How to Drive a Grader: Quick Overview and Some Hidden Facts

Graders are very expensive and complicated construction machinery which requires excellent handling skills to get the best out of them. Grader operators require applying driving techniques that improve performance and productivity while ensuring proper maintenance of the machinery for longevity. This article will provide insight into how to drive and operate a grader while highlighting some hidden facts about the grader.

Graders are heavy pieces of equipment that are used in road maintenance or construction. They are highly versatile machines comprising an array of complex operating parts and peripherals that require smooth operations for the grader to achieve its operational efficiency and maximum output.

Graders come along with blades, rippers, and other parts, all of which must be controlled and used interchangeably while in motion. It should be noted that graders require different peripheral parts or blades to fulfill different tasks. Thus, a grader operator should be very conversant with all its operations.

Operating a grader does not just involve making it move forwards or backward. It is much more than that. Apart from moving it, the operator must operate other parts of the grader which do the actual grading of the road. Precision is paramount in all these operations. Grader operators should remember that various types of graders can perform similar but very different tasks. 

Before an operator begins to drive and work with a grader, he must have a clear understanding of all major and minor operations of the grader, including the specific sequence of actions when operating the grader. Before one begins to drive and operate a grader consider the following tips that will make your driving experience enjoyable while maintaining efficiency and longevity for the grader.

Operational Tips

• Ensure you are competent enough to operate the grader and you are aware of all the specific operational requirements and the purpose or scope of work that you are about to undertake.
• Since graders are used for various applications such as construction, mining, landscaping, forestry, or road maintenance, ensure you clearly understand the task at hand.
• The operator should have a basic understanding of how the grader operates. Thus, one should read and understand all the instructions and warnings such as safety signs, hazard alerts, and other precautions that can result in injury, grader damage, or even death.
• The operator should understand all the grader attachments and their proper uses and operations. This includes knowledge of the role of each attachment, how it should operate, and which attachment should be used to fulfill which job.
• The operator should be aware of the operational technology in the grader. This includes having the techniques and skills to position, adjust, or align the mouldboard (and all other attachments) for optimal performance
• The operator should understand the existing ground conditions before starting the operations. This will enable the operator to select the right type of blade (or attachment device) and choose the correct precision maneuver for each attachment device. The operator is also able to apply the right operational procedures, abrasion force, and collision resistance ability for the different types of ground conditions.

Driving/Operating the Grader

After the above considerations have been put in place and ascertained, it is now time to start and drive the grader. Before kicking the grader into life, perform a pre-operation/start-up routine check by:

• Visually inspect all controls, steering, accelerator, and all other essential parts.
• Walk around the grader and check under the machine for any signs of leakages, missing/worn out, or broken parts.
• Check the blade for loose or missing parts, bolts, damage, or the amount of the cutting edge remaining.
• Check the hydraulic and cooling systems, hydraulic oil levels, radiator caps, hoses, and all other related fittings to confirm they are in good working condition.
• Check all the attachments and safety equipment, oil, coolant, fuel levels, power steering reservoir, and power shift transmissions.

These pre-start procedures are intended for precautions and safety both for the operator, others, and the grader itself.

Starting the Engine

• Get into the cabin, put the control to neutral, ensure the parking brake is on, open the throttle to the quarter position, and then press the start button/turn the start key.
• Meanwhile, depress the clutch pedal to reduce the starter load. The start button should not be pressed for more than 30 seconds to avoid overheating (If by any chance you press the starter for more than this recommended time and the grader does not start, allow the starter to cool for at least 120 seconds before trying again).
• After the grader engine comes to life, let it run on idling for a few minutes to warm up the hydraulic oil. As the engine warms up, perform another routine check from the cabin as follows:
• Confirm all lights, flags, and signals on the mouldboard and in the cabin are operational.
• Ensure the control is at a neutral position.
• Test the horn sound, brakes, steering, accelerator, and all other controls to ensure they are okay.
• Inspect the mirrors and adjust accordingly, check the lighting system, and back-up alarms, and adjust the seat to the most comfortable height for proper pedal reach.
• Once the inspections are completed, the grader is now ready to move and begin its operations.

Before the grader begins to move, ensure that the mouldboard/blade is raised off the ground. The mouldboard should always be raised straight up and the grader blade should be rolled forward. This procedure not only blunts the edge but also improves the rear visibility.

Note that proper use of the moldboard increases grader productivity and reduces the possibility of machine damage. When you begin to use the blade the moldboard top should be tipped to the front or at the back of the cutting edge. This enables the cutting edge to be positioned at the right angle for optimal cutting/rolling of the material. A rolling action should be maintained to reduce the horsepower required for the job. To cut into hard material or carry out a light finish, tip the moldboard forward.

The blade should be tipped backward to roll the material after it has been cut. The moldboard is also tipped backward to complete the 'lift and throw' process needed to spread the material.

The quality of work is highly affected by the grader's operating speed. High speeds cause the grader to bounce on the surface and fail to smoothen it out. Moreover, high speed can make the operator lose control and result in an accident. Thus, the operator should ensure the grader travels at a low speed that is comfortable and necessary for ditching and other related operations.

When operating on steep slopes, never articulate the grader as this could make it roll over. The articulation feature allows the grader to perform automatically with very little operator input. The feature uses a three-point switch for the operator to select between reverse (one to three), forward (one to four), or forward-only modes. To turn on the auto articulation mode, turn the parking brake to the 'off' position and unlock the implement console. When the key is at the 'off' position, the auto articulation becomes inactive.

When the grader is working across a steep slope, the mouldboard should be lowered close to the ground and centered on the frame parallel to the front axle. This position prevents the grader from rolling over.

Some Grader Secrets

• The blade angle should be changed periodically to avoid wearing off the cutting edge ahead of the other parts. Periodic tilting of the blade back and forth evens out the wearing while keeping the blade sharp.
• For moving material, the mouldboard should be tilted at an angle between 10 and 45 degrees, though this should be reduced when working downhill or increased when moving material uphill. Wet and sticky materials, or mixing and ditching large quantities require the mouldboard at an angle of 30-50 degrees.
• Never use the ripper while turning and always lower the teeth into the ground while the grader is moving to use the ripper.
• The inching pedal is used to disengage power to the grader wheels when loading. This enables the operator to vary the grader speed regardless of the engine speed to increase control and maneuverability.

Shutting Down

• Reduce the grader speed and use the service break to slow it down.
• Set the transmission to neutral and let the engine cool gradually.
• Activate control locks and ensure the ground is level if possible
• Remove the ignition key and turn the engine off. Ensure you secure the grader to avoid unauthorized entry or starting and then carry out a post-operation check around the grader.

Apart from the driving and operational procedures, the operator should be privy to basic maintenance routines that should be done continuously to ensure the grader is always at its best. Moreover, the operator must ensure dirt, grease, and debris is kept away from all engine openings to protect the engine.

These driving tips and operation process increases the lifespan of your grader while ensuring job efficiency and operator safety.