Before you purchase a motor grader, you need to do proper research and make sure that you are buying the right equipment for your business and at the right price. Since there are so many different brands and models of motor graders available on the market, you may have some difficulty choosing one for your fleet. The following are a few things that will help you make a decision when you are looking for a used motor grader for sale.
Motor graders are one of the most-used pieces of heavy equipment on construction sites, and they handle some of the jobs’ most rugged work. Graders are sized by weight, and there are lots of variables between different classes, makes, and models. So, here’s a quick look at some of the most important tips and considerations when buying a new motor grader.
Advice for Buying a New Motor Grader
- Identify the applications you need it for. Motor graders handle many applications and types of ground surfaces that are similar, but not always the same. It matters whether you’re using the equipment for construction, roadwork, agricultural work, forestry jobs, mining applications, or other purposes. Do you only want it for grading and scarifying? What about cutting trenches, mixing aggregates, or creating crowns to shed rainwater? Discuss the intended applications with your dealer to help ensure you choose the right motor grader and make a smart investment for your company.
- Consider the size. Size and weight affect how much material a motor grader can move, and how efficiently. Larger jobs generally require larger machines, while smaller jobs often depend more on maneuverability. Remember, though, that bigger, heavier motor graders consume more fuel, and you need to be equipped to transport and store them.
- Look at the engine power. Like the motor grader’s size, its engine power partly determines the work it can do and the efficiency with which it can do it. Typical motor grader engines range from around 100 to 200 horsepower. More demanding applications call for higher horsepower.
- Review all the important features. Learn about the machine’s turning radius, the stability and turning performance of the moldboard, how many teeth the motor grader accommodates, how slowly it can go for finish grading, and so on.
- Prioritize cab comfort and easy operability. A comfortable, thoughtfully designed cab and control system increases worker productivity and satisfaction. The cab should be ergonomically designed and sensibly set up with essential controls within reach. The ability to alternate between automatic and manual transmission makes it easier to work on a variety of ground conditions. High visibility and well-placed mirrors are crucial for safety, too.
- Select for serviceability. Preventive maintenance is so important to keeping your motor graders running at peak power, efficiency, and safety. When buying a new motor grader, choose one with convenient features that make daily checkpoints and service areas easily accessible.
- Purchase a motor grader with telematics. A remote monitoring system does a lot to boost performance, productivity, and safety at the job site. It also helps protect your investment and simplifies office work like keeping track of maintenance schedules. Opt for motor graders that come equipped with a cutting-edge telematics system.
Things to Know Before Buying a Motor Grader
Motor graders or alternatively called road graders, graders or maintainers are absolutely necessary equipment at any construction site. Typically, they are self-propelled machines that have long adjustable metal blade positioned between the front and rear wheel of the equipment. The motor grader models have three axles with the engine and cab situated above the rear axles at one end of the vehicle and a third axle at the front end of the vehicle with the blade in between. Generally, motor graders are employed for creating smooth and flat surface after using bulldozers and scrapers.
Motor graders come in a variety of forms and sizes and they can be found on every major construction site all over the world. Since, there are many models of motor graders found in the market, buying the right one that suits all your job requirements demand careful attention and comparison. Thus, it goes without saying that buying a motor grader is a very complicated task as this calls for consideration of many important factors.
- Your exact requirement: Since buying motor grader is a costly affair, you need to have a clear understanding of what it can and cannot do and whether it is the right equipment for the job that you are planning to perform with it. Various types of motor graders can be used for performing similar but different grading tasks. So, before buying any type of motor grader, you need to know your exact requirement and determine the purpose for which you will be using the motor grader. Generally, motor graders are used for making smoother surfaces, fine grade, levelling soil, shifting small amounts of dirt, preparing the topmost layer for laying asphalt on top of it, removing snow and debris and to set native soil foundation pads to finish grade prior to the construction of large buildings. Simply put, motor graders can be used for construction work, forestry and mining applications.
- The engine power: A powerful engine can help any equipment to work the best. Hence, before buying any motor grader model, you need to look at its engine power. Generally, the engine power of the motor grader defines the type of work it can do and has an impact on the cost too. Most graders that can be found in the market today are equipped with engines that provide horsepower ranging from 100-200 horsepower.
- The equipment price: One of the most important things to be kept in mind while purchasing a motor grader is price. Well, most of the rates at which the motor graders are available on purchase are highly competitive, yet you need to ensure that you buy the motor grader which fits well within your budget and does all the tasks that you want it to do.
- Manufacturer details: It always makes sense to buy a motor grader model that is designed and manufactured by a well-known, reliable and reputable manufacturer that offer machines with unique features at reasonable prices.
- Supplier who gives after-sales service: Post-sales service is often one of the primary components that can ensure long-term ROI of your purchase. Hence, it is important to choose a supplier that offer good after-sales support in terms of onsite visit and the like. Always choose a supplier who is ready to help during or after business hours.
- The maintenance cost: It is important to know about the maintenance cost of the equipment that you are planning to buy as motor graders are highly subjective to wear and tear. If the maintenance is done properly, then the component lifecycle is extended, resale value remains high and downtime is rarely a concern.
- New or second-hand motor grader: Last but not the least, you need to decide whether you wish to buy a new or second-hand equipment. If your budget is not such that you can buy a new motor grader, then you can definitely opt for a second-hand motor grader. Many suppliers of heavy-duty machines sell their old graders for affordable prices. In fact, you can easily find a second-hand motor in good working condition at a good price. However, just pay attention to the frame i.e., always check the frame and make note of any metal reinforcements placed over or even behind a repaired crack and look for wear (the amount of wear will depend on the type of environment in which the mini grader was operated) in the articulation point. In addition to it, check the hydraulics of the machine thoroughly and for that look at the ground beneath the machine. This way, if there are any fluid leaks, you can find them there. Also, take a good look around the machine. Further, observe the cylinders, lines and hoses closely within the engine compartment, circle drive housing, etc.