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.
Below are the few things that you need to know before buying a new motor grader that gives you best results...
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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. For example, Mahindra Construction Equipment (MCE) is known for making best quality motor graders. Their Mahindra RoadMaster G75 motor grader offers an affordable, un-compromised and mechanised grading solution for small and medium roads in India. It is an ideal grading machine for spreading and grading of earthwork in different types of roadwork across the nation. The equipment is designed to provide optimal output at affordable cost with its simple yet rugged design. The RoadMaster G75 comes with GPRS based remote monitoring system dogosense that keeps a track of your machine with the touch of a finger. Hence, you can definitely consider Mahindra Construction Equipment and its RoadMaster G75 motor grader before making any purchase decision. Overall, you can study the equipment online or ask for a demo from the identified brand dealer.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
Be informed and make a wise decision
So, before making the final purchase decision, look at the machine’s capabilities to perform the task you wish it to perform. Consider the price, manufacturer and the supplier as well. Thus, look carefully before you leap to buy the specific motor grader for your jobsite.
