Which is the best motor grader?

14 Apr.,2024

 

Insight - 53 Min read

February 23, 2024

If you're looking for a versatile and powerful machine that can help you with a variety of tasks, a compact motor grader is a great option. Compact motor graders are smaller and more manoeuvrable than traditional motor graders, making them ideal for use in tight spaces. They're also relatively affordable, making them a good choice for businesses on a budget. In this guide, we'll discuss the factors you need to consider when buying a compact motor grader, including size, power, features, and price. We'll also provide a comparison of some of the most popular compact motor graders on the market. So whether you're a contractor, landscaper, or farmer, read on for everything you need to know about buying a compact motor grader.

What is a compact motor grader?

A compact motor grader is a type of construction equipment that is used to grade and level surfaces. It has a long blade that can be raised and lowered, as well as side-to-side, to create a smooth and even surface. Compact motor graders are often used in construction, landscaping, and agriculture.

What does a Motor Grader do?

If you are looking for a versatile, manoeuvrable, and affordable machine that can help you with your construction, landscaping, or agricultural needs, a compact motor grader is a great option. Here are some of the specific tasks that compact motor graders can be used for:

  • Grading roads: Compact motor graders can be used to grade roads, creating a smooth and even surface for traffic.

  • Creating ditches: Compact motor graders can be used to create ditches, which can be used for drainage or irrigation.

  • Levelling surfaces: Compact motor graders can be used to level surfaces, such as construction sites or agricultural fields.

  • Snow removal: Compact motor graders can be used to remove snow from roads and sidewalks.

  • Other tasks: Compact motor graders can also be used for a variety of other tasks, such as creating parking lots, building foundations, and clearing land.

Buying Guide

Once you have considered the factors above, you can start to narrow down your choices. It is a good idea to test drive several different compact motor graders before making a decision. This will help you to get a feel for how each machine handles and which one is the best fit for your needs.

here are some factors to consider when buying a compact motor grader:

  • Size: Compact motor graders come in a variety of sizes, so it's important to choose one that is the right size for your needs. If you're working in tight spaces, you'll need a smaller grader. If you need to grade large areas, you'll need a larger grader.

  • Power: Compact motor graders also come in a variety of power ratings, so it's important to choose one that has enough power to handle the tasks you need it to do. If you're doing heavy-duty work, you'll need a grader with more power.

  • Features: Compact motor graders come with a variety of features, such as blade angle adjustment, automatic grade control, and 360-degree visibility. Choose the features that are most important to you.

  • Price: Compact motor graders range in price from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. Choose a grader that fits your budget.

  • Do your research: Read reviews, compare prices, and learn as much as you can about the different models available.

  • Test drive several different models: This will help you to get a feel for how each machine handles and which one is the best fit for your needs.

  • Buy from a reputable dealer: This will ensure that you get a quality machine and that you have someone to turn to if you need service or repairs.

By following these tips, you can find the perfect compact motor grader for your needs.

Here are some of the most popular compact motor graders on the market:

  • John Deere 25G: The John Deere 25G is a popular compact motor grader that is known for its durability and performance. It is also equipped with a variety of features, such as automatic grade control and 360-degree visibility.

  • Case CX130: The Case CX130 is another popular compact motor grader that is known for its power and versatility. It is also equipped with a variety of features, such as blade angle adjustment and a powerful engine.

  • Komatsu GD555: The Komatsu GD555 is a compact motor grader that is known for its fuel efficiency and ease of operation. It is also equipped with a variety of features, such as a comfortable cab and a powerful engine.

When you are ready to buy a compact motor grader, it is important to do your research and compare prices from different sources. You should also test-drive several different graders before making a decision. This will help you to get a feel for how each machine handles and which one is the best fit for your needs.

Compact motor graders are a great addition to any construction or landscaping fleet. They are versatile machines that can be used for a variety of tasks, including grading roads, creating ditches, and leveling surfaces. They are also relatively affordable, making them a good option for businesses on a budget. Here are some popular brands are:

John Deere 25G

  • 130 horsepower engine

  • 10-foot blade

  • 360-degree visibility

  • Automatic grade control

Case CX130

  • 150 horsepower engine

  • 11-foot blade

  • Comfortable cab

  • Powerful engine

Komatsu GD555

  • 170 horsepower engine

  • 12-foot blade

  • Fuel-efficient

  • Easy to operate

Volvo G740E

  • 180 horsepower engine

  • 13-foot blade

  • 3D grade control

  • Excellent visibility

Terex TA300

  • 200 horsepower engine

  • 14-foot blade

  • Heavy-duty construction

  • Wide range of attachments

Caterpillar 252D

  • 220 horsepower engine

  • 15-foot blade

  • Excellent manoeuvrability

  • Durable construction

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Case CE’s 865B motor grader has a 220-hp engine

 

Motor graders are versatile machines in construction: They help build roads, cut ditches, move aggregates, make sloping banks and grade surfaces.

Even with advancements in grade control platforms and other technology, motor graders are essential to construction.

This month, CONEXPO-CON/AGG 365 is giving these machines their due by featuring assorted models and spotlighting trends in graders’ design, production and use.

Below are the latest offerings from five top manufacturers. Inlcuded in each section will be certain featured models, their specifications and some captivating videos of the machines in action.

Case Construction Equipment’s 836C, 865B and 885B

The 836C, checking in with an operating weight of approximately 13.8 tons (12,500 kg) and a 156-horsepower engine, is the lightest and smallest of the trio.

As for Case CE’s two 800 Series models, the 865B has a 220-hp engine and an operating weight of 16.9 tons (15,330 kg), and the 885B works with 234 hp and an operating weight of 20.6 tons (18,710 kg).

According to the manufacturer, the two smaller models (836C and 865B) are suited for infrastructure and quarrying, but the largest 885B machine can handle agriculture, recycling and urban development functions, as well.

Watch Case CE’s 865B motor grader go to work.

 

 Caterpillar’s Cat 24 motor grader

Four of Cat’s motor grader models are named after their blade width: The Cat 14, Cat 16, Cat 18 and Cat 24 have blades that measure 12, 16, 18 and 24 inches, respectively.

The manufacturer’s other six models are mostly smaller (topping out at 14-inch blades and with engines ranging from 139-250 hp), but they boast Caterpillar grading and emissions-conscious technology that allow them to

perform with more efficiency and lower operating and maintenance costs.

 

Watch the Cat 140 motor grader in action.

 

John Deere’s 772G motor grader

John Deere’s eight motor grader models

With eight options, John Deere’s selection rivals Caterpillar’s catalogue while putting the company’s own spin on the roadbuilding equipment.

All John Deere models are available with the manufacturer’s SmartGrade platform as an option, and four machines (622G, 672G, 772G and 872G) have six-wheel drive.

The eight John Deere motor graders range from approoximately 20-22.6 tons of operating weight, and the models’ engines range from 215-300 hp.

Watch John Deere show off the Motor Grader Premium Circle option for its models.

 

 

The GD655-7 motor grader from Komatsu

The manufacturer’s two models are quite similar: Both have dual-mode transmissions, engines with 218 hp, 14-foot moldboards and operating weights within 1,000 lbs of each other (18.7 tons for the GD655-6 and 19.1 tons for the GD655-7).

Setting the two apart are the cab design enhancements (such as a smaller, “right-sized” steering wheel) included with the GD655-7, the newer model of the two that was introduced in March 2019.

Watch a video to familiarize yourself with the GD655-7’s upgraded controls.

 

Volvo Construction Equipment’s 34 motor grader models

Volvo CE has launched several generations of motor graders since 2001, and in 2002, the G700B Series were powered exclusively with Volvo engines.

Volvo Construction Equipment’s C Series motor grader

 

After the manufacturer sold its compact motor grader business in 2004, the company launched the G900 Series in 2006, and finally in 2012, the first of the C Series models, equipped with more powerful Tier 4 engines, were introduced.

Watch Volvo CE’s C Series motor graders on the jobsite.

 

 

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