checking every area of the machine, test it as well. So, run the controls for a short while, including the accelerator, and the steering mechanisms.
- Wipe off any grease or dirt from the engine openings like the filler necks and dipsticks.
- Do not oil the machine while the engine is running.
- If you want to make any adjustments to the engine or the electrical equipment, ensure to disconnect the battery to prevent explosions or fire hazards.
- Pivot points require lubrication in specific ways, so make sure to read the guidelines carefully.
- Make sure the blade circle and side shift cylinder are cleaned and lubricated with graphite based on the guidelines in the operator’s manual.
- Check the hydraulic system for connections and leaking lines, bent lines, or lines rubbing against other components.
- Always check the cooling system, adjust the coolant level when needed, and inspect the radiator cap, clamps, hoses, and fan belts.
- Check the tension and condition of the belts in the machine.
- Check the transmission for any leaks and the fluid level. Do not coast the machine when the transmission is in neutral or when the clutch is disengaged.
- Examine all the safety devices and other warnings like the lights and backup alarms.
- Check the wiring, insulation, and other essential connections. Verify whether the lights, flags on the moldboard and cab, and the lights are functioning well.
The upkeep and maintenance of motor graders will ensure their longevity. Find high-performing motor graders at Hexco.
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