Tag Archives: Motor Grader

How to operate a grader

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Landscape in the construction sector has gained prominence over the years. This means the construction equipment required to do landscaping work is in much demand and also the people who know to operator it. When we talk about landscapes or leveling land, the heavy equipment that comes in our mind in the first stance is a grader. Grader plays immense role when it comes to leveling the land and making a path for the workers to move. We can imagine how crooked the paths are on a jobsite and therefore how difficult it must be for the workers to move on it. If not leveled at the right time, the soil gets hardened and then it becomes a problem to get it removed. Same is the case with creating landscapes. We have to get the work done at the right time or else the effort that we have to put to get the work done just multiplies.

To know all the functions of a grader is crucial:-

One can become an efficient operator only when he/she is aware of the various functions that are available in a grader. Jumping in inside the cabin and driving/operating the machine can be part of the basic function but if you find yourself in a difficult situation and you do not know all the functions then you are at a greater risk. The operator is expected to know all the functions in a grader and if you fail to do so then you will be jeopardizing the prospect of the project and also to a larger extent your career in the industry. If you are a trainee, it is important that you sit along with your mentor and check how he/she is operating the machine. Learn from him the functions that he uses and ask to show stuffs that are important for you to know.

Learn the signals properly:-

A grader throws lot of signals to the operator and every signal has a different meaning attached to it. If the clutches are not functioning properly then it may throw a certain type of signal or for that matter if there is some issue with the engine or parts related to the engine it will indicate through means of a signal. Now it is for you to comprehend and understand them so that you do not overlook the signal and continue your work as usual. Unable to comprehend signals can have catastrophic effect on the machine and also at times to the life of the people on the jobsite.

Do some basic checks on your own:-

Conducting certain basic checks like ensuring the brakes are in order and when applied it stops the machine from moving, the clutches, gears, levers are all in place and are working absolutely fine is very crucial. You should not have problem to stop the machine from moving when you are working on a steep land or to your amazement you find out the machine is not moving as it should as there are issues with its clutches. These should be examined well in advance.

Nothing can compete the CAT M series Motor Grader

The importance of a motor grader can never be ruled out in a big construction site. You will get to see a lot of debris lying all around the site and it becomes difficult for workers to move around the site amid of those debris. In situation like this, it becomes crucial for the construction company to deploy machines that are capable of moving the debris and load them on a truck. If the debris is lying at a place for good number of days it becomes all the more difficult for heavy equipment to move it. This is where the role of a motor grader comes into picture. With the help of the blade that is attached at the bottom of the machine it can break away the hard mud and carry it to the truck. Moreover it has those claws that are attached to the end of the machine and it exclusively used to break down the mud.

Introducing the M series Motor grader, Cat has brought in a revolution in the construction and heavy equipment manufacturing industry. People who were not CAT brand lovers moved to CAT as they found the extra bit what was missing in graders of other companies. The M-series Motor Grader is not only excellent in terms of performance but is also quite a reliable one and consumes comparatively less fuel. Other features are more or less similar to graders of other companies. The price of the machine is what sets it apart from the graders of other heavy equipment companies. CAT being a branded company also believes in providing quality machines at affordable price. This is perhaps the reason why they are still such a big name in the heavy equipment market. Other companies are already taking the beating due to intense competition but CAT is giving fierce challenge to other domestic as well as international players.

Moving to the specification of most of 140 M Motor Grader which is a part of the M-series grader, the model engine is C7 ACERT VHP. It has 6 cylinders in all and net power with gears 7 and 8 is 183 hp. The operational weight of the front and the rear axle is 8123 and 14950 kilograms and its total operational weight is 23077 kgs. Moving to the fuel capacity of the machine, the total fuel capacity is 416 liters which includes cooling system fluid capacity of 47 liters, hydraulic system fluid capacity of 60 liters, final drive fluid capacity of 65 liters and tandem case fluid capacity of 64 liters.

The total number of gears available is 8 (forward) and 6 (reverse) and has a maximum speed of 29 mph (forward) and 23 mph (reverse). Moving to the dimension of the grader, the height of the machine to the top of the cab is 11 ft in and its overall length is 28.6 ft in. The wheel and blade base is 20.1 ft in and 8.4 ft in. he front and rear ground clearance is 1.9 and 1.1 ft in respectively.

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How to level the land using a grader

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For a construction activity to begin on a site, it is very important that you have the site leveled so that when the heavy equipment moves on the roads, they do not feel the unwanted jerks and bumps. The work of a heavy equipment operator is never so easy and when you do not have the land leveled it causes all the more trouble to the person working inside the cabin of the machine. He is just not able to position himself properly and this might have some serious implication on his work. It is therefore very crucial to have the ground at a same level so that it makes working for every individual safe and hassle free. Now the machine that can do the work for the construction laborers as well as for the operators is nothing else but a grader.

Generally, a grader is made up of 3 axles. The first axle is located with the engine and on top of the cabin, the second axle is at the front end of the machine and the third one is located at the rear end. It also has a blade in between which does most of the cutting work. So the operator who will be working with the machine needs to check if the blade is sharp enough to do the job and once he is sure about its efficiency, he can begin with grading the land. When we talk about grading it means removing the unwanted substance which is the reason to bumpy roads. So the work of the grader is to cut lose those unwanted substance which can then be disposed in the dump yard truck. A grader is also used to set native soil foundation pads which helps to finish grading quickly before large buildings could be constructed.

Since not all lands are the same. In the same way we can’t use just one type of grader. Graders are of many types but with the basic function to weed out anything and everything that comes in its way. We will normally see a grader with a blade in between but now we can also find graders without blades. Instead of a blade, they have a fork front which becomes fruitful to knock down the hard substance that is quite solidly attached to the ground. The fork fronts of the grader are of different sizes and it also largely depends upon the kind of land it has to work on. If the land is rock solid and quite vast, then the bigger size will be brought to use but if it is for a small place with not much to cut then perhaps the smaller one can do the trick.

The blade of the grader is not only restricted to cutting process but is also used for spreading and leveling. You can flatten a surface if you do not spread soil over it and it sounds absolutely insane for someone to use another machine for spreading soil. Therefore we have the grader taking care of this part of the work.

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Cat 140H transmission problems

Heavy equipment are prone to some or the other problems. The problems that occur in the heavy equipment can be attributed to more than one factor. You have to make sure that you keep a check at regular intervals on all the factors that ultimately leads to issues in the machine. Other than that, heavy equipment of any popular brand can develop problems over the time. Regular maintenance is very critical and one just can’t skip this important aspect. Though heavy equipment manufacturing companies work hard to produce machines that require less maintenance but it does not make any sense if one demands a machine that should work forever without the need of any maintenance work. It just does not work that way. It has been witnessed that a lot of heavy equipment have issues with their transmission which is considered to be one of the most critical organ in the heavy equipment anatomy.

Operators experience different kinds of problems with the transmission. Issues like the gears are not working properly or even if you change the gears to increase the speed of the machine, it just does not move fast. Well, when someone is experiencing this sort of problem then they should first check if the oil is good and if it is not then it is time to change the oil and then check if things are back in place. People using CAT 140H usually experiences this issue. The change in the gear does not help the machine to move faster. The solution to this problem is to get the side covers removed and clean all the trans-electrical connectors for the solenoids. At times, people are not able to move the gear beyond a certain point. Probably they are not getting the voltage in the coil which leads to this problem. The solution could be changing the coil and check if that works. Most of the time the coil goes bad due to excessive heat and it cause transmission problem.

The other ideal solution when you experience issues with the transmission of CAT 140H is to call up the service center of the company and check if they send their engineers who can fix the issue. However, if you are working in a place where CAT can’t send their engineers then you can try things on your own by going through the user manual. It does speak about various kinds of transmission problems that the machine can encounter and what one needs to do to get it resolved. It is also advisable that you take help of a mechanic who knows how to deal with the issue. User manual does throw light on it but if you are a newbie who does not know how to fix it, you may end up in a bigger mess.

CAT 140H are class machines and they very rarely encounter issues and if the issue is related with the transmission, it may take no time to deal with it but if you are on your own trying few things from the user manual will be a big help.

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Caterpillar 140K Motor Grader is the ultimate choice of many

Be it flattening the road or leveling a piece of land, a motor grader is the equipment one will vouch for. One can put the motor grader for many other uses as well. For instance, this particular equipment can be used extensively for agricultural purpose and simultaneously has shown great performance in the construction segment. A grader is a machine that has a long blade at the front of it which is used to level the land. Ideally, a grader is equipped with a single blade in the front. However, some construction companies use double blade graders. These types of graders have 2 blades situated in the front of the front axle. The motor grader is also known as “Blade”.

Construction companies have huge requirement of good graders. For them, good leveled roads mean fast work. It becomes very difficult for the workers to work on crooked roads as it may lead to accidents and this is why it is a must to have leveled roads. Simultaneously, other heavy equipment working on the construction site may have a tough time working due to improper roads. Therefore, getting the roads repaired becomes their first priority. Heavy equipment manufacturing companies are aware of the varying needs of the clients and thus they always bring technologies that will lessen human effort and increase productivity.

But out of the many models manufactured by various heavy equipment manufacturing companies, one specific model that has caught the attention of many is none other than Caterpillar 140K. This particular grader seems to be the ultimate choice specifically with users who like to use CAT equipment. The overall length of the equipment is 28.6 feet with around 2464 mm tire width. The total height of the machine is 3131 mm and the wheelbase is 6169mm. The important feature in the machine is its blade base which is 2561 mm. This means that it will not take long for the machine to level a very bumpy piece of land. The maximum power of the grader is 185 hp with a displacement of 10.3 liter. The total fuel capacity is 105 gallon and the fluid capacity for the cooling system is around 10 gallon.

It has 8 front gears and 6 reverse gears. Concurrently, the maximum forward speed is 27.4 miles per hour and the maximum reverse speed is 21.6 miles per hour. The machine is fitted with hydraulic systems that benefits the equipment is every possible way, thus increasing its efficiency and productivity and lowering the fuel consumption. By launching the K-series and replacing the H-series, Caterpillar has tried to reach to customers at all levels. This machine is not only meant for big construction companies but can also fit the budget of medium sized companies and to certain extent small companies as well. Though the H-series model was doing extremely well but had few issues pertaining to the sustainability which has been perfectly taken care by the new model. Cat 140K can be the grader that all can rely on as far as its performance and sustainability is concerned.

Choose Suitable Motor Grader for your Construction Business from the Top Ten List

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With the development made in motor graders, large numbers of construction companies are procuring this heavy equipment for exhuming and shaping the surface accurately where footpath will be placed. In past few years the heavy construction equipment manufacturing organisations continuously proffering various sizes of motor graders with upgraded version to satisfy the punters completely.

Motor grader is construction equipment that is also recognised by the contractors and construction personnel in the names of grader, a maintainer, a blade or a road grader. Usually, motor graders are obtainable with a blade that is fitted between the facade and rear helms. If you are in the field of civil engineering and want to know about the latest demanding motor graders, then start reading every word of this following piece thoroughly and come to know about the top ten models of road graders.

Top Ten Appealing Heavy Motor Graders 

G930B is an efficient motor grader which is manufactured by Volvo Construction Equipment Company. This bulky paraphernalia is equipped with tier-4 engine and multiple power settings. Care track telematics is its special feature. The customers can also get the choice of 11 speed transmissions.

GD555 is the medium size grader that is constructed by Komatsu construction equipment organisation. It is available with the blade girth of 14ft and 12ft respectively. This equipment has the features of forward mount power train and long wheel base.

12M3 road grader is the product of the well-renowned construction equipment manufacturing company, Caterpillar. The speed of the engine equipped in this bulky grader is 2000rpm. Due to its emission reduction technology, it is acknowledged as the most durable motor grader in the souk.

G940B is the popular motor grader of Volvo Construction Equipment Organisation. This bulky loader is equipped with tier-4 engine that assists in increasing the torque and power qualities. It delivers optimum power in every gear and reduces the fuel consumption and helm slippage.

845B is the renowned motor grader that is built by Case Construction equipment manufacturing company. The ripper of this apparatus has the ability to put up five teeth in total. Due to its multi-radius involute mouldboard design, its fuel efficiency power is excellent.

140M3 is a type of road grader which is facilitated to the punters with power shift, direct drive and APECS transmissions. The brake parking quality of this apparatus gains popularity due to the use of multiple oil disc. The pump type of this Cat motor grader is variable piston.

G946B is the eminent motor grader of Volvo Construction Equipment concern. The 11 speed transmission option of this grader helps the machinist to work with slower gears for fine grading process. Its exclusive feature is the care track telematics.

14M is the Cat M series motor grader which is obtainable to the customers with the bore and stroke facilities of 5.1in and 5.5in respectively. The maximum velocity of this grader is 31.3mph.

865B motor grader is the efficient product of Case Construction organisation. Its operating weight is 33,796lb. The engine power of this equipment is available in varied options like 178, 190 or 205hp.

24M is the M series grader of Caterpillar construction equipment manufacturing company. In its first gear the base power is 533.0hp. The maximum system pressure of this apparatus is 3500.0 psi.

Road graders are being manufactured with refined control units so as to permit the machinists to do the complex works easily. So, if you want to procure the most suitable motor grader for your construction business, then browse the internet to know more information about these abovementioned models.

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Important points of operating a motor grader

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Different types of heavy equipment are highly required in the construction industry. When you want to use this equipment then you have to know all the critical ways of handling it properly. It is really difficult to know the proper ways of controlling or handling a heavy equipment of construction site. The motor grader is very useful equipment that helps the operator to make roads. Motor grades especially use for making roads. If you use this machine then you will be able to maintain the job properly as well as the site.
Follow some instructions:
• You should check some important things before operate this motor grader because without knowing it properly you will not be able to operate this system. This process of safety checking include some actions like you have to make sure that all the parts of the equipment are able to perform all the task and can function well. Essential safety equipment like fire extinguisher is available in the system. You should check the grader properly and inspect it that whether this machine can serve you its best or not.

• After checking all its parts you should start the machine and check its clutch, brakes, transmission and controls. Make sure that you have used the proper gear during the working time. You need to very conscious over the speed of the grader. You should not move it very fast. Remember that if you can maintain or control the motor grader in the working time then you will be able to perform your job more smoothly.

• You have to know the entire process of controlling your machine. Here are two middle levels in the machine that control the rotation of blade as well as the circle shift. It actually helps to operate the machine. Through this blade rotation you will be able to make a right angle for your blade and thereby it will be able to move properly. The circle shift is also an important part of the equipment as it helps you to move the blade. There are several levers that help to lift the blade. It actually makes things easier for you.

• You have to know the basic functions of the machine so that you can properly operate the motor grader. If you know all the little details of your machine then you will be able to use the blade smoothly. This information will help you a lot.

• You also have to know the process of pulling a ditch because in all your operations you will need to use these tricks. You have to perform this task very safely so that the blades cannot harm the tires.

These are the basic tips that will help you to operate a machine. But you have to be very careful. Motor grader is a very helpful machine but if you do not use it properly and not apply the proper maintenance then it will stop working. Therefore it is highly necessary to maintain the machine at a regular basis.

Running A Motor Grader- Know the Basics

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Being involved in the construction industry and not having to deal with heavy construction equipment is like learning to swim without getting wet- in short, impossible. And when these equipment are so important a part of the entire business, it is only best to be aware of certain basic aspects first. Among the many heavy equipment that are put to use in the construction forum, the motor grader definitely qualifies as being one of the most important.

Getting To Know a Motor Grader

If you are into the arena of construction, then you need to be well aware of what a motor grader is all about. Also known as the road grader, the motor grader forms an important part of particularly the road construction industry. Used for the purpose of creating a flat surface during the process of grading, a typical motor grader has an engine and a cab positioned over the two rear axles and another axle at the front of the equipment. You must have noticed that before a road is covered with asphalt, the dirt is graded and smoothed over for the final layering. The equipment which flattens the surface and makes it ready for the final asphalt covering is the motor grader.

The Basics of Operating a Motor Grader

The construction of a good road largely depends on how well the base for laying the asphalt has been created. And for the base to turn out good, it is important to operate motor graders in a proper manner.

  • The very first thing that a motor grade operator needs to keep in mind with respect to the operation of the heavy equipment is performing the safety checks before starting a day with the grader. Make sure that the motor grader is in perfect working condition and none of the parts are faulty.
  • It is important to have the gear of the motor grader in the perfect position for the work to proceed smoothly. It is wise if you do not move too fast with the grader, keeping it under control for overall safety and for having quality results.
  • The correct way of operating the controls is another aspect that operators should pay attention to. There are two levels in the middle that help in operating the rotation of the blade. This is important, as it is the proper angling of the blades that will help you in locating the exact place where the debris are to be moved. These levels also help in circle shifts that are actually responsible for the rotation of the blades. Operators can also make use of the blade shift control in order to set the direction of the blade.
  • The operators also have to ensure that the blades do not hit and damage the tires in any way while the rotation is on.
  • There is also the fact that motor graders require different blades in order to fulfil different jobs. It is the duty of the operators to understand which blade would be suitable for the job at hand and then proceed accordingly.

Like any other heavy equipment, operating motor graders also require a professional hand at work. However, getting to know the basic aspects of the entire deal wouldn’t be too bad either.

 

Find Out the Features & Utility of CAT 140 Motor Grader

Taking off snow from the road or putting aside huge logs and dump it in the truck, all these can’t be done without the help of a grader. Not only taking the snow off the roads but also it is used for moving earth. It can be widely seen in a construction or a mining site taking away huge blocks of debris or mud and dumping them in one corner. It has a long blade in the front which is used to make a flat surface. All the standard models come with 3 axels. The engine and the cab are located above the rear axle and the third one is situated near the front end of the machine. The blade is located just between them. The engines have a capacity of 125-500 hp which increases the productivity of the grader.

Having given a brief description of a grader, we would now be discussing in length about CAT 140 Motor Grader and how useful it is with respect to the construction and mining industry.

Let’s us begin with how useful it is in view to the operator. Engineers working with CAT have ensured that they pay more stress on providing high level of visibility to the operator. This is how they came up with angled cab doors, engine with tapered enclosure and slanted back window. This has helped a long way for the man inside the cabin to have an eagle’s view to things outside the box. They have also changed the control levers and steering wheel with joystick controls which facilitates the operator to work on those two things rather than keeping a count of number of switches inside the cabin. The space in the cabin has also been extended to give more room to the operator. Well, this lets him to relax inside the cabin when he’s got nothing to do.

The model 140 and its subsequent series are fitted with C9.3 ACERT engine which is considered as one of the best in the industry. This particular engine has supreme torque and significant capacity to pull things which are either sudden or short-term loads. While it does this, it can also maintain desirable grading speeds which permit it to get the work done faster without any sort of downshifting. The 140 series has been installed with “hydraulically demand fan” that automatically adjusts the cooling speed of the fan which is certainly done as per the requirements of the engine cooling system. This actually takes off the burden from the engine which allows it to use more horsepower on the ground and thus increases the efficiency of the desired job.

The brakes provided in the 140 series are hydraulic which gives more power to the brakes when they are applied. It also reduces the chances of the brakes getting deteriorated and thus increases its life. 

Overall, CAT grader 140 series is a machine with low maintenance cost, thus saves good deal of money of the owner and also consumes less fuel thereby help the company to make maximum profits.