To avoid unplanned maintenance and keep your Motor Grader in production longer, operators must be properly trained. Operators should complete a pre-operation walkaround inspection before every shift. Beyond the walkaround inspection and regularly scheduling maintenance checks, follow these operation tips to help maintain your Motor Grader for maximum uptime.

  • Make sure the moldboard (blade) is off the ground before moving. Watch for any overhead lines when the moldboard is turned up at a 90-degree angle.
  • Be aware of the moldboard angle position before beginning an articulated turn. If the moldboard angle is too sharp, and positioned too close to the rear wheels, articulation can cause the tip end of the moldboard to interfere with the tire and possibly cut it beyond repair. This can happen very easily and be very expensive to replace a tire, plus the inevitable downtime to have the machine out of production.
  • To prevent damage to the differential, do not engage the differential lock control at high speeds.
  • Do not turn the machine with the differential lock engaged.
  • Do not engage the differential lock control while one wheel is spinning. Decrease engine rpm until the wheel stops spinning. Anticipate using the differential lock before wheel slippage occurs.
  • Correctly stow or carry implements on the Grader during different applications and when traveling between jobs. Having the blade and ripper in the correct positions during different operations or traversing uneven ground will avoid unintended ground contact or penetration, resulting in less damage to the machine and increased operator safety.
  • The use of the ripper on the rear of the machine can cause the rear to be lifted up slightly if the ground is hard to penetrate, or if too much down pressure is applied. This will cause instant wheel spin and potentially cut the tires and shorten their life. The operator should always keep one hand on the ripper control for quick adjustments up or down to prevent wheel spin.
  • Be careful when backing up for additional passes over previously ripped areas to avoid straddling uprooted material. This action could cut the tires or cause damage to the underside.
  • Never make sharp turns with the ripper or scarifier teeth in the ground. Making sharp turns damages the tools and could bend or break the teeth.
  • Dusty worksites are the norm in some areas of the world. Keep windows clean and clear. Keep in mind that dust can affect the radiator, filters, cooling systems, fans and other parts.

Spend time as part of the operator training plan, teaching operators how to conduct a pre-operation walkaround and how to identify potential maintenance issues. Operators should know how to identify faulty parts and understand warning alarms so when in the field, they can do their part to keep Motor Graders working. One option for operator training is Cat® Simulators. The virtual walkaround teaches operators how to perform the same inspection they would perform on a real-world worksite. Simulated machine applications are developed with Cat expert operators and teach the learner correct procedures step-by-step. Practicing preventative maintenance keeps the machine productive and keeps the operator safe from injury.