Graders

Graders ~ these machines are similar in concept to bulldozers in

that they have a long, slender, adjustable mould blade, which is
usually slung under the centre of the machine. A grader's main
function is to finish or grade the upper surface of a large area
usually as a follow up operation to scraping or bulldozing. They
can produce a fine and accurate finish but do not have the power
of a bulldozer; therefore they are not suitable for over-site
excavation work. The mould blade can be adjusted in both the
horizontal and vertical planes through an angle of 300° the latter
enabling it to be used for grading sloping banks.

Two basic formats of grader are available:

1. Four Wheeled † all wheels are driven and steered which gives
the machine the ability to offset and crab along its direction
of travel.
2. Six Wheeled † this machine has four wheels in tandem drive
at the rear and two front-tilting idler wheels, giving it the
ability to counteract side thrust.

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